Hello, I'm Shalimah

[Shalimah]

I've been lurking in the swap meet forum for quite some time, and I finally joined a few months ago in order to actually make a purchase. I've made a couple of purchases since then, and I recently started exploring some of the other forums. I guess it's about time I remembered my manners and introduced myself.

I started dancing four years ago this month, a couple of months before my 46th birthday. Maybe it was a mid-life crisis thing. I'd been wanting to try bellydance for years, but my kids' schedules always got in the way. I was also self-conscious, because I had such a big, flabby belly after having 3 very large babies and 3 c-sections.

My first instructor was a warm and welcoming person with a belly of her own, and I was soon in awe of the things she could do with her belly and other assorted body parts. I immediately felt comfortable in her "Basics" class and fell in love with the dance. When that session ended, I took Basics again. Then I took Beyond Basics. Then I took Beyond Basics another time, the second time from a different instructor who was doing the summer session. After that, I thought it was time to look for a different class where I could continue to grow, as the classes I'd been taking at the arts centre had almost all new students each session, which meant starting over from scratch each time. I signed up for a beginner class at a studio, and the instructor put me into her intermediate class. I've been with that instructor for nearly three years now, and I perform with one of her student troupes. When I started taking dance lessons, this was something I hadn't imagined even for a second I'd ever be doing. I went from wearing baggy shirts to hide my belly to baring it in public!

This was/is Egyptian/cabaret style, mainly.

A year and a half ago, I also started taking a tribal dance class, to see what it was like, and now I'm taking two classes a week in that (one a drills class, and one an improv/choreography class).

So, currently I take dance classes three times a week, in addition to workshops, rehearsals, and performances. Bellydance has taken over my life and brought much joy to it. If this is my mid-life crisis, then I'm enjoying every minute of it!

In my other life, I work part-time teaching computers to adults who are doing high-school upgrading. I'm also a writer, and I do earn part of my living from my writing.

I have three kids, a supportive husband, and two cats.

I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We are known for our warm Chinook winds in winter, which may be why I can be long-winded and full of hot air at times.

I'm happy to meet all you lovely dancers, and I look forward to continuing to read your posts here at BHUZ.

[catwomyn]

Hi, Shalimah

Welcome!

[JeanneLF]

[gypsydanse]

hi. welcome.

[Qamar60]

from Qamar

Montreal (Qc) Canada

[sabrinabellydancer]

hi. welcome

[kina]

Hello Shalima, what a wonderful introduction, thanks!

And we look alike!!!


eye crack myself up

[Shalimah]

Is that what one would call "high brow humour"? *g*

I think my pic shows that I'm a willing pupil who's on the ball.

Originally Posted by kina

Hello Shalima, what a wonderful introduction, thanks!

And we look alike!!!


eye crack myself up

[Shalimah]

Bonjour. I was in Montréal last July. Cette une très belle ville.

Originally Posted by Qamar60

from Qamar

Montreal (Qc) Canada

[kina]

eye'd actually call it low brow, but who could say

[sagira]

Hi Shalimah - welcome. I enjoyed your intro, and Yay! for mid life crises that lead one to belly dance

[omsukkar]

Hi, welcome! Very nice intro!
Om

[suzyq52]

Gee, Shalimah, you sound a lot like myself! I'm also in Canada - Ontario to be exact!!!! I do both oriental and tribal - started dancing in 2004 and, like you, it has become a very important part of my life. I only wish I had found it sooner in life! Keep in touch!

[zorba]

Shalimah, I'm Zorba!

[Shalimah]

Thanks for the welcomes.

[Azhia]

Hi Shalimah,
I have spotted your eyeball in a few of the forums! :0)
Thank you for introducing yourself. I'm so happy to hear you've been able to devote the time for yourself to be a part of our dance fabric. :0)
Azhia