Category Archives: Allies Blog

Most Common Questions Asked

Through my years of teaching I often there get asked questions that are asked by potential students. Today I will address Just a few questions for you.

“Do I need to know how to dance” or I will often get statements: “I can’t dance.”

First off you do not need to know how to dance! If you knew how to dance then I would not have a job as a teacher. I will teach you, lead you and guide you! When I started 22 years ago, I did not know how to dance. I learned by going to class with various teachers who I studied under. We all start at the same place. The statement: “But I can’t dance” is a common one. Anyone can learn how with practice and patience and being involved in class. Anyone can learn! We learn how to move our body through breaking down movement, drilling and having fun!

“Do I need to show my belly”

This is a very common question. Most people think that when they learn how to bellydance they have to show their belly. This is absolutely untrue. Belly Dance does focus on the core; hence the belly but also involves the hips. It has been known as dance of the stomach because of the undulations that are often seen. Did you know that in Egypt that dancers are not allowed to show their belly?

Often they wear a belly cover made of mesh. It can be skin color or even match their costume! You will even see them in a dress where the belly is completed covered. Honestly, it is totally up to you! If you want to flaunt your belly go ahead! If not no that it is ok too! There have been many times I myself have danced with my belly covered! Checkout the photo below to see how lovely it can be.

“Am I too old/young?”

I often hear the statement but I am too old more often then not. I am asked how young I teach. I have taught many ages from as young as 3 years of age to 85! This dance is truly for anyone know matter what the age. Within different age groups it can be presented slightly different based on the general ability of class.

Did you know that bellydance is one of the few dance forms you can start at a later age? This is indeed quite rare! It is more common then you think! The average age is 40 years of age. There is really something for everyone in this dance no matter how old you are! Look below and you will find the many different ages that have walked through my studio doors. Look at all the beauties! I have so many pictures!

“What do you wear to class?”

Most of my students come in wearing leggings, yoga pants and a top they are comfortable in. A hip scarf is beneficial because it accents the hips. It also enables you to feel the movement of the hips. Need one? I have some for sale at the studio! We dance barefoot so we can be really connected to the ground. If you would rather you can also purchase a type of dance shoe. something flat and that will not restrict your movement of your feet. You can get something that covers the full foot or only the toes or half of the foot. There are lots of options from something basic or something with a bit of sparkle!

Would you like to know something I did not hit on? I would love to know!

Are you ready to join me? Do you want to move your body? Do you want to feel good? Do you want to have fun in a warm, loving, safe, and supportive environment? I have a brand new session for beginners starting soon.

Are you ready to join us? Get Started Here: https://najlasdance.com/product/shakira-inspired-basic-bellydance-moves/

A short writing for you! Mermaid Soul

Mermaid Soul

Mermaid Soul. Love is not lost. It lies deep within you.

Mermaid Soul

Love is not lost.

It lies deep within you.

Mermaid Soul Go forth and shine brilliantly as you move and flow with grace and ease catching the delicate waves that caress and cradle you.

Mermaid Soul.

Be swift and quick as you remain strong and brave.

Follow your heart; singing your song and finding your true voice.

Mermaid Soul.

Rise above the waters in the darkness of the night as you cast and set your fears out to the sea drifting away. Mermaid Soul.

I see you as the moon softly beams radiating a gentle glow amongst the ripples of the water showing the golden flickers that that ripples through your hair softly gently flowing in the deep ocean blue.

Mermaid Soul.

Remain focused in your dreams, desires and passion.

Swim fiercely, stay strong. Look for the beauty of all things.

Mermaid Soul.

Collect your treasures along the way.

Adorn yourself and these delicate golden treasures will help you move into the direction your destined to go.

Do not be afraid.

Keep your heart open.

Do not allow your heart to be hardened or disappointed.

Love is not lost.

Mermaid Soul.

Writing & painting by Allie Joseph

Metamorphosis 8 week series Starts Monday!

