Natalie Borg and FAB Bellydance
FAB Bellydance Commandments
(Ideas and Inspirations!)
Double click on top right of book to open
No.1
'This is me -This is who I am'
Quote by Samasem on 'The Bellydancers of Cairo' DVD as she is describing a performance of Azza Sheriff. This quote really struck a chord with me when I heard it and it is now what drives me when I am on stage and am presenting myself to the audience.
This is me good points and bad, but this is me in all that I am and I'm proud if it
To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. ~Agnes De Mille
"Hold your hands out gently. Ask others to do the same. See how each different each person looks. Each person has their own unique and natural beauty. use this natural beauty when you dance. Respect your individuality." - Artemis
No. 2
'Appreciation rather than competition'
Bellydance is generally regarded as non-competitive although there are a few competitions out there at a professional level.
Instead of judging someone on their abilities ask yourself what you liked about a dancers performance.
There is always something to learn from every dancer each has their own dance history and their own story to tell
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. - Max Ehrmann - 'Desiderata'
Delia - winner of Miss Bellydance UK 2010
(We thought she was great even before she won!)
No.3
'Be proud of your own personal dance history'
Whether a complete beginner or seasoned dancer be proud of your own personal dance history.
Whoever you begin dancing with you are entering yourself into the history of the dance - who is your teacher? Who was your teacher's teacher?
As much as we look to Egypt for inspiration Britain has it's own rich bellydance history and institiutions that we can learn from.
Each act we create - even if a small performance for family or your local community adds something to history - be proud of what you achieve and be proud to be a British bellydancer.
No.4
'From small beginnings - Come great things'
Everyone has to start somewhere - as bellydance moves are based upon natural movements of the body they can be learnt by anyone (although how quickly each person progresses depends on the individual) what then make a performance great is formed for a combination of personal style, isolations and good technique, layering and combinations of moves.
In short - bellydance cannot be learnt in a day and you can go on learning for a lifetime - but that one day will take you one step closer to your goal.
It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.
Confucius
No.5
'Good practice makes you a better dancer'
Although I love to shop - especially for bellydance costumes with their bright colours and sparkly sequins - I do have to give myself a reality check and remind myself that it doesn't matter how many fabulous costumes you have there is only one thing that will make you a better dancer and that's good practice.
Good practice means taking the time to do you warm up before you start practicing so that you don't pull any muscles and then really concentrating on what you are working on - be it technique, choreography or performance practice.
But with our busy lives it can often be hard to fit in.
The key is to allocate a small amount of time - often and stick to it - even 15 mins a day will improve your dancing and that's better than doing only 1 hr a week in class.
I recommend you take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves.
- Earl of Chesterfield
No.6
'If all else fails - keep smiling'
You're performing - you suffer a costume malfunction, your veil wraps unforgiving around you due to too a sudden gust of wind, you attempt a move which you havent quite mastered yet and it looks awful... Keep smiling, keep trying, keep practicing next time it will be better
Dont worry, be happy
There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good. ~Edwin Denby
We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance. - Japanese Proverb
Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. - Dave Barry
Bellydance is a dance for all women. It celebrates each woman for her own special qualities and teaches appreciation of others rather than competition.
It is about coming on stage and saying through your dancing "This is me - this is who I am."
Although it is sometimes viewed as 'risque' it is actually one of the oldest social dances and can be traced all the way back to the ancient Egyptians. Recent developments in the dance have meant that more people are finally respecting it as an art form in its own right, yet it still remains a fun activity that embraces the female form. Dispersing the often negative perceptions women create of their own bodies when bombarded by airbrushed media images.
Indeed many bellydancers in the UK and in Egypt are CELEBRATED for their curves - so you don't have to be a regular gym-bunny to dance this art form.
Having said that bellydance is a great form of fitness and can burn up to 300 calories an hour and is a whole body 'low-impact' exercise that can help improve your posture, balance and flexibility.
The concentration required to follow the dance moves can also aid in reducing stress and participants can feel themselves 'letting go.'
"Bellydance has changed my life in so many ways - in fitness, confidence, relaxation... I could go on and on (!) So why not give it a try?" - Natalie
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
