Countdown to Under a Desert Moon

January 27, 2009 10:41 AM

Music fills the Sahara Dance studio at Tenleytown and I take my first barefoot steps onto the wooden floor. Warm-up time has begun. For the next 15 minutes, our class is led through deep stretching exercises that feel inspired by yoga.

This part of class is one of my favorites. As I roll my shoulders I feel tension gradually release from my upper back. Soon, my thoughts are freed from the office, deadlines and the daily coverage of the economic recession. After warm-up is done, my reflection smiles back at me in the wall-to-wall mirrors. I look significantly more at peace and ready to begin shimming in Colleen’s LI technique class.

Those Dreaded Chaines Turns

Now, one of the most intimidating parts of class (well, for me at least) is when the students are instructed to practice a particular dance move alone or in pairs, from one end of the studio to the other. It usually takes less than a minute to cross the floor, but when I’m trying to keep up with the music and not look like a total klutz in front of my classmates, those walls just seem to stretch further and further apart!

Last Wednesday, Colleen brought me out of my comfort zone when she had the audacity (just kidding, Colleen!) to request chaines turns across the floor. If there is one move I need to work on in belly dance, it’s that dreaded chaines turn. Despite my best intention to “spot,” my feet always get the best of me and I usually end up careening into dressing room.

This time, I was so determined to maintain control of my feet that I practically stunted myself from moving forward at all. “Don’t over think it!” said Colleen, gently reminding me of my belly dance goal for the semester. And she was right; once I let go of trying to time my feet perfectly with the music I was able to complete my chaines. They may not have been flawless but at least I was able to practice this fundamental belly dance move that will certainly make an appearance in our choreography.

Many of my fellow classmates have also shared which belly dance moves they will work on improving this semester in preparation for UDM.

Laurie, a Sahara Dance belly dance student since 2007, said she is working on “Looking somewhat graceful during transitions and improving my ‘snake arms.’ Generally, trying to look flow-y and languid, like a swaying palm tree, or, just trying to look a little bit like Colleen when she dances.”

Winnie, who has been a Sahara Dance student since she moved to DC a couple of years ago said, “In general, I would like to work on layering. Whenever we do that, I become like Frankenstein, not being able to control any part of my body.”

I think these two women dance beautifully, so I was surprised to learn that Laurie and Winnie are focusing on their transitions and layering!

Well, I’m right there with you, ladies!

-Lauren

[Sahara Dance note: To learn more about Lauren’s teacher, Colleen, check out this interview.]

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