Dancing With Swords On Their Heads

When Trish and Callie asked me if I’d like to learn to Bellydance while balancing a sword on my head, I didn’t hesitate.

They seemed as genuinely happy to have a third person join them as I was to try it.  I’d already worked with balancing a basket and found it was great for my posture and for keeping my head from moving with the rest of my body.  Something I never thought too much about but is crucial when dancing.

Tying the turban was the first thing I learned.  There needs to be some padding between the head and the sword.  And although there is a notch for the sword to balance in, it in no way holds the sword stable.

It just gives a little support.

I have to admit I felt powerful dancing with a sword on my head and was extra careful, and moved very slowly.  A sword falling off my head is very different than a basket.

I loved practicing, but with our upcoming performances at The Bennington Pride Parade on June 25th (the parade starts at noon in downtown Bennington) and at the John G McCollough Free  Library in North Bennington, on Wednesday, July 5th at 7:30 pm, I’m busy enough getting to know the music we’ll be dancing to.

But Trish and Callie have been practicing dancing with their swords and will be performing together on both dates.

Kathleen is shaking the spiders out of the Bennington Beledi Bellydancing Banner (I’ve never seen it) that we’ll be carrying at the parade and the kids of some of the dancers will be joining us too.

I’m still not sure when and where we’ll be performing after we march, but I’ll let you know when I do.

I hope if anyone out there lives nearby, you’ll come to watch.  Both my teachers, Julz and Kathleen will be performing together.   It’s been years since they’ve been able to do that because of work schedules and the pandemic.  And Emily, dancer, baker, and artist, who makes all those wonderful Appreciation Cards for the Army of Good will of course be dancing too.

Okay, I have to go, I’m still practicing putting on my stage makeup and it’s almost time for me to leave for class.