Interview with Lori

December 8, 2009 11:12 AM

Name: Lori

What is your role within the Sahara Dance community? Student

Childhood ambition: I have always had a love for animals and the natural world. I’ve shared my world with cats, dogs, birds and many other creatures. I wanted to be a veterinarian, but my studies and work experience took me in another similar direction. Now, I’m a nature photographer, photo editor and writer.

First job: Babysitting. First job with real responsibilities was busing tables at a very popular restaurant in Bar Harbor, Maine.

What’s playing on your iPod or CD player? What isn’t playing on my iPod? Lady Gaga, Cameron Cario, Christina Aguilera, Duran Duran, Vas, Raquay and The Cavemen. Hard Rock, Pop, African and Middle Eastern. Whatever sounds good.

Indulgence: Traveling! Massages and getting my hair done. Those things always make me happy!

What’s your favorite belly dance moment or experience? My first UDM experience in 2008. It had been years since I had participated in such a large, exciting show. I love everything from rehearsals, bonding to performing. I’ve enjoyed all of my performances as there is something to being on stage and presenting the results of the hard work of the semester.

Current inspirations: Sahara Dance teachers. Every time I see one of them perform, I get inspired to continue to work harder and improve on my dance technique and presentation.

What is your dance background? Along with several years of belly dance, jazz and tap, I’ve also taken salsa, African and Lyrical.

How did you get interested in belly dance? Several years ago I watched a couple of dancers that would dance for a world music band that my boyfriend is a drummer for. I was trained in jazz and tap but found that I really liked this style of dance, so beautiful, so I started taking classes under one of these dancers. Then after watching UDM 2007, decided to join Sahara Dance.

Finally, what do you love most about Sahara Dance (other than Hip Talk, of course!)? The community. Many Sahara Dance dancers have become my friends and I continue to enjoy dancing and spending time with them.

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