Bellydancing by Sarah

A Student of Sarah's wrote this annotation of her experience with belly dance and with Sarah.  Enjoy!

Written by Isis Halo:

I've gotten quite a few interested and inquisitive people asking me about Gothic Bellydance. Although I don't have ALL of the answers... I will say this. DO IT. It absolutely changed my life and outlook on many things- especially the Female Form, lol. As females, we are bombarded with images of size 00 women (who the hell came up with 00, anyway? Doesn't that mean NOTHING?!), by way of T.V and magazine. While that may suit some individuals- most of us are NOT that tiny and we are made to feel a certain way about it. We become self conscious, strive for impossible weight goals and sometimes judge ourselves and others based on what this society has lead us to believe is "beautiful." What about being genuinely HAPPY in your own skin? How about stopping wasting time on trivial things such as someone ELSE'S ideal image? What about being HEALTHY- not just physically.... but mentally as well?! I'll be the first to admit- I'm not completely satisfied with my OWN body...even with a recent 30 lb weight loss, BUT, through this modified ancient art I don't let it take over my life like I had once before. I appreciate what my body can DO. The new way it moves, the beautiful way my curves add character to my dance, the new muscles and flexibility I've gained that allows me to add more life to my performances- and in general... and yes... the way my pudgy parts shake when I SHIMMY!!! I've come to love every inch of me (even IF I'm not always happy with the way it looks in a pair of jeans, haha) since it is what makes ME. It's the only one I have...

Bellydancing has opened my eyes to many other things as well. Having been a bit of an introvert when I was younger, dance has allowed me to become more outgoing and :::gasp!::: perform in front of an AUDIENCE!! Now- I continue to try and push what I once felt were my "limits," because I feel that I can do MUCH more than I thought possible... and educate along the way.

SO. WHY GOTHIC Bellydance? While traditional Bellydance is just as beautiful, to me- Gothic Bellydance has that something "extra." My musical tastes are pretty varied- but mainly rock and house. The music you dance to with Gothic Bellydance can be harder, heavier, be more influenced by tribal, rock, electronic and yes... even contain traditional elements. It gives you a more modern outlet on this antediluvian art. Also- it affords you the opportunity to perform as a different character...not that there is anything wrong with ME- but who wouldn't want to play the part of a voracious vampire, gothic gypsy, or pretty pixie? It's a challenge for you to even be open minded enough to put yourself out there and just "Let GO."

If you are even a LITTLE interested- just try it for a couple of classes. I recommend going to Sarah in Providence, RI if you are in the area. You can find information on her on my top friends! Once you get to a point where you are comfortable and advancing in your dance- she even allows you the opportunity to perform for an audience!

Try it. Gain a new perspective. LOVE yourself. Anymore questions? Don't hesitate to ask me!!

Isis Halo