Something I haven’t talked much about is my dance. I have been belly dancing on and off for about 10 years. I had a point where I quit for a couple years. I then found myself single and needing to connect. I immediately went back to my home, Bayou Shimmy in October 2009. I was afraid when I walked back into that studio after 2 years. I sat in the corner and waited for my class to start. Then it happened, one of my teachers saw me and yelled “omg look what the cat dragged in!!” then rushed over and hugged me. I was home at that moment and several wounds began to heal. I was taking classes again and happy. Then tragedy struck. On Jan 1, 2010 and the studio burned down. We were without a studio, the place that I went to and felt my soul heal. I was crushed. I stood in the parking lot looking at the wreckage and cried. I felt like I lost a part of me.
For months my teachers looked for places to hold classes. We met when we could. I wished for those dance classes and those moments of just sitting and being with friends. We finally found some temporary space for classes. I was taking classes again. I even worked up to teaching a couple classes. I was feeling whole again. Late in 2010 several of the teachers go together and formed a group to have a central place for information on bellydance classes in the area. We worked towards building a non-profit. Late in 2010 we held our first event a showcase to benefit the battered women’s shelter. It was rocky but it went well. 2011 has brought many good things for the bellydance community here. We have held two showcases and raised more money for the bettered women’s shelter. We also have a home again. One of our teachers took the plunge and opened a studio…it is amazing. A place to gather, to talk, to dance, to be a community.
Tonight I started teaching a new class. I was hesitant when I got to the studio, my energy was low. However I had 4 students that were enthusiastic and wonderful and laughed at all my silly jokes. I was re energized! I was reminded how much I love to dance. I feel free when I dance.
It has been a wonderful week and because of the support I’ve gotten from the fitblog community I’m going to take a leap of faith and put something out there. Here I a video of me dancing at our recent showcase (I’m in the back).
Emily said,
June 3, 2011 at 7:59 pm
I love it! It makes me want to go take a few classes! I know my husband would love it
It’s great that you have foud something that is so healing for you. Running can be that for me. I think I am pushing myself to hard with my running, hoping for a faster pace, which is why I am not finding running quite as fun anymore. It was what I did that helped me refocus and re-energize. I need to get back to running for fun, not worrying about my pace…and now I really may go check out if there are classes available near me!
Bambi said,
June 3, 2011 at 8:12 pm
it is tons of fun. You should take a class.
I think with everything it should be about fun and enjoyment, if we put to much pressure on ourselves it loses the benefits that it once had. Relax and enjoy the runs. No matter how slow you run you are lapping the people who are on the couch.