Interview with Candra

June 23, 2009 05:27 PM

Name: Candra

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Studio Assistant, Raqs Caravan East Company Member, Student, and Adoring Fan

Childhood ambition: To be on Sesame Street - more specifically to be in those one-on-one segments with Kermit or Cookie Monster.

First job: My first gig that earned me a few dollars was making gourmet cakes for a neighbor. My first big-girl jobs were working in the visitor center at the Surratt House in Suitland, MD, and working at my university library.

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? at this very moment?….an episode of The Flintstones
in general: belly dancing music; hits from the 70s, 80 and early 90s; podcasts on traveling, knitting and cooking; and for those moments when I need to get some frustration out…Eminem.

Indulgence: Umm,…sleep. Does that count? Others: “window shopping” online for shoes, books, quality food, cupcakes, 400+ count sheets, being turned loose on iTunes, mango juice and lately, leopard print.

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? My favorite moments are when I am dancing in a group and you can FEEL the connection between the dancers and the music —when we are “on.” It is an internal feeling that is hard to explain. To me it is a little like becoming the notes of the music, a sort of out-of body moment where you are a part of something bigger than yourself.

Current inspirations: The faculty of Sahara Dance because they are such amazing women, I want to be like them when I grow up! The staff of Sahara Dance because they are the mystery behind the magic, I am constantly in awe! My fellow students who make time to love themselves through dance. and of course, the notable Rachel Brice, Sadie, Bozenka, Sonia and Michelle Joyce.

What is your dance background? I have experience in ballroom dancing (both American and International styles) where my favorite dances were tango, waltz, and foxtrot.

How did you get interested in belly dance? I think it was transference from my mom. Anytime there was a belly dancer on TV my mom would bring her to my attention and even if the dancer was “background” to the plot she was our focus as we imitated her. I remember spending time with my mom trying to learn how to flip coins on my stomach. It was just for fun then, but I think it planted the seeds for me to pursue this wonderful art form. The first class I took was taught by a woman who mesmerized me with a flutter of her hand. I wanted that power and ability. I took a few recreational classes but always felt like I needed more structure. Then, lo and behold, my sister brought me Sahara Dance’s class schedule one fall evening and the rest is dancing history :)

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? The people! Sahara Dance is a fantastic blend of high belly dancing standards, infectious fun and encouraging people. The feeling of camaraderie and sisterhood is invaluable and a large part of what brings me back semester after semester. These are my sisters in dance.

Permalink →