The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

For those who may nurture a secret desire to study the art of belly dance, you no longer have to travel across oceans to learn it; you can do it right here at home.

The new Belly Dance Bahamas company is teaching locals how to elegantly shimmy and jiggle just like the ancient Egyptians might have done to entertain their pharaohs and celebrate womanhood.

Samira Petaawii, a dance instructor, told Tribune Woman Belly Dance Bahamas was started to offer Bahamians a chance to explore another side of African dance.

"There is such a deep femininity to this dance form. The movements were first created to help the body prepare and recover from childbirth. It is an ancient dance form rooted very deeply in Africa and I connect with that as I connect with my own African ancestry," she said.

It was after she moved to Calgary in Canada that Samira first began to explore different types of African dance: West African dances from Senegal and Guinea, and the North African belly dance. She is grateful to her teacher Everett Beckles, whom she said had the same insight into and respect for the culture as she did.

Through his kindness, dedication and generosity, Samira said a whole crew of second generation immigrants grew to love African dance and themselves. Even now, 25 years later, they are all still dancing, hearing the drums, which for black women today, is a necessity.

"I studied and performed extensively in my 20s, taught a few classes and moved on to other styles. I have always loved dance. Growing up in rural western Canada there were not a lot of opportunities for black children to relax and be in a space that reflected their culture," she said.

"To fill that need, our parents organised a Caribbean dance troupe where we could learn dance styles, listen to music and explore our roots. This had a tremendous impact on me, and as I left to study at university I began to explore all facets of African dance, one of which was belly dance."

Talking about some of the benefits of learning how to belly dance, Samira said it helps with body positivity, as it is a dance to celebrate womanhood. Belly dancing is also a great workout for the abdominal and pelvic areas. And aesthetically, she said, it's dance that offers grace and beauty, full of smooth, rounded movements, gorgeous posture and a delicate earthiness. There are also elements of ballet in the dance, as much as there is the beat of the African drum.

"I am not a professional dancer, nor do I wish to be at this stage in my life, but I feel most myself when I dance and I felt ready to teach, so I made it happen. If you feel called to do something, there is room for you. Do it. The inner voice is a serious thing, so listen and follow. I had been trying to start a class for a few years now, but was always too busy. Once I made that commitment to myself, everything fell into place. I realise now that making time for dance helps me in all other aspects of my busy life," said Samira.