Shanrae's reality

The reason why I belly dance is because of the fascination I felt the first time I saw a belly dancer performing live. While I have an extensive background in many other forms of dance, this is by far my favorite.

Most of my life I have been the girl in the back row, hoping no one noticed me. I have battled years of self-doubt and a hatred of my own body. Belly dance has given me confidence that I had never experienced before, and it has taught me to respect my body as it is, not as anyone else says it should be.

When I dance, I feel strong, beautiful and confident. When I dance, I can express that part of me that is usually hidden, silent and secret. I dance because for me dancing is like breathing; without it, a part of me begins to die, and unfortunately it is the most beautiful part of me. So I dance, and that part of me gains life, and strength, and shines through in a very special way.

And then, there's my troupe — these beautiful, shining, wonderful women.  I can’t imagine a better group of people to spend time with.  We are a family, and I get to watch each of them grow as dancers week after week, performance after performance.  I am truly blessed that they have allowed me to help them along on their journey from student to performer. I am even more blessed that I can call each of them friend.  I love them.

We recently performed in Kent, OH, at a Haflaween gathering with several other very talented troupes. Clockwise from top left: Tribal Fire and Kali's Fire showed their respective stuff! I was nervous during the Kali's Fire performance because we had learned our choreo in just two sessions, shortly before the show. I was just hoping we would all remember it, since it was our first performance as Kali's Fire. Here's hoping it didn't show through...

One of the highlights of the evening for me, though, was when Zsuska did her solo. She has such graceful movements. This was the first time I had the chance to see her perform solo. I was mesmerized by her on stage, and I think the audience was as well. I am so proud that she put shyness aside and let the dance take over.

Contact Shanrae

Shanrae is qualified to teach tribal technique, sword dance and tribal fusion choreography. Contact her at darklotusdance@yahoo.com to coordinate a seminar or class for your group.

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