Interview with Colleen

January 26, 2009 09:18 AM

Name: Colleen

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Instructor, Company Member

Childhood ambition: Hmmm…. I always wanted to dance and help people. I didn’t know how to define that then. I am not sure I can define it now.

First job: YMCA Summer Youth Counselor

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? Ancient Memories, Scheherazade, Rod Stewart, Dead Can Dance, Eddie Vedder, Johnny Cash

Indulgence: Really good stinky cheese, crispy crackers and a really nice glass of full bodied wine, accompanied by a good (preferably sad) novel.

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? Melissa and I went to an open, free-for-all belly dance (mostly tribal) performance a few years ago. We were watching friends dance on a small dark stage, surrounded by fire, drummers,and fellow dancers. Before I knew it I was pulled up on stage to dance, then immediately whisked into a back room and donned with my first pair of Melodias, gypsy top and God only knows what else. I went back out on stage and danced with a friend in the most organic, moving dance I have ever experienced. The energy of the dance, the women and the drums were truly more than I can describe. I will never forget that feeling. I am eternally grateful that Melissa and I experienced it together.

Current inspirations: My students are a constant source of inspiration. Rachel will always inspire me. I enjoy a large range of music and styles. Anyone that is passionate about what they do. I am currently in love with Sahra Kent.

How did you get interested in belly dance? I became entranced with belly dance about six years ago while watching Rachel teach after I taught kick box at a local dance studio. I have studied belly dance ever since. I love the women and energy of the studio. I love the friendships that I have formed and those yet to be formed.

What is your dance background? I have danced almost as long as I have walked; since I was three; well I walked a little earlier.
Tap (Skinny the Scarecrow, orange tassels on my wrists and ankles, shiny blue & gold costume, first stage performance)
Jazz, Ballet, Modern. I danced Tap, Jazz & Ballet until high school, then quit ballet because it interfered with soccer games. I kept the other two and added Modern in college along with ballet again. I have a Dance Minor. I continued in Jazz & Modern after college.

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? I love the grace, spirit and soul of Sahara Dance.

Permalink →