Beginner Blog: Introduction

September 4, 2008 02:44 PM

Hi. Welcome to the Beginner Blog on Hip Talk!

This series will chronicle my experience as a Sahara Dance student and beginning belly dancer. I should come clean out the outset: this isn’t my first time as a Beginner I. I took my first beginner class in the summer 2008 semester. My dance background is fairly nonexistent: jazz/ballet/tap as a little girl, belly dance and clogging as an adult. I’m not what one would consider a “natural dancer.” I need lots of practice and repetition before moves look natural, so instead of rushing through the classes, I’m taking the time to really learn the basic techniques before advancing to the next level. I’m also not a natural performer, so I’m in no hurry to get out on the stage!

I did a lot of make-up classes last semester, so I got to sample quite a few teachers: Allyson, Colleen, Ebony, Jennifer, Melissa and Rachel. Each teacher is different, but each teacher was my favorite at the end of class. This semester, I registered for Melissa’s class because I like the time slot, but I already know that I’ll miss the first few weeks of class. Full disclosure: I also work for Sahara Dance, as the studio operations manager. Many of you will probably see me during the first two weeks of class, helping the studio assistants check in students and answering questions. I travel between studios quite often, and sometimes take my class wherever I happen to be. I’m looking forward to learning and dancing with all the beginner students!

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