This week, we interview Milagros who is one of our wonderful bellydance instructors. Read on and find out more about her class and dance background.
What class do you teach at World In Motion?
I teach beginner, intermediate and mixed level Cabaret Belly Dance. If the level you are most interested in is not currently offered then get on their interest list and your preference may be offered the next session.
How did you become interested in your dance style/genre?
I have always loved movement and dance and decided to attend a belly dance class for fun. After 15 minutes I was hooked! I loved the Middle Eastern rhythms and exciting movements we used to express the music. I have studied and danced several other styles since then but settled on Cabaret because I felt most comfortable and free with the variety of music and movements that I can use.
What do you enjoy most about it?
I would have to say the joy of movement. I love the feeling of freedom and expression that I experience when dancing to beautiful music that I love. With Cabaret, I have a huge vocabulary of movements and beautiful music to work with.
Where does your style of dance come from? What are its roots?
American Cabaret belly dance evolved from traditional Middle Eastern Egyptian and Turkish Belly Dance. It has developed into its own style, which may include props and which encourages audience participation. You can also see other influences from ballet and modern dance.
What are the most important things about your style of dance that you wish to pass on to students?
I’ll settle on proper technique and posture, engaging the audience, and feeling and expressing the music.
Who are some of the icons in your style of dance? Have you ever trained with them?
I have many favorites, but I’ll only mention two that I have studied with. Ava Fleming from Arizona: I have taken a couple of master classes and private lessons with Ava. Ava is a genuinely beautiful person and dancer that does not classify her dance style. She has said that her style is whatever you think it is. I like that! A second favorite is Bozenka, originally from Miami: I have attended several workshops with her and got to know her personally when I had the honor of being her personal escort during a recent visit to this area. She is a genuine star who dances most beautifully and is able to share easily some of the details that makes dancers beautiful to watch. I am fortunate to have learned from both of these beautiful women and I love to share what I have learned from them.
How should students feel when leaving your class?
They should feel happy, excited and empowered about learning and moving in new ways that they didn’t know were possible. Over time they should also feel better physically and mentally as stress levels drop and their bodies begin to get stronger.
Do you have any advice for current or potential students?
I recommend that potential students contact teachers in the area to ask about their classes. The student can talk about his or her interests and goals related to belly dance and they can decide together if a class is likely to meet his or her needs and expectations. For current students, I recommend trying a variety of belly dance styles and teachers to see which style and teaching technique suits them the best. I also recommend that they set aside sufficient time to practice what they learn in class to ensure they benefit most from their training. They should ask a lot of questions and make sure they get the feedback they need. I am always happy to talk to potential and current students to help guide them in the right direction.
What sort of music do you use for class? Suggest for practice?
Primarily, I use music with a variety of Middle Eastern rhythms, such as the Maqsum, Malfuf and Masmoudi, to name just a few. This includes classical as well as Arabic pop. For practicing drills, I recommend music that has a constant rhythm. For practicing combinations and musicality, I recommend music that uses a variety of instruments and variations in melody. I have a music list that I share with my students.
Where can students buy costuming/merchandise for class or performance?
I think the best places to purchase costumes and other merchandise are at local haflas and workshops (which we have a lot of in this area) where you can see and try on the items you want to buy. Purchasing used items from local fellow dancers is another option which is nicer on your budget. There are of course a large number of websites where you can purchase new and used items. For example, I have purchased a few used costumes from bhuz.com. In all cases, costumes often need to have minor adjustments for the perfect fit, so be sure to factor that into the total cost.
What is your favorite thing about World In Motion Dance, Movement and Music Center?
The people! The owners and instructors are thoughtful and generous people that care about their students. For example, the space was designed with the student’s best interest in mind and instructors are selected to ensure your learning experiences is a positive and productive one. If you allow me to add a second favorite thing, then I will say the variety of classes offered. It’s a great place to try different styles and teachers as you search for the best class that meets your needs.
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