舞蜻蜓技藝短期補習班-鍾意珊

How it all began...

Soooo, it all started in February 2007 when I registered to attend a multi-level workshop at the Suhaila studio, in Albany, or the mothership as we call it...

I first learned bellydance in 2003, and in 2006, came across the Bellydance Superstars DVD where Suhaila performed her violin solo. I was immediately attracted to the uniqueness of her dancing and after checking out her website, signed up for the next multi-level in Albany. I remember so clearly the first day of the workshop...I was so excited but also, so nervous: I was going to meet Suhaila and study with her! As soon as she appeared in the room, I felt so intimidated and could barely talk when we were asked to introduce ourselves. She then asked if there was anyone who never had never tried her format before, and to my horror, I was the only one to raise my hand..OH man!!! The "poor you" glances I received from the other participants made me want to rush out of the door! After three days of understanding my body, finding and strenghtening the muscles needed for different movements, I tested for Level 1 and left the studio in awe...Upon my return to Taiwan, I knew that I wanted to continue training in the program and flew back that summer for Level 2...and this has been the beginning of a very challenging, inspiring and mind-blowing journey!

Why the technique?..

But....why not????....

Being in the program has definitely brought some changes in me, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. Getting to understand my body better, knowing how to take better care of it and training to control my muscles have made me much stronger. Born premature, I have had some health issues (joint rheumatism) as a child, and even though I was a dance major, I didn't train to the maximum then. The Salimpour format increased my stamina, endurance and all the muscle strenghtening exercises started to show on my figure..I started to get curves!! Yes, curves!!!.....and I loved it!

As a dancer, I am always surprising myself as time passes because as my technique is getting more solid, I am able to do more and more complex moves and I love being challenged!

Gradually, I could feel a change also in my teaching  and I could witness the change in my students...I started sponsoring and promoting the Suhaila format in Taiwan, and though it was, and still is, very demanding, I am very happy of my students' interest and progress. Being able to share the format with them and watch them grow make me really happy! And the more they progress, the more I have to push further and the more I push, the more I grow....thank you ladies!

As a teacher, I am very grateful of the Salimpour format and all it has taught me..thank you Jamila and Suhaila!

Also, being brought in a more conservative culture, I was used as a kid to keep to myself. The program helped me to understand more about my personality, and getting to know myself better made me stronger mentally...I started to change my point of view on certain things, and when faced with life challenges, I am more confident, responsible and relaxed. There were so many times when life got tough and I felt like giving up, but I kept going. I remember  Suhaila's words on that first workshop day at the mothership...when you're drilling and get frustrated or emotional, you can cry (or shout), but you can't leave the circle...you have to go on! It hasn't been easy and believe me, I have had to put up with a lot of inner struggles and disppointments, but in the end, I like the ME i'm becoming..I like the new ME better each time!

As a woman, the Salimpour format have taught me to respect myself, to believe in myself and to put heart and mind in what I want to achieve and to go for it!

As a performer, I have learned how to respect my audience, respect the music (and musicians), respect my dancing. I was given the opportunity and priviledge to perform with Bal Anat a few times and they were one-of-a-kind experiences I will never forget. I always leave the stage greatly inspired and humbled..thank you Suhaila! Performing, however, is a field that needs much much more polishing and I'm looking forward to what the program has in stock for me in the future.

Why the certification?

"What? You are going to Albany to train again? Why??"..This is a question I've been asked so many times and yet, my answer has been the same every time.." Because I still have a lot to learn, because I need to train to get to the next level..."

To me, certification is knowing I'm on the right path, knowing that I'm struggling the right way and enjoying my reward. It's telling me it is alright to spend so much time doing homework, sacrificing my time with my family, friends and pushing myself to that point of just giving up...it's telling me I'm doing good as a teacher and that I'm passing on right information and technique to my students and it gives me a sense of fulfillness and pride to see my students grow!

Certification is giving me the freedom and right to say I am an educated and trained dancer, to be who I am, to dance who I am...

As a sponsor, bringing the program and certification to Taiwan is sharing my beliefs, my hopes and helping dedicated dancers to fulfill their dreams within their limited budget and time.

Resources

In the Salimpour school, students are required to do a lot of research on the middle-eastern culture , history and arabic music. As the program evolves, we need to equip ourselves with more information and educate ourselves as much as we can. The school website provides tons of resources which are constantly being added and revised and it is really a  "heaven library" for us. Thank you Salimpour school!

Suhaila International

Another aspect I love about the Salimpour format is to be able to meet wonderful dancers from all around the world..it doesn't matter where we're from, what color we are, or what language we speak...we all speak Suhailish! And it is not only when we are in Suhaila land...we have that common bond that stretches through miles and miles, oceans and oceans...we have that common fire that burns in our hearts...and when we do meet again at the mothership...Woo Hoo!! We have a blast!!

Thank you to all sisters (and brothers) from every part of the world that have supported me, cried and laughed with me at the mothership...love you! Hope to see you very soon!

Ｍｙ　Ｓａｌｉｍｐｏｕｒ　ｐｉｃｔｕｒｅ　ｇａｌｌｅｒｙ：

http://dancedivas.pixnet.net/album/set/15849588?before=683154294

For more information on the Salimpour school and certification program, please click below:

http://www.salimpourschool.com/