Why I Love Belly Dance essay – Honorable Mention
Why I Love Bellydance
– by Rahcel Allen
I was introduced to this amazing and artful dance form by my valued instructor Charlotte Roettger, over 5 years ago. Since then I have watched women transform both emotionally and physically, which includes me. I have always been a strong person (thanks to my parents and the morals they raised me with), but never once did I think I had what it would take to be on stage as a soloist. Which is exactly what I accomplished last year and further advancing this year as I have been asked to perform in the Mayan Riviera – I am so excited!
My biggest joy and biggest reward came when I was asked to teach at our local Junior High early last year, with the addition of the local Catholic Junior High just recently. I have 42 students in my Junior High evening class, and 15 students in my Catholic Junior High evening class. Now, I can’t tell you how much my heart swells with pride when I see these amazing young women transform. To see their confidence soar. Their co-ordination improve. Their self-esteem and love and appreciation for the body they were gifted with develop. To see the smiles on their faces, and the giggles as they try to get the moves in one of my practice songs, to the elation as they perform a whole routine for their parents, relatives and friends at the end of each 6 week session. I still get misty eyed as I see and hear all the coins tinkling in unison.
I expose the young ladies to a variety of music in the practice songs, which then lead up to one whole choreographed piece of music by the end of the six week session. Each young lady receives a hip scarf, the music, and a written choreography, so they have these resources to practice and have fun to. And the honorarium that I receive goes straight towards those items, as I am volunteering my teaching to this wonderful cause. And the rewards of seeing my students excel in all aspects, to hear the favorable and supportive comments from their parents and teachers, well, now that is just PRICELESS. And the extra practice it gives me … who could ask for more?
Now the pure honest joy that these classes bring to all, including me. The friendship that develops between all of us. The non-competitive aspect of this form of exercise. The sparkle in all our eyes. Their presence! My joy! Now that is Why I Love Belly Dance!!!
I am gifted with a loving Husband that is a very strong and supportive presence to my love of Belly Dance. He is our troupe photographer, chauffer, retriever of keys locked in vehicle, runner to get forgotten item of costume, stage hand, supporter, … the list goes on and on. And he has just recently purchased a Doumbek to accompany me in a Drum Solo. The loving support of my Husband is what makes possible my continued Love and Advancement in Belly Dance.
:o)
Why I Love Bellydance
– by Rahcel Allen
I was introduced to this amazing and artful dance form by my valued instructor Charlotte Roettger, over 5 years ago. Since then I have watched women transform both emotionally and physically, which includes me. I have always been a strong person (thanks to my parents and the morals they raised me with), but never once did I think I had what it would take to be on stage as a soloist. Which is exactly what I accomplished last year and further advancing this year as I have been asked to perform in the Mayan Riviera – I am so excited!
My biggest joy and biggest reward came when I was asked to teach at our local Junior High early last year, with the addition of the local Catholic Junior High just recently. I have 42 students in my Junior High evening class, and 15 students in my Catholic Junior High evening class. Now, I can’t tell you how much my heart swells with pride when I see these amazing young women transform. To see their confidence soar. Their co-ordination improve. Their self-esteem and love and appreciation for the body they were gifted with develop. To see the smiles on their faces, and the giggles as they try to get the moves in one of my practice songs, to the elation as they perform a whole routine for their parents, relatives and friends at the end of each 6 week session. I still get misty eyed as I see and hear all the coins tinkling in unison.
I expose the young ladies to a variety of music in the practice songs, which then lead up to one whole choreographed piece of music by the end of the six week session. Each young lady receives a hip scarf, the music, and a written choreography, so they have these resources to practice and have fun to. And the honorarium that I receive goes straight towards those items, as I am volunteering my teaching to this wonderful cause. And the rewards of seeing my students excel in all aspects, to hear the favorable and supportive comments from their parents and teachers, well, now that is just PRICELESS. And the extra practice it gives me … who could ask for more?
Now the pure honest joy that these classes bring to all, including me. The friendship that develops between all of us. The non-competitive aspect of this form of exercise. The sparkle in all our eyes. Their presence! My joy! Now that is Why I Love Belly Dance!!!
I am gifted with a loving Husband that is a very strong and supportive presence to my love of Belly Dance. He is our troupe photographer, chauffer, retriever of keys locked in vehicle, runner to get forgotten item of costume, stage hand, supporter, … the list goes on and on. And he has just recently purchased a Doumbek to accompany me in a Drum Solo. The loving support of my Husband is what makes possible my continued Love and Advancement in Belly Dance.
:o)