Interview with Janella

October 27, 2009 10:56 AM

Name: Janella

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Student, Raqs Caravan West Company Manager, Sahara Dance Entertainment member

Childhood ambition: I really wanted to go to Space Camp. I saw the Space Camp movie in the mid-90’s and I was sold. I hadn’t really thought about it until now… maybe I can still do it. In fact there is a Fat Chance Belly Dance certified teacher in Alabama as well…hmmm.

First job: I was a part of a youth summer employment program that helped to promote Cincinnati to visitors. Now, what that really means is that I picked up cigarette butts off of the sidewalk … with a tool. Plus I gave directions and handed out maps of downtown Cincinnati. It was a very glamorous job. :)

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? Amon Tobin, Solace, Balkan Beat Box, DJ Shadow, Michael Jackson, Q-Tip, Black Eyed Peas, Remy Shand… it’s a crazy mix of everything.

Indulgence: Some of my indulgences include: yoga at noon anytime I can, pedicures, LUSH Cosmetics, Each Peach massage bar, and almond croissants from the Dupont Circle Farmer’s market.

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? Every moment with Raqs West is an experience. But the moment that is pure Wes-side happened during UDM 5 with Karim Nagi from Turbo Tabla. Raqs West was dancing to a recording of Irrouh with Karim playing tabla along with the music and two-thirds of the way through the song the music stopped. Well, Karim kept playing and we kept dancing and it was magical. It worked because we knew our choreography cold (thanks Eby), we had Karim on stage and we trusted ourselves and each other enough to not stop dancing. Yeah, we rock!

Current inspirations: Rachel Brice is always high on my list but her recent workshop focusing in on improv has really made me think about breaking down movements differently. I’ve also been a bit obsessed with old school Domba.

What is your dance background? I did not bring a dance background to belly dance, but because of belly dance I’ve been open to trying other forms of dance including: ballet, salsa, Bollywood, hip-hop, popping and locking, afro modern, Tahitian and hula among others. My first belly dance teacher was Autumn Ward and I have studied with Rachel Brookmire, Elysa, Ebony, Ami, Dee Dee and Na’la. I have been able to augment my Sahara Dance foundation by taking workshops with tribal, tribal fusion and cabaret teachers such as: Rachel Brice, Diana Tarkan, Jillina, Jill Parker, Bozenka, Carolena Nericcio, Sera Solstice and Amy Sigil.

How did you get interested in belly dance? When I first moved to the DC area I had one close friend from high school living here and a few acquaintances from work. I remember going to a movie at Mazza Gallerie and saw an advertisement for a dance studio and belly dance leaped out at me from the list of class offerings. I thought taking the class would be a good way to get some exercise, meet people and get me out of my comfort zone. I have taken one or more classes each semester since then, made life-long friends and have ridden the Metro in full costume plus make-up more times than I can count. I can honestly say my comfort zone has expanded!

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? Rachel Brookmire has balanced structure and passion in such a way that a group of women brought together by dance has evolved into a community. That balance is incredibly hard to develop and maintain, but it is thriving at Sahara Dance. That’s the long way of saying that I love the community we have at Sahara Dance! Oh, I love Raqs Caravan West or Wes-side for short!

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