Interview with Melissa

March 12, 2009 10:16 AM

Name: Melissa F.

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Instructor, Company Member of Sahara Tribal, Apprentice of Raqs Sahara, and of course, always a student!

Childhood ambition: I actually laughed when I saw this question because I couldn’t remember. So I checked with my source on all things - my mother. :) She said I wanted to be a teacher but I quickly changed my mind once I saw what a bunch of pranksters my friends were. She then said I decided to be a Know-It-All. I told her that I wanted to understand everything in the world, which completely fits with my never-ending curiosity.

First job: Shredding documents in my parent’s accounting business and organizing checks, which later lead to data entry. If asking outside of the family business, camp counselor for 9-13 year old girls. :)

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? My Arabic language class CDs - trying to learn the Arabic! :) Otherwise, songs for dance class, Otis Redding, Kanye West and salsa music (too many artists to name but ask if you are curious!)

Indulgence: Massages, especially because I am dancing so much now. :) Otherwise, salsa dancing when I make time!

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? Wow, I have too many! I know I love watching Colleen and Erika dance at parties when I first started. They always made belly dancing so much fun! ;)

I also remember when Rachel did a performance at Colony South after my first summer with Raqs East. Her solo just took my breath away. I remember thinking how beautiful belly dance is if you let yourself go with the music.

I loved watching Lotus Niraja and her troupe at Rakkasah East that fall. These beautiful women of all shapes and sizes were so energetic and fun! I loved their stage presence and how engaged the audience became.

Current inspirations: I think I find inspiration in everything. Whether it’s taking classes, dancing with fellow company members, watching a student “get” a movement after consistent hard work, or watching others dance at parties and clubs, I find that I am constantly absorbing what others are so willing to share.

What is your dance background? Does watching music videos (like Janet Jackson) and imitating them with your friends count? ;) Most of my experience is dancing to Latin music at home/parties with family, house/hip hop music and later Latin dancing in clubs with friends. I basically learned by imitating and asking lots of questions. I really love watching others dance and incorporating what I learn into my dancing.

How did you get interested in belly dance? Belly dance became a way to heal my back injury. I could barely walk across the street without crying and most suggested forms of exercise were not working. I was desperately seeking an exercise that I could do consistently without causing further problems. I stumbled upon belly dancing and Rachel Brookmire several years ago. Now I am dancing hours a week thanks to consist belly dance classes. My back is much happier than it once was. :)

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? I love the community. We have the most incredible women from all walks of life. I am blessed that I get to dance in an environment that encourages us to reach our full potential. Every week I look forward to dancing with my friends and students!

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