Interview with Lauren

July 14, 2009 12:45 PM

Name: Lauren

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Student, Raqs Caravan “Foklorette” and contributing blogger

Childhood ambition: Well, in kindergarten I thought I wanted to become an astronomer. Later, that shifted into a “gymnastics person” (even though I never took a day of gymnastics in my life!) followed by a mermaid, a doctor, a vet, and eventually, “someone who gets to travel around the world in a hot air balloon.”

First job: Editorial Assistant at a bi-weekly community newspaper in my hometown, Tampa, Fl. My most interesting gig however, was working as a roller coaster conductor at Busch Gardens, FL. Let me tell you, some quirky people worked at the amusement park that summer… myself included.

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? Kanye West, New Order, Santogold, Daft Punk, The Twelves, MGMT, Friendly Fires, and of course, Amr Diab and Hossam Ramzy.

Indulgence: Mmmmmm….Chocolate, red wine, baguettes and brie. Or, a night out dancing with my girls.

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? I will never forget my first Under a Desert Moon. Particularly, the moment after my BI/BII class had just finished performing in the first show. We were so excited, we nearly hugged on stage! I was so proud of our class and so amazed that I had actually worked up the courage to dance before a cheering audience.

Current inspirations: Definitely the Sahara Dance teachers and students. I’m particularly inspired by Elysa and her dedication to studying and sharing the folkloric dances of the Middle East.

What is your dance background? In terms of classes, I took ballet in third grade and hated it. I took jazz the following year and stuck with it on and off throughout elementary school and the beginning of high school. However, I never really felt connected with that form of dance. I tried out salsa but just couldn’t get over being led around on the dance floor. Eventually, I gave up on classes and just resigned to saving my moves for girls’ night out at the clubs.

When I tried belly dance, everything changed. I loved how fluid the movements felt in my body in comparison to most Western styles of dance, which I always found a little too rigid. I loved how the movements in belly dance are so centered in the hips. But most of all, I loved the music.

How did you get interested in belly dance? I had just moved to the District and was looking for a way to make friends. One day, a woman I worked with casually mentioned that her cousin was about to perform in a belly dancing spectacular. “Belly dance spectacular?” I asked, “Where? How? Tell me more!” Sure enough, my coworker was referring to Under a Desert Moon 2007.

I had never tried belly dancing before but was lured by elements of mystery and sensuality that are often associated with the art form. After one semester at Sahara Dance, I was hooked.

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? I love how everyone is welcome at Sahara Dance, regardless of dance background (or lack of background!) At Sahara Dance, our teachers affirm that we can all learn to belly dance beautifully as long as we dance from the heart. From as early on as I can remember, I’ve loved to dance. After school, my best friends and I used to rush home to choreograph routines to the latest Janet or Paula hit. Yes, I believe my parents also have some very embarrassing video footage featuring me, lots of glitter and the first Spice Girls album.

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