Did you know I created a very special and unique course? We just finished our very first 8 week session and WOW is all I can say!! We are getting ready to start up again and I would absolutely love to have you join us!

Metamorphosis Through Movement, Healing, & Dance

With Allie Joseph

In Person Classes

Next Series Starts March 21-May 16th 2022! Monday’s 6;30-7:30 pm. This 8 weeks we will be Balancing each chakra through Movement, healing practices affirmations and more!

Week 1.  Getting Rooted (Root Chakra)

Week 2.  Getting in Touch (Sacral Chakra)

Week 3.  Finding your Power (Solar Plexus)

Week 4.  Loving You ( Heart Chakra)

Week 5. Speak Your Truth (Throat Chakra)

Week 6.  Trust Yourself (Third Eye Chakra)

Week 7.  Wear Your Crown (Crown Chakra)

Week 8.  Move with Confidence

Each class will incorporate:

+Meditation/breath work

+warmup

+I am statements

+beginner friendly yoga that corresponds to each chakra

+Movement/dance

+Cooldown

+group healing

Plus, Receive a mini healing session from me for FREE by signing up!

Keep Reading for More!!!!

With  the theme of metamorphosis, unique as we grow and expand, and will build upon each week, as we move our bodies and experience a new way of moving and being connected in our own skin.

Is this what you have been missing in your body, and your life? You know that it is time to move and enjoy your body as you are. If so, you will not want to miss any of this dynamic and inspired class.

This course will help you solve the many issues we face daily in our lives.

  • Feeling stressed out?  Through this course you learn how to alleviate stress through different types of movement.
  • Loss of connection in our bodies.  I will help you reconnect to your body and loving it through organic simple movement.
  • Loss of self worth.  I will help you build confidence back and to feel good  about yourself in a warm, loving, safe place.
  • To bring back some fun in your life!  I will help you to reconnect to your childlike self.  As adults, we forget or are told we can not play!
  • Play and movement is critical and it will help us bring back joy and fun!

This series will help you feel 

  • More balanced
  • Stronger in your body & mind
  • Empowered & confident
  • Lighter & alive
  • Enjoy the release of emotions & trauma that no longer serves you
  • Bring back a sense of play and fun
  • Relieve tension & pressure of your daily life
  • More self love & care for your beautiful self

Testimonial from Angie! She says after the first class!“I had such a great time at this class it was amazing and I not only had so much fun but stretched out my tight muscles to beautiful music through dance. As we age sometimes are muscles get very tight this is a fun and easy way to use them. The stress disappeared and relaxation took its place. Allie Joseph I for one am so glad I was recommended to you from SOBB Southern Ohio Bulletin Board and to whomever recommended me to her Thank you so much you have no idea how much I needed this! If you can I recommend you join this class you will not regret I promise!  Thank you so much Allie Joseph for such a great class believe me when I say you are changing lives with your talent and caring heart.

Metamorphosis Through Movement Level 1

*The first 8 weeks

Movement & Play. I will guide you through simple & easy movement. 

 You will be able to move at your own pace and move your body that fits you. There is no right or wrong. To just be your beautiful self.

 We will  move and play. Letting go, gaining self confidence, to feel light and balanced in our skin. 

This will help you bring in more self love and care, relieve tension and raise your confidence and feel empowered.

Metamorphosis Through Healing Level 2 Starts March 21st 2022 

Register Now! Here: https://najlasdance.com/product/metamorphosis-8-week-series/

I Invite you to Join Me Now…

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! 

All body shapes and ages are welcome.

Come as your unique, beautiful self!

Preregistration is required! Get your spot now! https://najlasdance.com/product/metamorphosis-8-week-series/

I am so much more!!

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I am so much more then just a dancer. I am a multifaceted being with many talents and desires. I am of course known as the belly dancer and that is how most introduce me because it is in the forefront of their minds. Yes, I teach Global Caravan Tribal Bellydance and I am a Master Teacher. But, because of this format and my own personal journey and growth I have discovered multiple layers of what truly makes me who I am!

