I find masses of dancers emulating one or two popular dancers really boring.

. I am not sure who was afraid of who more; me of the audience or the audience of me. But we warmed up to each other in the following nights…

We have all been so blessed to know, laugh and dance with Shelina.

Dreamy love interest one minute to axis of evil in a jolt.

I quickly forgot all about the work I was supposed to do in Jordan and eagerly waited to see the pyramids and the famous dancers Sohair Zaki and Nagua Fouad.

I couldn't help thinking why Iraq and Kuwait, the two cultures whom I now felt I had an affinity with through their dance and music. Why on earth were they at war?

I barely blinked the whole evening taking in all the joyful ruckus around me including a sensual dancer who breathed the music through every pore in her agile body.

We heal the world when strong, unique women express their power by reclaiming and reuniting with their glorious bodies.

I am a big supporter of experimentation and fusion and feel it can co-exist with tradition.

As well, Farida said that ultimately there is no correct or incorrect steps or expression of the dance if the basic principals are intact.

Next day, I was called downstairs and introduced to two soldiers with several large weapons who had come to arrest me. My reaction was oblivious having no idea why.

After a while, he asked if I had forgotten how to talk. Indeed I had. It took a week or two to get back to my usual talkative self.

I could go on and on about the riches that Mahmoud has given me beyond his inspired and brilliant choreography.

4/ Remind myself everyday how lucky I am.

Teaching Beginner again, I get to contribute to lighting those initial fires of inspiration.

Bellydance can be both a feminist act of empowerment and sexualized spectacle and sometimes, at the same time. The message is in the hands of the Bellydance artist.

Understanding the importance of Oum Kalthoum and her music offers profound insight into Arab culture, poetry, art, nuance, and most importantly, the music that Bellydancers dance to.

Earthshakers was created to change the conversation.