Interview with Brooke

November 3, 2009 12:37 PM

Name: Brooke

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? RCW newbie, student, fan

Childhood ambition: I wore a cape, Mickey Mouse ears, a homemade crown, and carried a light saber everywhere. Whatever kind of ambition that was, I had it. Around age 8, my ambition shifted and I decided to be a punk rocker. I have not lost that ambition :)

First job: I was the parking lot grocery cart getter at a local supermarket. And the clean behind the toilet girl.

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? Michael Franti, Rage Against the Machine, Jubilant Sykes, Vienna Teng, Matisyahu, Morcheeba, Beats Antique, Ben Harper, Shirley Bassey.

Indulgence: One? Oh boy. How about a few? Books, gelato, chocolate, scarves, large earrings, glitter, lattes from Tryst.

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? I am in contact with and/or still dancing with several women I met in my very first belly dance class. It has been interesting to see which directions we have all chosen to go with our dancing, and it is so much fun to hoot and holler for one another at the shows :) Oh, and I love that moment backstage when you line up with your fellow dancers right before your number begins!

Current inspirations: Women who breakdance inspire me. The hip hop class I can see through the window near my work inspires me. The way my 4 year old starts moving to the beat provided by anything, anywhere, inspires me. Everyone I have taken dance from inspires me. And of course, the women I dance with inspire and encourage me constantly.

What is your dance background? I grew up on stage as a singer and dancer, and performed in a musical theater company in college. I danced on the dance team at the University of Colorado and also taught dance, and since college have dabbled here and there when I can.

How did you get interested in belly dance? Years ago I was taking ballet at a local studio and the class before mine was a belly dance class. I would watch, fascinated, and told myself I just had to try it at some point. It took a few years (and an internet clip of Rachel Brice), but I finally made it!

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? Sahara has given me a much-needed creative outlet. I love the challenge that belly dancing provides to me, the incredible friends I have made and continue to make along the way, and the laughter and fun that come naturally out of the whole process. Finally, I love that dancing here gives anyone the opportunity to perform if she chooses!

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