Allow Myself to Introduce...Myself

A smidge over a year ago, I VERY nervously attended my first belly dancing class. I wasn't sure what to expect but I don't think I ever imagined that a year later I would be part of a performing troupe and that belly dancing would become such a huge part of my life.  Even more surprising was that my daughter would also become involved as well.  It has been great for me, great for her, and great for us together.  Since writing is a huge part of my life as well, I decided to convey my thoughts about this journey my daugher and I have started into the art, culture, and spirituality of belly dance.

Manners would dictate that I introduce myself and my daughter.  As a writer and student filmmaker I always find the life stories of people to be fascinating.  Likewise, I realize that it may be a bit boring to some so feel free to skip ahead.  :)

I was born and raised in Utah.  The oldest of four children, my parents always encouraged my vivid imagination and interest in dance-particularly ballet.  Additionally, I was given the opportunity to study tap, jazz, gymnastics, and modern dance as well as things less exciting to me such as softball and piano.  I continued to study ballet and modern into my college years and also a bit of flamenco and ballroom.  In a non-dance sphere, I have also studied literature, history, and film.  I was married for 7 years and during that time I had the opportunity to live in Florida and Rhode Island.  My ex-husband and I have one child together.  My pregnancy was difficult-the labor experience even more so.  But it was all worth it to have my beautiful Willow in my life.  Her father and I divorced when she was 18 months old.  Although my ex-husband and I are still on good terms, he lives on the East Coast and Willow and I are back in Utah.  I'm very much a single mother and it's difficult.  But also a lot of fun and it's good to be near my family.  My life has not taken the shape I thought it would and there have been some very difficult times.  But I'm a better person for all of it.  And I hope it has made me a better mother.  Willow is 8 years old now.  She too has studied ballet, jazz, and gymnastics.  She is also a talented little artist, actress, and writer.  She appears to have inherited my wild imagination and love of books and movies.  She started belly dancing about 6 weeks ago and has become as excited about it as I am.

So now that the introductions have been made, let's begin!