“Let go of your inhibitions and dance like no one is watching because you are beautiful” – A quote from my very first belly dance teacher in our very first lesson.

I had not known much about belly dance or that it was even quite big in South Africa when I was one day drawn to a class through a friend and never thought that it would become my ultimate passion. I remember standing in the class wiggling my hips side to side and laughing at myself for doing movements I would never have done anywhere else.

She stood there patiently and explained how to do each movement so that you knew exactly what you were doing and what it was called. I looked around the class and had noticed that almost all the ladies had their stomachs out and I thought to myself. WOW! I don’t have to be thin or good looking or a certain age to do it. I can just be myself and feel good about my body because this dance accepts you in all shapes, sizes and personality.

I will never forget when I was first introduced to veil. I thought to myself, what are you suppose to do with this sheer beautiful rectangular cloth. Once again she taught us beautiful movement with a veil that immediately changed the way you danced into a complete new style. (I must admit that I have loved the various new ways of bringing various props and styles into my belly dancing since that day.)

The jingling coins, the mesmerizing music was incredible. I had been introduced to a dance form of a whole new culture and could not believe how much I was starting to become addicted to it.

I found it amazing how you could put so many movements together that were so simple and look so good while doing it all at the same time while having fun. It was not about how well you did the movements and nobody judged you if you could not. Everybody was helped along at the pace they were comfortable with and it was how well you enjoyed it and how you loved moving like nobody was in the room but you.

One thing I will never forget is my very first lesson where I became hooked onto this Arabian trance and that day I knew that my journey had only begun.

I have never looked back since that day, forever wanting to learn more and encouraging people to do the same. If you have not tried this beautiful dance form yet, the only thing I ask you is why not! I know you won’t be disappointed and will be opened up to a whole new world of mystique and feminine beauty where you will discover yourself...

See you soon…