Interview with Vicki

November 12, 2009 02:31 PM

Name: Vicki

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Student, Fan, and Raqs Caravan West company member

Childhood ambition: Many things—singer, actress, astronaut, etc. Actually I’m still figuring out what I want to be when I “grow up.”

First job: Waitress at Ponderosa Steakhouse—ironic, as I was a vegetarian (and have been for almost 30 years)

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? A collection of new age, electronic, middle eastern, tribal, pop, and ethnic music

Indulgence: Cheese fondue, any really decadent chocolate dessert, mango martinis, sci-fi movies and tv, and my huge and ever-growing collection of belly dance DVDs

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? Dancing with Raqs West the first time at the Pasha Lounge Hafla, doing the candle piece I had just recently learned, and coming out to a hallway of 8 friends and a huge bouquet of flowers after a great Summer Caravan show

Current inspirations: Specifically The Indigo, Ariellah, Sadie and Kaya, Kami Liddle, Sera and Solstice, Zafira Dance Co., Kajira, Asharah, ATS/ITS, tribal fusion, gothic and flamenco fusion, and performance art, but I learn something and am inspired by all the dancers I watch, both teachers and students.

What is your dance background? A couple weeks of Flamenco in Spain years ago, folkloric workshops here and there, and lots of belly dance classes and workshops. I began taking classes at Joy of Motion 5 years ago, took a year off after my first year of oriental classes while I was deciding if I was moving to NYC, took some classes and workshops in NYC when I lived there briefly, and then started studying with Sahara Dance when I returned 2+ years ago. In addition to SD classes and workshops, I’ve taken lots of workshops in the area and at tribal belly dance festivals.

How did you get interested in belly dance? I saw a belly dancer at Casablanca over 10 years ago and thought that looked really fun and something I could do. My first exposure to tribal belly dance was another event at Casablanca in Feb. 2004—Nara bint Durr’s Fire of the Soul dance tour. That got me totally hooked on this style of dance.

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? I love the supportive community and “family” feel, as well as the large variety of classes and workshops offered. There’s something for everyone, and a very warm, welcoming feel with the Sahara Dance community.

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