Every year in our Bellydancing class we have a Holiday Hafla. Sometimes we have food and dance sometimes we just dance.
This year, four of us, Callie, Emily, Trish and I were dancing to a set of two slow and two fast songs. But in the weeks leading up to the Hafla many of us were out sick or the weather prevented us from showing up. There were was only one time when all four of us were in class together.
Julz, our teacher had plans for us to video our dancing and put one of two of them up on facebook. Even though our dance is improv, we still have to practice together and learn the songs together. If our timing is off or we don’t pick up on each other cues for what moves we are doing, it’s not a dance we’d want anyone else to see.
But even without much practice together I think we did really well. And we certainly enjoyed it.
There are two videos from that night. A fast song and a slow song. I couldn’t download the second video with the slow song, but you can see it here.
Remember this isn’t choreographed.
The person up front on the right is the leader. We all follow her and when she gives away the lead we don’t know who will take the position. It’s important to make sure everyone gets a chance to lead. And we don’t do any dance moves if we know there is someone in the group who doesn’t know or can do that move. And we have to be very clear with out cues or the other dancers won’t know what we are doing.
Julz wrote about her and Kathleen dancing at the Hafla on her blog Julzie Style and you can see videos of them dancing here.
A few days ago Trish reminded me that this January she’s been bellydancing for eight years, which means in June I’ll be dancing for eight years too. I can finally say that I’ve gotten pretty good at it. Especially since when I first started I couldn’t even step on the beat.
The best part is there is so much more for me to learn. Even Kathleen who has been dancing for 30 years and Julz who has been dancing for over 20 years are still learning.
So sensual and peaceful. It looks like it would be really good for your core muscles. I really like the choice in music, as well. Love it!
Val Stinson
Yes, Valerie, it’s very much about the core muscles. Making parts of the body steady while others move.
Such calm and fluid movements create a true serenity. Beautiful gestures Maria.
That’s just what I’m working on Kathy, more fluid movement. Thanks for your good words :)
Very impressive – spellbinding to watch! You all dance with such assurance and confidence!
I particularly loved the music on the first video.
I’ve learned about music through dance too Peg. I appreciate and enjoy listening to music I wouldn’t have before. And that you see the confidence it great! I was nervous dancing that evening, but I don’t think is shows. And I believe it. It’s that confidence, that attitude I was drawn to when I first saw this kind of Bellydancing. I wanted to experience that too.
I love watching your belly dancing class. It’s like meditating to me. You are so good now. All that hard work you have put into it has paid off. Please keep posting your dances.
Thanks so much Sue. I will pass on what you said to the women I dance with. That’s a lovely thing….