The Rose Hafla asks members of the Scottish Bellydance Community in 'The Interview Sessions.' We find out how they started bellydancing, highlights of their dance journey so far, inspirations and top tips!
Name:
Samantha
Based:
South West London
Contact: fairiesdance2@gmail.com
Dance Student
Amateur Performer
Troupe Choreographer
How did you start bellydancing?
After seeing a bellydancer in a restaurant & being completely captivated by her, I knew then I wanted to learn & feel the magic of that dance.
I brought a CD & DVD & attempted to learn badly and got completely discouraged by my hips & gave up! It wasn't until a few years later I saw an advert for Natalie's classes & was super excited to try again. It changed my life from the first class.
Your Top 3 highlights of your dance journey to date?
I thought a long time about this question and my answer is maybe a little disappointing...
I feel that every performance, class, workshop and rehearsal (good or not so good, amazing or just OK) is a highlight!
Whatever that experience brings me is an experience that I can learn and grow from, even if it's not so great there is something to find that can only add value to my dance journey.
What inspires you to keep dancing?
So many things! Here are a few:
I love the way it makes me feel in my heart, my emotions & my body
I love the way it teaches me about myself & opens my creativity.
I love how the music wakes something in me from a long time ago and makes me want to move my body.
I love how I never stop learning from this magical dance!
3 dancers (past or present) that inspire you and why
Mona Said:
I love her. She has such femininity combined with a power and strength, yet softness that I find totally mesmerising. I love the way she interprets the music with such clarity and confidence and her arm/ hand movements; not to mention the pelvic drops are just amazing.
Soheir Zaki:
I love her purity, her heart is in every smile, move, expression & she oozes femininity in such a sweet, almost innocent way. She uses such simple movements but with an elegance & beauty that is a joy to watch.
Teachers:
My third choice for this question is every teacher I have taken classes, courses workshops and courses with as they have all taught and inspired me in their own unique way. Top of this list would be Natalie though as if it wasn't for her I would never have been excited to dive deeper in to bellydance.
Share a Top Tip for new or existing bellydancers
Practice(!) Practice techniques, choreography, combos and listening to the music.
Don't stress if you have a bad dance day!
Don't stress if your choreography or performance doesn't go as you wanted
Be comfortable with creative days, non-creative days, amazing days and bad days as it's all part of the ride. Enjoy all of it!
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