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February Dancer of the Month:
Sakinah Ali!
STLBD: Your name is very unique. How did you come across it?
Sakinah Ali: I researched names from the ME/African regions and found one I felt suited my personality. Sakinah means "peace of mind/tranquility". A tranquil, peaceful lifestyle is what I strive to maintain. I also find a sense of peace in BD.
STLBD: You are one of the few tribal dancers in this area. What is it about
tribal that made you embrace it?
Sakinah Ali: I fell head over heels in love with tribal bd after I watched Carolena Nericcio perform on a Fat Chance Bellydance DVD. Her presence is very powerful!! Her aura is amazing!! I've actually attended a performance and I don't believe I breathed the whole time Carolena was on stage. I could feel her radiate as if she were sitting next to me.
Along with the beauty of tribal bd, I love the philosophy behind it as taught by Carolena and others. Women are beautiful beings. Women are STRONG beings. We should celebrate our femininity and strength. We should embrace the beauty of Mother Earth and treat other living beings with respect as we all would like to have reciprocated.
STLBD: What do you look for in a teacher?
Sakinah Ali: PROFESSIONALISM!! I'm all about fun, but with physical activity of any kind, one has to know how to carry themselves and also be attentive and nurture their students. Knowledge of the human body and how it relates to this dance form is paramount. I also like knowing my instructors have years of dance experience. No one can say enough about the benefits from experience.
I am very fortunate to have two incredible instructors (Salwaa and Somra El Nubia). I feel very safe placing myself in their hands. After 1.5 years of instruction from both who constantly observe and tweak their students, I haven't had an injury even though they kick my butt on a weekly basis."
STLBD: Who is the dancer that you look up to the most?
Sakinah Ali: I love LOTS of dancers, both tribal and cabaret. Some are famous, others not so famous. I, of course, truly adore my local instructors, one of which performs cabaret.
Believe it or not, a dancers' skill is secondary in my mind. I look up to someone I would aspire to become, both on and off stage. A good example everyone can relate to is Rachel Brice.
STLBD: What skill do you do best?
Sakinah Ali: Ahhhh....I don't know! I am my own worst critic, so...???? I'll allow you to be the judge.
STLBD: When did you start bellydancing?
Sakinah Ali: I began down my path nearly four years ago.
STLBD: Do you have other performance experience?
Sakinah Ali: I've never taken dance prior to BD . However, I have been active playing piano and clarinet. I know...clarinets aren't cool.
STLBD: What are your dance goals for this year?
Sakinah Ali: I would love to find more time to practice and simply drill. Time seems to be the major obstacle at the moment. I would love to achieve the perfect snappy shimmy. I would also like to take instruction in other forms of ethnic dance. OH!!! And I want to learn to spin fire!!
STLBD: What are your thoughts on tribal fusion?
Sakinah Ali: Tribal fusion is my passion! There are no rules here. One can interpret his/her dance as their soul leads, as long as it's done with taste and respect. Traditional and contemporary bd, jazz, hip-hop, Bhangra...anything goes! I enjoy fusing dance combinations from various cultures while remaining rooted in ME dance. One can also have fun creating very unique costumes.
STLBD: You've been doing alot of traveling and performing. Do you see any new
trends we should be on the lookout for?
Sakinah Ali: Tribal fusion has taken off worldwide!! Goth BD is also gaining momentum.
October-Nisaa
November-Deserae
December-Somra
January-Diana
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