Tuesday, December 28, 2010

2010: A Year in Review

Well, here we are again; another end to another year, and what a year it has been! I moved back to South Florida, lost friends, made friends, went green and recycled dates one too many times with the wrong man-friends, got a new "day job", bought way too many pairs of shoes, moved into a new place, fell in love with Drake.... so much has gone on but the one thing that stays consistent in my life, like man's best friend, is belly dance. I didn't think it was possible to fall any deeper in love but by the looks of my waving white flag, I've surrendered. It's a sick love affair. Belly dance has been there for me in the morning, late at night when I close my eyes, hoping to reach REM before the alarm sounds, and all the hours in between. I dance while showering. Who does that?! -Sidebar, if you do that please email me so I can feel less strange. End Sidebar-

Shortly after being exposed to belly dance a few years ago, I felt confined. I felt as though I'd hit a ceiling and could not advance to where I wanted to be for multiple reasons that I won't divulge here. I did not wish to color within the lines or be a cookie-cutter dancer, bringing one's opinion of what a dancer should look like or dance like to life. I'm not a puppet. I've always been a "think outside the box" kind'a gal. I just want to be me. This year, after my move back home, I felt a surge of growth. Whether belly dance, ballet, hip-hop or any other genre out there, dance is all about growing; learning from others to become a better and stronger dancer and this year, I got the growth I've been seeking and can't wait to continue. I actually place my head and back against my living room wall and, using a ruler and marker, I note my belly dance growth. If you didn't think my dancing in the shower was weird, this'll do it. ;)

In 2010, I stood out and was "recognized" by big-named talent on three occasions while participating in various workshops. Yes, I counted because it meant so much to me. Leave me alone! They were such humbling experiences and lit a fire under my butt to grow even more and continue to be me. Who knows, maybe I'll enter competitions next year. I'm a Libra, which means I don't handle rejection well so I'd have to be emotionally prepared to face the consequences of losing if that happens, ha!

In 2010, I was fortunate enough to be invited by Nathalie Zarate, owner of Dreams Bellydance Academy and founder of the Miami Bellydance Convention, to teach at her studio. No matter what kind of day I had from 9 AM- 6 PM, the minute 8:45 PM rolled around I was the happiest and luckiest person because I got to escape and share my interpretation of music and movement with a wonderful group of women. Teaching has always been an awesome feeling.

In 2010, WBDA was born! Momma Jenny [no relation to the pizzeria] and momma Nara got together and hatched a beautiful baby and I am so excited to be a part of it. I guess I'd be a second cousin to this baby but no matter the relation, I love it unconditionally. It was an honor to team up with WBDA to throw the April 2010 hafla and I cannot wait to work with them on future projects. Love you, ladies! Let me also shout out daddy Lee and the wonderful work he does as well!

When I sit and reflect, as I so often do, 2010 was a pretty good year but I am sooooo psyched for what is in store for 2011. January is already looking fabulous and there is so much more in the works. I can't wait to share my experiences with you as they happen. I can't give it all away now! Who wants to see a movie after being told what happens? Not me! So, you'll have to stay tuned. ;)

Happy New Year, everyone! Until next year. :)


6 comments:

  1. Nawar, you are SO deserving of all of this! We are so honored to have you as part of the WBDA family. Thank you for everything & for being such a genuine friend to me! Lots 'o plans for 2011! Need to update you on so much!

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  3. Thank you so much for sharing this! Hearing you talk about your journey of growth gives me so much hope for myself :) Oh and I dance in the shower too..sssshhhhh ;)...And it has been absolutely incredible to meet Jenny and Nara and learn from them. I'm so grateful :)

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  4. @ Jenny/Noureen, are you kidding? Thank YOU for being the dancer & wonderful friend that you are. So glad we met. Let's catch up soon!

    @ Lorien, I am happy that I can inspire you to reach for more. Never stop!! :) And thank you for admitting to dancing in the shower. That's two people so I guess I'm not strange after all, ha! Jenny & Nara are the biz-omb! Thanks for reading. :)

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  5. Nawar--Hey there--I had to share too. If you remember my first sharing of the stage was with you ladies, as well as classes, workshops, etc. It is wonderful to have a family to watch us grow. It has been an awesome year for me too. Joining a troupe UNDER SAMORA!! What?!?!?! One shimmy dream come true, Black Orchid--Tito, DaVid, Ahava--loved it! Reda, Morocco, Atlanta Fusion, WBDA's hafla (one of my fav performances), my birthday hafla (FUN!!!), Nicola's is always a blast.

    I have grown a lot and SOOOOO look forward to 2011.

    This year I am working on being more disciplined at home which is hard for me. There are too many distractions at the house...kids at the door, cat rying to snag props when practicing, hubby literally stalking me when he see me dance.

    Shower moves?? We are actually using a sequence I made up in the shower in our next number--so shower dancing works too, coffee room at work, while brushing your teeth, at the microwave, definitely while driving and my favorite--when you can't fall asleep.

    More Shimmy for 2011 Let's do it ladies!!

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  6. Saniyah, thanks so much for sharing your year-end wrap-up. How great is belly dance? So proud of you and what you have accomplished. You raq and you deserve to have your dreams come true, love. I know how much you adore your dance troupe and you ladies are fabulous. I see you on YouTube!! :)

    The only way to go from here is up! 2011 will be fantastic. So now that's three people who also dance in the shower...I'm feeling pretty sane right now, ha!

    Until we share the stage again,

    Nawar
    <3

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