Spotlight Dancer/Troupe
Andrea

Circle Dance

What draws me to belly dancing is the connection to spirit. For me, it is a sacred dance, and therefore, a healing dance. It can heal the schism between our earthy, sensual nature and the part of us that is drawn to union with the divine.   

This can be experienced by the individual practitioner of the dance, and as a group, especially when we use the tribal style format, with it's emphasis on co-operation, sharing and non-verbal communication.  

I was always dancing. From age four, I studied ballet and tap, and as a teenager, my greatest thrill was going to sock hops [am I dating myself here?] or just dancing with my sisters or friends. In high school, I choreographed, directed and performed an ensemble show of contemporary pieces. By then I had given up my young girl's dream of becoming a prima ballerina, and traded it in for a flower child's vision of a hand-built house in the mountains, with family and gardens. I am fortunate to have achieved that goal, with lots of blood, sweat and tears, which has been deeply satisfying and life consuming for many years.  

Along the way, I studied herbology and became a certified Kinesionics practitioner, and then a massage therapist. My interest in health led me to several years of study in the internal martial arts, where I found great resources of regenerative energy.  

I studied with Vicki Noble, creator of the Motherpeace Tarot, which led to many [and ongoing] years of meeting with a wonderful women's group, diving deep into the mysteries of moon circles and ritual.  

But it was the pottery class which led me to belly dancing, as I followed a lifelong inclination to make and play dumbeks. I devoured all the music, and then videos that came my way, practicing the moves in my living room when no one else was home. The movements seemed very familiar, and easy for my body to do. I felt an awakening, a mysterious resonance with the music and mood of the dance. Maybe ancient memories...A stirring of exotic fantasies, yes, but also a sense of empowerment, a new image of beauty, grace, and strength---within  me!  

The abstract image of the goddess became more real, as I saw her reflected back in the mirror, and in the faces of the women I danced with. 

When we dance together, we are expressing a strong yet sensual, powerful yet vulnerable aspect of ourselves.  

Sometimes glimpses of ancient women's dances come through, and the Divine Feminine graces us with her presence. We access the Source, which nourishes the soul, and provides a way for us to express Spirit together, no matter what our background or beliefs. We dance our joys and sorrows, healing our corner of the world. We are restored to our places on the circle of life.

In 2006, I came back to teaching after a sabbatical, to the beautiful new Cedar Studio here at Candlewood. Built as part of the vision of this place as a gathering center for the  larger community, we also host yoga classes, workshops and retreats in this 2000 sq. ft. space. Check out the website for more info on our vegetarian Bed and Breakfast and retreat center: www.candlewoodretreat.com

Contact Andrea:  
email: andrea@candlewoodretreat.com

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powered by FreeFind       More about Yasmina Classes & Workshops Performance Schedule Shimmy Bliss Shimmy Bliss eBay Store Students Page Yasmina Yasmina's Blog Spotlight Dancer/Troupe of the Month Aaliyah Spotlight Link Belly dance auction sites: www.mybellydanceauctions.com (new auction from Bhuz.com) www.live-bellydance.com/ (site is based in the UK) www.etsy.com (home made goods above link is direct to belly dance section) What's New A Sampler of Belly Dance Styles a day of workshops with Helena Vlahos, Sherry V., Gina Cinardo and Yasmina  Saturday Oct. 25, 2008 Yasmina's 14th Annual Swap Meet  a day of workshops with Holly, Carrie Konyha, Morgiana and Yasmina - Come vend, shop, learn and network  Saturday, January 17th   Belly Dance A Raqs Sharqi Magazine 3408 W. Burbank Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505  818-567-3105 http://www.bellydancemag.com/   Carrie Konyha of Sedona, AZ Bellydance performer, instructor, choreographer. Voted Best Teacher in Sedona, Kudos 2007 Readers choice award Weekly classes in Sedona (beginning - advance),  Dance retreats, Workshops & Performances NATIONWIDE Traditional Raqs Sharqi , Tribal & Gypsy Fusion www.gaiadance.net  carrie@gaiadance.net  (928) 282-1587   Learn to  Belly Dance for fun!!     with Halyma's Belly Dance Lessons on DVD Great gift idea! Available online and in Ottawa Stores now! Clean and clear instructions for the basics of belly dance for any fitness level - no previous experience needed! www.bellydancingforfun.com Halyma@bellydancingforfun.com phone: 613.241.3397   Amira  International Emissary of Dance Original Videos, Music & Clothing For Your Belly™. Highest Quality 5-Star Rated Free Bellydancing Music Downloads www.amirasbelly.com   Belly Dance     classes / performances  Holly  928.300.4452 Aradia  of Las Vegas www.aradialv.com aradia11@aol.com (702)808-3430 See-fit Body Stockings Your second skin   Designed to be worn under your costume,    in flesh, black or fishnet crystal Lycra. For more info please visit www.see-fit.com Dare to be Bare! allow these beaded heavenly adornments to carry your imagination to a place of joy and spirituality as you experience the mystical language of dance Even if you don’t dance barefoot – consider our lovely foot jewelry as a finishing touch to your photography session while in full costume.   Many of our designs are made with genuine Swarovski crystals that sparkle like the sun.  You’ll look like a Goddess!  And if you’re planning a beach wedding, be sure to take a look at our Beach Bride Collection Seaside Aqua  This pair of handcrafted barefoot sandals combines a mixture of faceted ovals, tiny hearts, rondelles and pony beads in ocean-inspired shades of aqua.  The design is accented with gold Bali rings, ovals and rounds.   (Also available with silver accents instead of gold.) A mother of pearl shell medallion graces the top Handcrafted on durable,  elastic cord An array of designs and colors to match your costumes Available in Small,  Medium & Large Custom designs welcome Jewels by Jan http://www.jewels-by-jan.com   www.orientaldance.tv  http://thebellydancetrainer.com/   Shimmy Bliss Costuming Co. Tribal Belly Dance Supplies We receive in new items weekly so please  Check out our websites    www.shimmybliss.com or visit us on  eBay Would you like to see your ad here??  Check out the Ad Page for more info.