Teachers, Mentors and Inspiration. Part 1: ATS/ITS

Since taking up bellydance in late 2006, I’ve been amazed by the community in this dance form. After having taken maybe four lessons with Melusina, I attended a workshop with Rachel Brice which, coming from a ballet background, was such a strange concept to me. I’d seen her youtube clips, watched her on stage, and then here she was standing in front of me, sharing every piece of knowledge we asked of her and treating us as her peers.

As I’ve found my feet in the belly dance world, admiring dancers from afar, then getting to know them in person, first as teachers, then as friends, I’ve continually been overwhelmed by the generosity of some of these women. Even though I’ve moved on from group improv because it’s not where my heart is, there are some amazing American Tribal Style and Improv Tribal Style dancers who continue to influence and inspire me…

I’ve taken a total of two workshops with Dee Thompson of Tribal Blossoms from Queensland, and as beautiful and inspiring she is as a performer and teacher, she is equally supportive and encouraging outside of the studio. Most of my contact with Dee has been online, but just thinking of her makes me feel supported, like a big sister who has my back. She’s always come along with words of encouragement when I’ve needed them most.

Acushla Mkrtschjan of Body Temple Dance Company in SA is another dancer and teacher I’ve spent nowhere near enough hours with as a student, but has been a guiding light in my dance over the past few years. One of my most favourite performers to watch, with such a distinctive style, Acushla is so down-to-earth and willing to share her knowledge, and has supported me in so many ways.

I’ve probably spent most of my time studying ATS with Sonia Jewer, also of Body Temple Dance Company. She’s pushed and encouraged me, and helped me to develop confidence as a performer and a leader. She’s listened to my rants and dreams and ideas, and taught me to find a balance between structure and fun in my training.

Melusina was my first bd teacher, but aside from a short workshop before I dove into circus for a while, I didn’t start learning her ITS format, Red Belly Black, until 2009. Mel has taught me not to take myself so seriously, and that play can be introduced into my practice without my technique needing to suffer for it.

And of course, I can’t mention my ATS/ITS influences without a nod to Paulette, who reminded me that I can be inspired by this dance without playing by the rules, and to Carolena, who inspires me to keep making the dances that I want to make, rather than the ones that audiences expect to see.

(Source: ffraid.com)