I study Bellydancing under the instruction of an amazing dancer and friend, Nilaja.
Everytime I watch her perform I am in complete awe of the way the moves and draws in her audience. Its like, you are invited to watch what would seem to be a very private moment. Her facial and body expressions, the control she has over each choregraphed step and gesture, the energy she is exchanging with her audience. She is a master at her craft.
I've taken video and pics of her during some performances and practices. It hardly compares to the way you feel from watching her in real life. It almost feels like falling in love. I know that is like a crazy comparison but I'm not sure how else to describe it with as much conviction.
She could make you cry or laugh or blush.....if she wanted to.
There have been times when I've had the pleasure of standing in front of a piece of artwork, behind the velvet rope, and stared with tears rolling down my cheeks. I'm standing in front of this work of art where the artist that I admire with all of my heart stood, brush in hand and inspiration flowing out onto the canvas. I'm moved to my soul. All I want is to jump that rope and touch the paint, smell the ancient dust, and become part of what I adore so much.
Well, museums don't take too kindly to strangers licking their Picassos and Matisses.
This dancing thing is as much a creative force and artistic expression as anything I've seen before. Not only that, its alive and interactive!! Its like a painting you can dance with. Thank God I found a teacher with all of this talent and the ability to teach others how to shine and shimmy.
She has taught me how to slow down and enjoy that moment. Observe the sensual things my body can do and to be amazed at each movement. Its almost like you are trying to seduce your reflection, like there was no one else in the room.
Its funny at first and takes a bit to get over the embarassment of feeling like a clumsy oaf then.....magic happens.
Then there are other times when its just so fun to dance up a frenzy with this group of other divine women that are just as crazy as you are. I have been blessed to become a part of this group otherwise known as, The Dancers of Dunia. (The dancers of the Earth)
Isnt that fantastic!?
I still have a VERY long way to go to turn my performance into an "Oh My God isn't she amazing!" show, but thats ok with me. This is something that I never want to give up. Its a new, artistic way to express myself and I'm making lots of new artist friends along the way.
**I would like to credit The Dancers Eye photography for the photos of Nilaja and also a special thank you to Nilaja for letting me share a piece of who she is with the world.
