Thread: What we do means something! See my story!

Being 16 I have confidence issues like many other teens around this age. I've known for a few years that all I have want to do for the rest of my life is bellydance. I want to do it professionally as my sole career. I have of course gotten many compliments throughout my journey as a dancer but no matter how much I want to believe people and what they say, I always have some sort of doubt. But that doesn't matter because what has happened today has changed that underlying doubt.



I've been really sick for almost 12 weeks (baaaad vertigo, BPPV). It's been one of the worst times in my life. I broke down last night because it is taking a toll on me, not going to school, seeing my friends, and more so not dancing or teaching. I've been really down about it to be honest. It's bad enough to feel sick and its even worse when you feel helpless. My whole life has changed. Believe me, if I could push through it I would.



To cheer me up my mom took me to see my bellydance students today. I haven't been in to teach for the 11 weeks I have been sick. I had promised these little girls a show. Therefore I intend to do it. My class consists of about 10 girls ages 8-10. The excitement we all felt when we saw each other was amazing. I can't dance right now. I feel way to dizzy. I either had to sit down or sit on my knees to demonstrate a movement.



One of my students is also taking ballet and jazz classes at a studio. I am 16 years old. I have been bellydancing for a little over 7 years. I'm not a professional, I want to be, but I'm simply teaching my students not just because I love it but for my community service hours. I'm not getting paid, its part of an after-school care program. This student of mine who is taking ballet and jazz outside of school I know struggles to pay for those lessons. I know how she feels, they are expensive. I hadn't been in to teach in a while and this was a surprise. I was teaching from 4-5, she had ballet at around the same time and couldn't take both. Lessons are expensive and you don't get a refund. But she chose me, a non-professional, not working at a studio, for free, ME a 16 yr old girl! She decided not to take the professional ballet class that she already paid for at a real studio that she's not gonna get a refund for. SHE CHOSE ME? Gosh, I'm just so touched! What I do means something doesn't it? It means something to these girls! The fact that she struggles to pay for those professional lessons and even though shes not gonna get a refund her mom and her want her to take MY class instead. This just makes me so happy to tears, words cannot describe. Now this is HAPPINESS, this is CONFIDENCE!

LOL.

You are 16, I am 61 and have been dancing professionally since the early 1970s.

I am not sure how I feel about you teaching.

That said, I too have had struggles with vertigo, due to migraine, and it's terrible.

I wish you the best.

Originally Posted by Elibelinde

LOL.

You are 16, I am 61 and have been dancing professionally since the early 1970s.

I am not sure how I feel about you teaching.

That said, I too have had struggles with vertigo, due to migraine, and it's terrible.

I wish you the best.

Thank you,

I did start teaching however with the blessing of my instructor (world renowned) Virginia. I wouldn't have without it, but she told me I was ready. It is just a beginner level and I don't get pain for it since it is a volunteer job as part of an after-school care program at an Elementary school. They are though still getting a solid base to start with. I have knowledge of the culture, rhythms, musicality, history and more that I feel is an important part of the beginner foundation. I basically live and breathe bellydancing. If I'm not bellydancing, I'm online doing research. I love it more than anything in the world. I do still take classes weekly with my master instructor and I take as many workshops as possible. I don't take my education lightly. Even though I am dealing with vertigo, I am on my 11th week and quite use to it now. I promised my students a show and I intend to give it to them. I can do basically anything except turn which is fine because they have their knowledge of turns and I am comfortable in the fact that I don't need to reteach it. We can easily drill it and not have a problem. I hope you know that I am not like every other teacher with some experience who wakes up one morning and says, "hey I'm going to teach bellydance now". I have nearly 7 years experience and I study vigorously. I respect the dance and would never have started teaching if I thought my students weren't going to get the quality class they deserve. I am in the process of becoming professional but since I have been sick, I havent had much of a chance. I am focusing as well on my school work so I can get a business degree to later run my own bellydance studio. [/I]

Wow 16 :) (ahh the memories ;) you're still so young! Sending you lots of love to get well soon but I'm going to be a bit of a devil's advocate:

You have your entire life ahead of you, and I'm excited that you've decided to become a professional dancer. However, you need to know that most of us are professional dancers and also have professional careers. I can't stress enough the importance of a college education (you can even major in dance :) College will broaden your horizon like never before. As much as you want a professional career in dance, don't forget to enjoy your college years!-but first enjoy your high school years!!

As for your dancing, some may disagree with me, but I highly advise you to "cross-train" in anything you can get your hands on: ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, flamenco, bhangra etc etc. While you maintain your studies in belly dance, you need to broaden your dance experience (it will make you a stronger, well rounded dancer). I also think the best thing you can do now is to get some exposure: dance at haflas, video tape yourself, have your mentor(s) critique you, invest in private lessons: start honing your craft.

I agree that you're a bit young to be teaching (I'm on verge of my 20th year dancing!) But I'll echo what many professionals have said before me: don't rush into a professional belly dance career. Recognize its a sacrifice of time and in the beginning a hefty financial one. I can understand your desire and 'hurry' to start cementing things in place, but if you jump in too soon, you may find it to be a lot more than you bargained for. Enjoy being a teenager! Enjoy being a dancer (the professional aspects will come later :)