''People don't have to spend a lifetime training to enjoy it or do it, but at least those who do will get the appreciation and merit they deserve. Too many people out there do not know the difference between someone who takes a few classes at a studio or someone who dedicates their whole life perfecting technique and educating themselves about the culture, music and history because anyone can call themself a professional. There should be a very clear distinction between a professional and an amateur.''
''Regardless, the dance is evolving and people are beginning to look at it more so as an art form of talent. Schools are popping up all over the world that are anything but easy when it comes to learning how to belly dance. I know, I have studied with some of them. A couple examples are Suhaila Salimpour and Leila Haddad. I know if they didn't make it as true professional dancers, they could have been drill seargeants. It's even changing in the Middle East. When I talk with my Middle Eastern friends, they say that the belly dancers are very slowly gaining a little more respect. The Middle East has always loved its dancers as long as she was not a family member, that is starting to charge a little bit now they say.''
during one of your performances?
''I really like musicals and drum solos without words, because they are almost universal and you don;t really have to worry about political issues between countries, accidentally dancing to a religious song or not matching
the mood of the words with your dance. I recently started taking Arabiclessons but it will be a long time before I can translate music to know what I am dancing to.''
pact do you want to leave on bellydancing?
Created January 8th, 2004.
*For a well-traveled youg lady and a fond student,
she has been a professional only since 2001.
*She is a regular a FIVE Denver-area restaurants.
*Her flexibility and sensual movement is attributed
to taking gymnastics since the age of 4.
* Never intended to making the art form a career.
* Well-known for her muscle control, especially the
use of ''flutters''.
* Is a feature dancer for the band DEVOTCHKA.
* Hopes to add video clips to her site and release a
performance video before the end of 2004.
*Frequently attends SUHAILA workshops at least
once a year.
* Learning to play the doumbek (a Middle Eastern
drum).
* Is a stickler for authenticity of her Turkish cos-
tuming selections, everything must be true to form.
* Could retire from bellydance and go into modeling
right this moment. You think? :)
*She and her pal, KAYA STAR are about to be featured
in a series of DVDs by PEKO/Hollywood Music Center
in August 2005.
