Interview with Malika

May 26, 2009 11:41 AM

Name: Malika

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Studio Assistant/Student/Fan

Childhood ambition: I never had one particular ambition, my interests were always dispersed among several different disciplines. I expected to be more or less doing something in the sciences, but there was a point when I wanted to be a professional dancer. Unfortunately I was told by many well-meaning friends and neighbors that I would never be able to survive the training involved and I wouldn’t be able to support myself if I did make it.

In my teens I wanted to be an air traffic controller.

First job: Helping mom translate letters (age 9). My first “real” job was receptionist/admin assistant at the family computer business in Turkey.

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? Right now?

Cabaret Aspirateur- The Triplets of Belleville Soundtrack

Indulgence: Knitting and watching Blackadder episodes.

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? The three-quarter and hagala shimmies. They seem to be the natural thing to do, I don’t know why.

Current inspirations: Rachel Brice and the Indigo, all the teachers at Sahara, my fellow SAs and classmates, all dance disciplines, Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, fusion dances.

Music: Tool, Moonspell, Emilie Autumn, Anggun, Thievery Corporation, most hip hop with a good beat, some Turkish pop.

What is your dance background? I was raised in Turkey, so I was exposed to belly dance from a young age; but never in a formal setting. I didn’t really think it was possible to “formally” teach belly dancing until I returned to the US with family. As a kid I watched pop and hip hop videos and attempted to imitate the dancers. I had some vague ballet at age 10 during rhythmic gymnastic classes before I dropped out to study for middle school entrance exams.

After that, it was mostly self-teaching, then private lessons at Sahara. And here I am.

How did you get interested in belly dance? I was interested in how belly dance was seen in the US: more an art form and less a form of cabaret entertainment. Watching American artists transform and experiment with belly dance motivated me to get back to dancing and eventually get to a point where I could experiment with fusion and other ethnic dance disciplines.

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? I love the supportive community of women Sahara offers to all, regardless of background, age, or dance goals. I go to the studio feeling like I can learn from everyone there. Instructors are always positive and supportive of everyone. Students feel like they’re part of the community, their feedback is taken into account and Sahara is constantly improving itself. This is something I haven’t seen in other studios.

Each person is given space to grow in her own way and develop her own style, alongside fellow students. Sahara really made me remember why I loved dancing and why I loved having a love of dance in common with those who have the same passion; whether students or instructors.

Permalink →