We welcome awkward!

Raise your hand if you feel awkward...

and then give yourself a big hug for allowing more opportunities for growth and opening your heart to new experiences!

After years of studying this beautiful art and dance, I still find myself feeling awkward in many areas related to belly dance. Sometimes it's in trying to improvise to a new song or rhythm, other times it's when I perform a solo in front of a new audience, or when I'm filmed during a performance, other times while I'm teaching and trying to explain a difficult concept, other times during tense conversations with other dancers and friends about cultural appropriation. I truly believe, the more respect you have for belly dance (especially as a non-Middle Eastern woman), the more places and times I will feel awkward. It is a great check in and a great opportunity to grow, as a person, as a dancer, and as a teacher.

Of course, after learning the basics you start to feel less and less awkward about the movements. The better your technique the less awkward you will feel dancing around others. The more knowledgeable and educated on Middle Eastern Dance, music, and culture, the less awkward you will feel around those with more knowledge about the history and culture... but it's always good to be humble and respectful and know that you will never know everything there is to know about it. It is part of the charm, the magic, and the spirit of different cultures and art, in general.

So lean into your discomfort with love and appreciation for yourself and share your joy and light with those around you through movement. Remember, in our sacred dance space... no one cares if you're a little awkward- after all, we all are.

~ karla marie