Interview with Liliana

December 1, 2009 02:28 PM

Name: Liliana

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Student/Raqs Caravan West Company Member

Childhood ambition: I definitely wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved animals… and I still do! But, now I’m working towards becoming a public health nurse.

First job: I did a lot of babysitting when I was younger, but my first real job was working as a textbook clerk in my university’s campus bookstore.

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? Mostly belly dance music… some Latin music like Café Tacuba, Juanes, Carlos Vives, also Ozomatli, Bob Marley, Damien Rice, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Paul Simon, and others.

Indulgence: I really like baking and having something delicious to eat like cookies, cake, cupcakes, or muffins.

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? My favorite belly dance moment was probably going to see Rachel Brice for the first time at Saharabesque when I was in 11th or 12th grade. I was new to belly dance and I couldn’t believe how much control someone could have over their body. She is amazing!

Current inspirations: Everyone within the Sahara Dance community and other dance communities inspire me. I love meeting new dancers and seeing how they use dance as a creative outlet.

What is your dance background? I have absolutely no dance background. I never took a dance class until I started belly dance in high school.

How did you get interested in belly dance? My best friend in high school had taken belly dance before and she convinced me to go with her to a class at City Fitness gym in Cleveland Park where at the time Sera Solstice was teaching. I fell in love with the way that Sera could move her body and express herself through her movements and I wanted to learn how to do it too. From then on I was hooked and have been taking classes ever since.

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? I love that women, and sometimes men, from all different backgrounds can come together and share in the joy of dance in such a supportive community.

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