When leaving college I was prepared to live life a lot like Theory 101, 102, Counterpoint and Harmony 101, 102… meaning there was a rule for everything. Musicians always say it, “you have to learn the rules to break the rules.” As a music graduate I was highly trained to Read more…
Let’s face it. The past few weeks have been rough (I mean ROUGH!!) on everyone. I found myself feeling down and quite helpless. I saw so many people hurting, especially my friends of color and frontline medical workers. I thought, “I’m just a belly dancer. What can I possibly offer Read more…
Today’s guest blog is by Raena Take a tip from the underdogs: I’ve always been a sucker for a good old-fashioned underdog story. What is more inspiring than to watch the hardworking good guy/gal come back, just when it seemed that all was lost. These stories make great books and Read more…
Today’s guest blog is by Marisa I realized somewhere in my dance journey every message I internalized about what it means to be a woman showed up in my dance. My first teacher told me my hip bumps and drops were too soft. Yup; because when women show they’re in Read more…
Today’s guest post is by Laylianah When I was growing up, I absolutely hated PE (PhysicalEducation)! Of course, there were the obvious reasons: the psychological trauma of having to strip naked in front of your peers at a time when your body image is at it’s most vulnerable, seeing your Read more…
Today’s guest testimonial was written by Suzanne Meadows In 2006, I met Oreet at the NY Health & Racquet club. In all this time, she has been my dance teacher, my client, and now we can call her a long standing friend. We were graced to have her as a Read more…
Today’s guest post is by Laylianah! Like many people, I suffer from depression and anxiety. It’s not something I’m ashamed of, but I don’t typically broadcast it as a teacher for two reasons: 1) To avoid the well meaning “have you tried this” (I assure you, I have) or “just Read more…
Today’s guest post is by Marisa! You might not know that I’ve had a 110 pound weight loss, but what accompanied shedding that weight was losing my Mom right after I had half my thyroid removed, then into a divorce, while struggling with psoriasis, anxiety and depression. I’ve been working Read more…
Today’s blog is aimed at teachers and instructors, but it’s got life advice anyone can use: Back in my early teaching days, I had this fear of my students getting bored. And believe me, my students would let me know. New Yawwkas… need I say more?! So every week, I Read more…
Hummus: it’s a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine because it’s simple and delicious. It’s also become super popular in the Western world because it pairs so well with so many foods, and as such it’s available everywhere. Do you remember those little packs of cheese and crackers you got in Read more…
Hey Gorgeous, So, today is the conclusion of My Journey – my dramatic chapter blog about how I started. Highs and lows. Naysayers and doubters. Fitting the part. And voodoo dancing. Everything you’ve ever wanted to know (well almost)… Starting from day one. If you’ve been following along – saweeeet! Read more…
Hi Lovely, Previously, in Chapter Seven of My Journey… I competed in 7 competitions within 3 years. An acquaintance at a competition hit me with a “Calm the F*ck Down” truth smack that changed my dancing forever. From then on, I won 5 out of the 7 competitions. I felt Read more…
Hello again Gorgeous, Previously, in Chapter Six of My Journey… I was driven to prove both the naysayers wrong and to myself that I CAN have credibility in both worlds. So, I entered the Bellydancer of the Year Competition. Déjà vu struck as I made it to the finals but Read more…
Hey there my Beloved Beauties, Previously, in Chapter Five of My Journey… I couldn’t replicate myself so I created a VHS of the workout for my students. I saw the marketing potential and hired a PR company to promote SharQui on TV and publications. I was super busy. Although I Read more…
Hi again Beautiful, Previously, in Chapter Four of My Journey… I ceased the opportunity to create a format that was actually working. I was gaining more momentum through word of mouth and I felt like I finally “fit the part!” Woohoo! I spent about 2 years tweaking it, gave it Read more…
Hey there Lovely, Previously, in Chapter Three of My Journey… Finally – the sweet taste of some success! After working my booty off to build a solid reputation in the fitness industry, I managed to get a consistent core group of students. But then there was a shift in the Read more…
Hey Gorgeous, Previously, in Chapter Two… I auditioned for the traveling cast of, STOMP. Thought I was perfect for it. Made it to the last 50 peeps out of 623. I wasn’t part of the 30 people chosen. It didn’t end up being my “big break” and cried for a Read more…
Hey there Beauty Shaker, Previously, in Chapter One of “My Journey”: I moved to the concrete jungle of NYC right out of college. My days were hectic with technique classes, auditions and teaching group fitness. It was constant rejection after rejection, trying to make ends meet and hoping Read more…
Tahini is Key Tahini is a middle-eastern staple that adds flavor to so many kinds of dishes and recipes that it’s a no-brainer when it comes to keeping some on hand. It’s useful in so many types of recipes because it adds a complex, nutty flavor and a smooth, creamy Read more…
Hi Beautiful, So here it goes… I hope my journey inspires you to do YOU – even when you’re rejected or naysayers don’t accept you (ugh, can’t stand them). Well guess what… you’re the bomb dot com, and you can create your own reality – and aint’ nothin’s unreachable. This Read more…
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