Beginner Blog: fun and games

November 20, 2008 02:51 PM

Whether it was post-hafla performance giddiness or end-of-the-semester camaraderie or something else, class was so chatty and fun last night. Melissa says that it happens to some classes - the bonding, support and friendships start in Beginner I and strengthen as we continue our belly dance training together. I think that three of us will be in the same Beginner I / Beginner II class in the spring…

Melissa threw some new “games” at us last night. First, we partnered off and took turns holding each others hands, hips and faces (this sounds much weirder than it was) as we practiced our chest slides. It’s difficult to keep everything else still while moving your chest from side to side! You don’t realize how much everything moves until someone holds you in place. Rebecca was my partner, and she owns those chest slides! The second “game” was an impromptu solo performance inside of a circle formed by clapping classmates. Scary! When it was my turn, I totally forgot the “routine” I rehearsed in my head while my classmates took their turns. I don’t know why it so much harder to do an impromptu dance in front of my classmates; I do it all the time in front of the mirror at home. Some of us were nervous, but others, like Cynthia, fed off the applause and really had fun with their performances.

We started layering a bit, and I’m finding that if I just watch Melissa and don’t think about what I’m doing, I do just fine. If I watch myself or think about what I’m doing, I turn into a jerky thing, flailing about. I need to practice.

Quote of the night: “Pay yourself first.” - Melissa Melissa reminded us to take care of ourselves as the busy holiday season approaches. We do so many nice things for our families, friends and colleagues that we often neglect ourselves. We should do something nice for ourselves. Great advice!

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