A journey has to start somewhere...

I started attending Belly Dance classes with a lovely instructor back in 2004.  I remember being terrified beyond belief, because I am not a thin girl.  I'm not even close.  At 195 lbs and five feet five inches, I'm thick as can be.  I remember being mortified that the other girls were so skinny that I actually approached the instructor and asked her if I was just kidding myself, if I was too heavy to be a part of this art form that I was rapidly falling in love with.  And she shook her head, smiled, and explained to me the most important lesson I've learned since day one of my first class.

It doesn't matter what size you are, or color or sex or style.  Belly Dance is an art rooted in folkloric dancing that is meant to be a celebration.  It welcomes everyone.

There are many instructors that would argue with me, I won't lie.  Some teachers feel heavy girls don't belong. Some teachers feel men have no business dancing, and that it isn't meant to be fused with any other forms of dance.  But I approach this the same way I approach my art career.  Screw what the masses think!  Do what YOU think you want to do, and create.  Create and love and nurture what you make, and be happy with what you do.  There are always people who will love you, support you, and treasure your creations as much as you do.

So to anyone thinking of getting into dance, be it for fitness or fun, do it because it's what YOU want to do, and be damned proud of who YOU are.  Because we are out there.  We care.  WE, as a community, function and help one another.  And we always love another brother or sister to join in the fray.

Live dangerously, live freely, and LIVE!!!

Fuse it up, baby!

~Shanaz