I wanted to share something that I wrote and I feel this truly encompasses all of me. Keep reading on>>>

Who Am I really?

I am often know as the belly dancer…..

Yes, I am a dancer but there is so much more that meets the eye!

I have forged a new path. A path of my own.

I have created my own identity and life.

I am a dreamer and a believer.

I have taken my flaws and experiences of myself and changed my destiny.

I help women to overcome their own imperfections and help them see their own value & worth.

To be imperfectly perfect.

I am not ordinary.

I am a bad ass, motivator.

A Goddess of my own making.

Celebrating my differences and uniqueness.

Setting blaze to my true journey and life that is my purpose and passion of what I am meant to do.

To leave behind a legacy.

I am here to:

I am here to help, enlighten, to flow with grace & ease. To help build confidence and to excite! Helping women through not only dance, but movement and healing, this is my purpose. To live and do my best to help others through my own personal stories and experience’s. To allow them to step into their own beautiful power. I am creator of a community of bad ass women! I will make you believe in yourself. I am my most beautiful audacious self! Are you ready to join me? If you are read for more…………..

I have an amazing opportunity for you! I am offering a FREE 20 minute session specifically for you!

Free 20 minute session with Allie!  I would love to find out how I can help you go from Conflict to inner peace! To help you reduce, anxiety, stress and tension.  To feel better, more energy and to feel lighter in the body.  To help find your true connection to your soul and finding that inner peace within you.

Get It HERE………..https://najlasdance.com/product/free-20-minute-session-with-allie/

Who are you really?

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Who are you really? What do people see? Each one of us put on many different hats and we are so many different things to different people. We are parents, daughters, siblings, friends, the list can go on and on. We often identify ourselves at this first level. When we speak about it we may say; “Oh I am just a ____________________. Ok yes you are, but honestly you are so much more then that! We tend to put ourselves in a box/category; unable to see our true identity! Over the years, since being part of Global Caravan and doing certifications and training there is a little exercise we do that allows you to see that you are more then just a mom, dancer, or friend.

Here is a little fun thing to do to get you truly thinking who you are beneath the surface! Grab a pen and paper and start each sentence with I am. I am a mother, daughter and so forth very basic. Just write do not think just let the words flow onto the page. Once you are done now write “But really I am” Tap into your soul and your core. Who are you really? There is so much more then what meets the eye!

I am part of a writing course with Paulette Rees-Denis that started the beginning of the year and I have done this exercise many times before and each time it comes out different and completely amazing!

Want to join us? Click here: https://www.paulettereesdenis.com/product/from-the-body-to-the-page/

Keep reading below for my “I AM”

I am a dancer.

I am a teacher

I am a daughter

I am a mother

I am a meme

I am a Reiki practioner

But really I am….

a magical being

I am a bad ass

I am a creative vessel

I am a unique gem shining brilliantly

I am a powerful force

I am a beam of light & love

I am a warrior

I am a sensual women

I am a work of art

I am my own creation

I am talented & gifted

I am strong and rooted firmly planted

I am uncontainable

I am fiery and fierce

I am fun loving

I am passionate

I am creator of my life

I am a manifestor

I am a lover for all living things

So good! Write it, read it and then say it out loud! It will get you fired up! Who are you? I would love to know! Try it out and share it with me. Want to stay connected for what is going on with me at the studio, classes, writings, specials and more? Sign up for my newsletter and get a free meditation and yoga workout. I would love to have you part of my community!

Sign up here now: https://najlasdance.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=afdf1de6ca0de004755fcec63&id=0388bc5e7d

Check out my brand new page and learn what I can offer you with my Reiki Sessions plus my current specials: Metamorphosis Reiki by Allie

Do you love to move and dance? Join us for a brand new Session for Tribal Grooves Dance fitness! No experience is necessary just come and move your body!

