Interview with Maria

July 23, 2009 12:17 PM

Name: Maria

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Student, Member of Raqs Caravan East

Childhood ambition: I wanted to be astronaut since I was 7 years old. Then when I found out I need it to learn and be really good with physics and numbers, I gave up!

First job: Consultant at the Pan-American Health Organization, working in Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief for Latin America.

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? Many things. A lot of Latin music — it reminds me of my native country, Colombia.

Indulgence: Belly dance and Latin music are a pleasure!

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? My favorite belly dance movements are shimmies. I love them!

Current inspirations: I think that in every class or workshop I take I learn different things from teachers and classmates, they all are an inspiration.
I really like to experience the combination of belly dance music and traditional folkloric music from my native country!

What is your dance background? I took ballet when I was little, but then I quit and start taking folklore classes at school in Colombia. Then I was a cheerleader for more than 5 years at school. I took many classes in Sevillana and modern dance when I was in Colombia.

How did you get interested in belly dance? My dad’s family is from Beirut. Since I was little, I learned a lot about the Lebanese culture. Before I left Colombia I took some classes with some Lebanese women, and then when I came to the US I started looking for a place to dance belly dance.

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? I have been at Sahara Dance since it was founded. I love the energy of the teachers and the variety of classes, workshops and events the plan all over the year. It is a really complete-organize Dance Company!

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