Awards in Belly Dance!

Would you like something to aim for and some recognition of acheivement? You can now take examinations in Belly Dance! These are new and run by an official examination board for dance in general. There are currently two teachers qualified to enter students-Loreley Rice in Abingdon and Liz Selleck in Oxford. I decided to have a go and , even though I have been dancing for six years I had to start at the beginning with Bronze and Silver, which you can take together. I had some valuable tuition with Loreley and then took the exams along with some of her class students. I had to dance on my own, they were lucky enough to dance together (mistakes in routine more noticable this way!). It is only necessary to dance for about one ot two minutes, and the time soon passes. Although it was quite nerve racking but we all passed well and I achieved Honours for Bronze, Highly Commended for Silver. This is excellent standard though I think I need to work on my posture after the last few years of having babies...next project for Gold-backbends and floorwork. The examiners are judging on dance ability, they know only a little about Belly Dance! So there is no learning about rhythms, different styles, music and appropriate use etc but it will improve your general dance level and sense of achievement. It is also affordable and you don't need to stay away or travel long distances as is often the case in other training, and not possible for many women. After the exams (on Saturday 19th March) we went for a meal with some of Loreleys students at a Lebanese restaurant in Oxford. With John Sleiman along drumming, we had a fantastic evening. I must admit I did more dancing than eating. Once they put that music on I just have to dance...