Go here now; https://najlasdance.com/product/tribal-grooves-certification-online/

Get registered and lets move and have fun!

Age has no limit

Age has no limit and therefore is never too late to try something new. Age does not defy you on how you should look, act or be. This past weekend in both my classes this subject came up where one of my students she mentioned told someone who just happened to be younger that they were taking dance classes and the comment was you, really?

Ageism What is it?

Ageism definition:
Ageism, also spelled agism, is stereotyping and/or discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of their age. This may be casual or systemic. The term was coined in 1969 by Robert Neil Butler to describe discrimination against seniors, and patterned on sexism and racism. Butler defined “ageism” as a combination of three connected elements. Originally it was identified chiefly towards older people, old age, and the aging process; discriminatory practices against older people; and institutional practices and policies that perpetuate stereotypes about elderly people
. Definition from Wikipedia

I honestly had not heard of ageism but we talked about it in both of my classes and it turned into a good discussion. This is something I have come across myself; not just in dance but how I dress and look. Why do we allow a number to define how we look, feel or what we do?

A bit of story

Today I am going to share a bit of a story of getting older in regards to this subject. My mom would always say to me as I got older. When are you cutting your hair? It is to long for you now that you are getting older. My reply to her was never I will never cut it and I am just going to let it grow down to my butt and I did! It was my way to say I will never allow my age to define me.

We have grown so accustomed to this thought process that society says when we hit are 30’s, 40’s 50’s 60’s and even going into our 70s this is what we should do, not do, dress and or be. Why can we not be yourself? Why do we have to put a limit on ourselves.

Over the past years through my teaching; I have had the honor of teaching women of all ages! This dance is truly for everyone and age does not matter! Most of the women that come through my doors; the average age of when they start is in their 40s. I have had women in my class in their 70’s and 80’s and I am going to tell you they are usually my best students! Why? Because they know who they are, what they like and honestly they do not care about others opinions. They are doing what makes them happy and honestly that is all that matters! So be you your most beautiful, unique self! Be you!

Are you ready to try something new & fun?

I just launched my new 6 month course: Metamorphosis through Movement, Healing and Dance! We are one class in but you can still join us! If you are looking for a way to move your body but do not know where to start this is perfect for you! We will be focusing on:

  • Feeling stressed out?  Through this course you learn how to alleviate stress through different types of movement.
  • Loss of connection in our bodies.  I will help you reconnect to your body and loving it through organic simple movement.
  • Loss of self worth.  I will help you build confidence back and to feel good  about yourself in a warm, loving, safe place.
  • To bring back some fun in your life!  I will help you to reconnect to your childlike self.  As adults, we forget or are told we can not play!
  • Play and movement is critical and it will help us bring back joy and fun!

Join me for the whole 6 months and get a free 30 minute Reiki Energy healing session from me! Total Package price just $240.00! At the end of this course you will feel:

  • More balanced
  • Stronger in your body & mind
  • Empowered & confident
  • Lighter & alive
  • Enjoy the release of emotions & trauma that no longer serves you
  • Bring back a sense of play and fun
  • Relieve tension & pressure of your daily life
  • More self love & care for your beautiful self

Does this sound like it is something you have been looking for? Go here to preregister or find out more! Next Class is Monday 6:30-7:30 pm in person: https://najlasdance.com/product/metamorphosis-6-month-series/

Testimonial from Angie about this course:

I had such a great time at this class it was amazing and I not only had so much fun but stretched out my tight muscles to beautiful music through dance. As we age sometimes are muscles get very tight this is a fun and easy way to use them. The stress disappeared and relaxation took its place. Allie Joseph I for one am so glad I was recommended to you from SOBB Southern Ohio Bulletin Board and to whomever recommended me to her Thank you so much you have no idea how much I needed this! If you can I recommend you join this class you will not regret I promise!  Thank you so much Allie Joseph for such a great class believe me when I say you are changing lives with your talent and caring heart.