Intro

Welcome to Baltimore Bellydance!

Two years ago a pile of old records changed my life. I was at my parents' house and found some LPs with photos of bellydancers on the jackets. They were my mother's--remnants of a bellydancing past. As soon I put the needle on the first record and heard the steady, exotic drumbeat, I was hooked. I wanted to be a bellydancer, too.

--Nerissa

Everyone has an experience when they were first introduced to belly dance. For some, it was just a glimpse of a beautiful art form; for others, it became a way of life. We all have our own special moments when we were touched by the dance. Some came from a dance background or are carrying on the steps that their mothers handed down. For others, we may have seen a bellydancer, or heard middle eastern music that inspired wonder and fantasy.

My first encounter with a belly dancer was at Marrakesh in DC. I wanted to go there for my birthday to see the dancers. I was completely enthralled by the music, the costume, her movements.

That evening when we arrived at home, I put on a flamenco cd and attempted to shimmy for my boyfriend, while clumsily re-enacting the sword dance that I had seen with a butter knife balanced on my head. Not quite the vision of beauty and grace I had witnessed at the restaurant.

The next day I ordered the Dolphina Goddess Workout video and not long after signed up for classes.

--Zahirah

Together we are Baltimore Bellydance. We started this newsletter and the accompanying website to connect dancers, teachers, performers and fans of the art in Baltimore and the suburban Maryland area.

It is our hope that you will join us in promoting this wonderful and ancient dance here in our area. For $20 a year, we are listing teachers in both the newsletter and website. For $10 a year, we will list performers and troupes on the website. Custom ads are also available for events, restaurants, shops, websites and vendors for both the newsletter and site.

Every three months, we will profile a teacher from the list--complete with an interview and professional photo shoot. We also plan regular articles on topics that pertain to the dance, such as a primer on middle eastern food, exercises to help the dancer, and how to select a high-quality costume.

There will be an updated list of local performances, as well as a schedule of workshops/educational opportunities within driving distance.

This is a free service, so email us if you are planning an event or show!

And we have more great surprises in store. So visit us often--we will be online by May 1. Send us your comments, questions and ideas at nerissa@baltimorebellydance.com and zahirah@baltimorebellydance.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon!