Workshops and Lessons I Love To Learn

This year one of my dear friends and fellow StarBelly Dancer, Gessika Mareena, and I have sort embarked on what I'm going to call our Workshop Odyssey!  Individually we've taken workshops from several talented dancers (check out my bio for a list), but by the end of 2018 we will have learned from Zoe Jakes, Myra Krein (sign up here) and all of the amazing teachers at the Arab Dance Seminar... not including some of the classes we'll be taking from local modern/contemporary and hip-hop dancers!  We also have our amazing homebase in StarBelly School of Dance, so we are always challenged and growing. I am beyond thankful... especially to Gessika Mareena for joining/guiding me through this path of high-level learning we are on! 

All of the amazing teachers I have learned from, regardless of their differences in style, typically say a few simple truths that apply to anyone who studies artistic movement.  Is there a saying that if enough people believe something, it is true?  Oh there is, but it doesn't mean what I want it to mean. I'm getting distracted - Here are the lessons I keep on hearing over and over from the top belly dance professionals that I know: 

Gessika and I as the Moon and Sun, respectively.  This photo isn't in my gallery because I'm doing that thing with my eyes!

Never stop learning!
Cross train!
​Your fundamentals are key!

One of the most cited quotes from famed choreographer, George Balanchine, is, "First comes the sweat. Then comes the beauty, if you're very lucky and have said your prayers." It is amazing that the more I seek out knowledge in dance, the more this quote becomes true.