Shira’s Yahoo Belly Dance Video Group played a huge, huge part in my dance journey. Not only because we’d alert the group about new videos, but because of the discussions, analysis, sharing, exploring and support for everything from knee problems to weight loss. We’ve talked about many aspects of dance and dancers.
Most of all, what the video group did for me was to give me the opportunity to make some lovely friends whom I’m in everyday touch with. We know each other well, even from far away, and support one another on issues that go way beyond dance. My wonderful friends have been part of what’s so nice about belly dancing.
As I acquired more videos, I let my reviewing instincts kick in and wrote a lot of detailed reviews of DVDs. This too helped me learn and know the belly dance community.
Belly dancing in India was practically non existent when I started. Not surprising, considering there are religious extremists always waiting to pounce with their moral policing and use any incident they can for political furtherment and power. There was one restaurant where a Russian belly dancers performed on Wednesdays. But I never did go there. Today, there’s a sudden surge of interest and I hear there’s an instructor who has about 200 students in Delhi. I’m not tempted.
You have no live instructor, and no one to dance with? That’s sad, Mala! Are there any others in your area that you could get together with to practice dancing? I feel lonely as it is because belly dancing is so misunderstood, but there is a rather large belly dance community in my city, so at least at local haflas I feel connected to my kind. I’m glad that you have found so many friends on Shira’s site. Have you met her? I had the pleasure this year, at a show in Illinois. She is a most interesting woman.
I guess I haven’t missed dancing with others because I haven’t known it. With belly dancing, that is. Earlier with ballroom, of course, it was different. I do often feel that I’d love to be dancing and comparing notes with some of the friends from the video group. I’m sure I’ll meet them someday! In fact, they have a standing invitation to come and stay with me if they come to India. You too.
” feel lonely as it is because belly dancing is so misunderstood, but there is a rather large belly dance community in my city, so at least at local haflas I feel connected to my kind. ”
I can see what you mean, I love going out in a group of oriental girls dancing, it s so nice
d
if you ever come to Vienna, Mala, join us!!! Please! Same with you Shaia
dancing at home with them is fun too unfortunately i have not been able to convince anyone of taking classes with me so far!
How I would love to come to Vienna. And you bet I’d join you! And see your cat! Sigh. Doesn’t look likely in the near future though.
Hi Mala,
Just wanted to let you know that I made it here!
Medea
Hey, hi there! Nice to see you here, Medea!