In my last post regarding belly dance misconceptions I talked about what it is and what it isn't; what's okay and what's not okay, etc.
To piggyback on what misconceptions the public has about belly dance and other forms of Middle Eastern dance, it is in fact suitable entertainment for children and families. As I mentioned before, all too often people assume it is equitable to adult entertainment.
Let me put it to you this way- you'll see a Middle Eastern dancer at a wedding, and (perhaps) a stripper at the bachelor party; you'll see a Middle Eastern dancer at a community fair, you will not see a stripper there. You know where you might see them together? Teaching their skills in fitness-oriented classes in a gym or dance studio; bellydancing classes beside pole-dancing classes. And let me tell you pole-dancing classes are challenging and so worth it! These kind of classes are great because they are oriented towards women and provide a great workout along with a boost of confidence.
But back to family entertainment. Some of my best experience revolve around performing for families. I often tell people anytime I see a child in the audience I go straight them. They are so full of wonder and innocence and happiness. One party in particular I did a haggalah walk and a little girl's eye's grew wide with surprise and she clutched her mother's arm and said "Mami, did you see that?" In that same party I went to another little girl to come and dance and she hopped right up and danced with me. She was so happy. It is really sweet when the children like the show. Some of them get a little shy, like the boys, but they enjoy it just as much as the adults do. They love the dresses and the props. And they will get up and dance if they want to; they answer that call!
Every Father's Day us belly dancers perform at various nursing homes. I don't know one bellydancer who doesn't enjoy it. Its one of our favorite audiences to perform for. Most others would never assume or imagine bellydancers would perform in a nursing home. We're often met with a surprised look when we say "dancing at a nursing home." They too are wonderful audiences to perform for. The residents remind me to be thankful for what I have and what I can do. Some of them are very ill and not as mobile as they once were but it doesn't stop them from getting up and dancing. Even cracking a smile and a joke! I remember some of the ladies having kind words for me. One resident who I will never forget got up and danced even though she still had her IV bag attached to her. I tell you dance is life!
Little by little my hope is that those of you who read this blog spread the word about what belly dance is and how it can add to a person's life (and their party!) My intentions are to educate as well as entertain!
If you are in the NYC area on a Thursday evening, get on the D train to the last stop in the Bronx, 205th Street, and head on over to Beso Lounge on 320 E. 204th Street and Perry Avenue for free bellydance classes with yours truly! Happy hour starts at 5p and bellydance class starts at 7p.
Starting Tuesday September 10 I will conduct SharQui® The Bellydance Workout classes in Love Dance Fitness in White Plains, NY. Tuesdays at 6p- 7p and Thursdays 5:30-6:30p. $15 for one class, $70 for 5 classes and $130 for 10. Please email me at Nahlabellydance@gmail.com for more info.
Happy Shimmies and remember, dance is life!
