The BellyGram Newsletter

Sophia:

I had always thought of the belly dancer something of a mystery, exotic, and beautiful. Although I don't really remember ever having seen one perform.  The thought of dancing as art has always intrigued me, but I never took the time out of my life to pursue any type of dance as an art form. Then I met Julianna at my first beginners class. I was consumed.

I remember the first time I saw her perform.  She was amazing. That night she performed with her veil, zills and her sword.  I was literally chilled by the excitement I felt by what I was seeing for the first time.  I had to have what I was experiencing. I continued to sign up for every class I could get with her.

She was dedicated in her graceful style as she seemed to float on air as she demonstrated her techniques through her teaching. And I realized that even though the classes were full of females of all different shapes, sizes and ages, she kept an eye out to all of us as we all tried to imitate what she was teaching us.  Every last one of her students is always welcome in her classes, no matter if they are there to learn  technique, to get into shape,  or just to get out and have fun.

I took lessons, regular class and private for about 6 months. I practiced everyday, sometimes for hours, still do, but that is just my thing. Due to my profession I've had to move out of the Rochester, Minnesota area. I took some classes where I am located, but the instructors just weren't Julianna.  I've gone to workshops and learned from others who were good, even great, but I couldn't find a better teacher, or even one of equal caliber. I haven't met anyone that gives as much as she does to her students. 

My dream was to become a belly dancer and because of what she gave me through her classes- I am. She taught me that if I wanted it bad enough, she had given me the basic tools to reach my goal. I now perform whenever possible and teach private lessons. I will always consider myself one of Julianna's students, no matter where the art takes me or who I may learn new things from.

I was one of those woman whose life was going to work, cleaning my house and watching TV, while always thinking there had to be more to life than what I was doing.  Belly dancing as a performer is not what everyone wants to do. But in saying that, what do you want? To have fun, meet some pretty great gals, get into shape, laugh again? Find a class, and have some fun.

And by the way, I'm still consumed!
Sophia-
"Transform your life through the experience"


Our thanks to Sophia for that...

Belly Dance and Costumes inTurkey

The art of performance is diversifying. Today, the world is becoming an expanding stage where different dances are being performed. The boundaries of geography and varied nationalities are becoming extinct. One proof of such is the rapid popularity of Belly Dance.

Belly Dance is actually a Middle Eastern Dance often associated with countries in the region. The specific origin of the dance is still uncertain and is often a cause for debate. Moreover, Belly Dance has helped paved the way for global orientalism, or the practice of adoption of Eastern cultures especially in the field of the performing arts. Belly Dance costumes are also clear and distinct factors that give credence to assertions that belly dance is indeed Middle Eastern in nature.

Costumes are important components of any performed arts. That is because it is a basic knowledge that apparel, dresses or clothing are designed and colored to accentuate ... read entire article at BellyDance-Shop.

The Gift of Knowledge & Information
While we would love to send all of you Belly Dancers a nice big gift this Holiday Season- we can't.
BUT- here's what we can give you:
The Gift of Knowledge and Information.