Although I've only mentioned it a couple of times here and there, for the past three and a half years or so, I've been teaching belly dance classes in addition to my textile work. I started dancing a little over six years ago. I became interested in belly dance in my twenties, when I saw a woman dancing. I just never realized that there was a school right here in my hometown! I first discovered Habeeba's when I was at Comfest, and I saw the school's troupe perform. There were a handful of dancers that I was in awe of, and I took a pamplet from Habeeba, determined to sign up for classes as soon as I could. I started classes that autumn, and I fell in love with the dance. I never missed a class, and I absorbed everything that my instructors told me. When I finallly had to do a student solo, I was excited, but sooo flipping nervous all day leading up to my evening class. But once I finished, one of the guest instructors told me "I can't wait to see you to perform with the troupe." I was on cloud nine! Once we were taught performance routines, I purchases a costume, and I signed up for my first show. I remember my first rehearsal. Everyone but myself and a couple of friends from my class had already performed. I was completely nervous. But one of the girls turned to me as we were lining up, and she introduced herself. Her easy-going, friendly manner was exactly what I needed to calm my nerves. And she has since become one of my closest and dearest friends in the world.
When I became an instructor at the school, I was so honored. The lineup of the advanced troupe was stellar, and I was estatic to become one of them. That group of women was amazing. And although many of them have moved away from Columbus, following their own life paths, they remain important parts of my life.
Shortly after I began dancing, I found myself at a point in my life where a huge chunk of my friendships ended. Some people disappeared; some of them I ended myself. It was a really difficult time for me, but I realized that it was a pivotal time in my life. Those friendships were not healthy, not positive for me, so it was for the best. But through dancing, I met so many wonderful, positive women who filled in the gaps that were left. They are my dance sisters, and I love them all dearly. I think that I have flourished with these women, along with the good friends who stood beside me during the Great Friend Excorcism of '02. Dancing made my confidence soar, and I found that I am comfortable in my own skin, which is something that I struggled with throughout my teens and twenties. I connected with my femininity, and I learned to wear it as a badge of honor. I became truly happy with who I am.
Last night was my last night teaching on a weekly basis. I need to dedicate all of my energy on my work and my business. I'm still going to be a member of the instructor team, subbing here and there, and I'll still dance with my girls when I can, but I felt the need to pull back a bit. My first class of the night, which is made up of women who have been at the school for over three years, had me misty-eyed when I saw the little party that they had organized for me.
So....to all of the students I've taught, I enjoyed having you in class and seeing the same excitement that I felt when I started sparkle across your faces. To my instructors, I have learned so much from you...thank you so much. To my fellow instructors, past and present, it has been an honor to stand along side you in classes and to dance with you at shows. To Habeeba, thank you for all that you have done for me and for understanding that my business needs to come first. And to all of my wonderful friends that I've met through dancing, both at the school and throughout the belly dance community, thank you for your love and support and friendships.
Okay, enough with this sappy stuff...you people won't be rid of me! I'm like a bad penny...I'll keep turning up.
