This past week I had a wonderful opportunity to talk with Leyla Najma on my thoughts and experiences as a dancer and teacher and what
belly dance has done for me as well as my thoughts on image of not only me but women in general.  So, this past week has been a reflection on the interview and I just wanted to share with you some of my thoughts.

I first want to talk about self-image of women and society.  Why do we get so caught up in someone else’s view on what we as women should or should not look like?  We are surrounded by it; it is in magazines,movies, newspapers, TVs, in our schools and even in our workplace.  So how do we cope with it and how do we realize that what we are seeing is not real. Just this past week, I had a customer who I was working with on skin care and make-up application she looked at the huge picture of a model that had perfect skin, perfect make-up and said; “I want to look like her”!  We both laughed, realizing that each of us knew that underneath all that make-up and the touch ups of camera’s and other
effects the model was not perfect and when it is all said and done the models are just like you and I.

It should not matter what someone else thinks about you, but about how you feel about yourself, that is what is the most important.  What matters is what is on the inside and not on the outside; because when you feel good on the inside it shines through on the outside.  We need to grasp ahold of our uniqueness and realize that nothing or no one else matters but how we feel and how we think.  Forget about what
society says and follow your own path and your own beat.  You are beautiful and there is no one else out there like you

Since I started belly dance it has changed my perspective on my own self-image and women in general.  This dance has given me confidence, strength, and self-acceptance of my image and grabbing hold of the beauty that has been hiding deep down inside
me.  When I look at my students and other women I see each one of them as hidden gems each one of you are unique and
beautiful!  We are strong and we need to stand together and forget what society says what we should be or not be.   Let yourself sparkle and shine, be yourself, enjoy each and every moment!  Dance inthe wind!

Visit:  bellydancevillage.com and listen to the interview I had with Leyla Najma.  “Egyptian Cabaret comes to Chillicothe”

.