learn to belly dance

She’s been dancing for years now and has a very sensual, erotic style that I’d eventually like to emulate. God, she made it all look so effortless, and for her it probably is, now. But she is beautiful when she dances, woman’s body moving so evocatively, so gracefully. It was educational and enjoyable to be able to see her in performance.

I got to talk with her a bit about dancing this morning, as we cleaned up after the party. She affirmed that if I could only do the “core exercises” every day I’d notice a huge difference in a matter of weeks (which has been true in my case), and that eventually all the moves would just “fall into place” and I’ll just be dancing without even realizing it…

I talked to her about offering an “erotic dance class” here locally. She seemed open to the idea—I hope she seriously considers it. :)

Week 6 starts this week, and I’ve been practicing! Yay for me!

I am beginning to see and feel a difference in my ability to move isolated muscle groups, and make my body do what I want it to do. I still have to work pretty hard to incorporate the new steps and moves we’re taught each class. Not used to thinking that way anymore, I guess.

Our teacher is getting married this weekend, so there won’t be two beginner’s classes. She’ll be back at it next week—though she did tell us last night that there might be a substitute in next Tuesday. :)

The biggest step for me, though, was in doing some of the stuff for my husband last night, after I got home. :) Watching his face and the light in his eyes was much much better than watching myself in that damned mirror! Seeing his reaction let me know that I’m doing better than I think I am—and that makes a huge, positive difference.

I have not been practicing. And it’s starting to show. :(

At least, it is in my mind. Shoshanna is unfailingly upbeat and positive - and there are still enough new students showing up at every lesson - that I don’t think anyone else noticed.

It’s still difficult to watch myself in that huge mirror on the wall and not descend into judgements. My best comfort last night was to remind myself that every other woman there was probably fighting the same fight I was. Why are we all so bitter about the bodies we have, no matter what they look like?

I did enjoy it, I always do. Learned some new moves last night, and my “snake arms” are looking better every week. :) Got to practice “lotus hands” a bit later today!

Since I’m sometimes taking 2 classes a week (basically repeating the same class because I need the extra help), I probably better update this by week, instead.

Our teacher wasn’t there last night, so one of her dance troupe members stood in as our instructor. She was really a pleasant young woman, and a good dancer, but it was pretty obvious that she’d never really thought about how to teach the moves. :) Still it was a fun class and I’m glad I went.

I definitely experienced some resistance yesterday afternoon, found myself trying to find reasons or make excuses, internally, not to go. This is something I know I do when I’m trying to sabotage myself, so when I caught it I pretty much kicked myself in the butt and said, “You’re going, period! End of discussion!”

So even though it was raining buckets and cold, I picked up my dance buddy and we made the trek into Eureka (25 miles away) and had a terrific time in class. :)

Next class is Tuesday night—I’ve got to find some zils!

in Arcata, and saw my teacher, some of her advanced students, and other members of her dance troupe perform. :) It was very inspiring.

I notice so much more now, when I watch a dancer. I notice the muscle isolations, the techniques, and can identify many of the moves—they’re the same ones I’m practicing here at home. It’s so important to see good dancers doing their thing. It reminds me of where all this practice and class time is heading (hopefully!)

Shoshanna is just as vibrant and positive in performance as she is in class. I feel very fortunate to have chosen her as my first teacher in this art, and I hope she is as happy in her forthcoming marriage as she is in her profession!

Class again on Tuesday, and I still excited about it. Gotta get some practice in today!

I had so much fun.

Staring at myself in that huge mirror didn’t trigger nearly so many self-image issues this time, and all that practicing paid off—I didn’t look so much like a pregnant cow trying to shimmy. ;)

This class was in Arcata rather than Eureka, and it was a much larger class. I think I may well go to the class tomorrow night in Eureka anyway—it’s another beginner’s class and I could always use the extra class time!

Still on track—and the exercise this provides is helping me achieve another goal I have listed here too (lose 20 lbs). I’m really glad I took the chance, and (am taking) the class!

I had a wonderful time, even though watching myself in that mirror for 1.5 hours tasked all the self-acceptance I’ve earned in the past few years. Some of the lessons were difficult—isolating specific muscle groups for movement turned out to be such a big challenge. I’ve really lost touch with my body in ways I never imagined were possible. It feels so good to be getting it back again!

The dance teacher is high-energy, always positive, and makes it all look so easy. The next class is Tuesday and I’m practicing every day and really looking forward to going back.

All in all, I’m on track to complete this goal, and I feel really good about it.

I just found out that a local teacher of middle eastern dance is starting her spring schedule this week! So I’m signing up!

Goal on way to being accomplished—it’s a good feeling!