Jaz
Definitely not your traditional dancer.
Jaz
Definitely not your traditional dancer.
Fusion was something that always came naturally. I always had a penchant for finding the common ground and shape shifting between what most would recognize as opposites: darkness & light, the glamorous & the grotesque, the present times & the ancient. And yes, Middle Eastern Dance & Gothic Music. Being deeply spiritual and passionate; the music, the movements and myself - I can not imagine a more perfect combination of expression.
The story of: “How I became a Gothic Belly Dancer”, is close to the same for many of us. I began dancing as a young girl, found my way into the Goth scene as a teen/young adult, found and fell in love with belly dancing and discovering that the seemingly different avenues really do intersect. The Gothic Bellydance style is not my only love. I also teach and perform American Tribal Style Bellydance and enjoy performing world fusion styles too.
I love the dance and all things that go along with it! I love the creative process ~ devising a beautiful, unique, and intriguing ritual with my Troupe Sisters! Not just the moves, but the music selection, costuming, and constructing a shared vision.
As an instructor, it is my goal to have my students know that I was in their place at one time: brand new to the dance, not knowing the other women in the class, and not mastering every movement the very first time - I still practice! I am Human, I make mistakes from time to time and I never stop learning more - about the dance, about the world and about myself. My advice for new dancers that I teach is: Above All, Have Fun! This dance is one of the things that makes me enjoy being a woman, and I hope it does the same for you!
~ J