A Mother/Daughter Bellydance Story

A Mother / Daughter Bellydance Story 
Why it's a great way to spend time together!

When I heard that Joharah was offering mother/daughter classes at BellyUp, it brought me back to the first days I started bellydancing more than 5 years ago. My mother and I were looking for an activity to do together; specifically an adult dance class. When we found a bellydance studio opening in less than a month our eyes lit up and we knew that it was for us. At the time I was 16 years old, in high school, and very self-conscious. My mother was 48 and wanting to see positive changes in her body.



Every class we learned proper posture, technique, drills and worked on choreography. I don’t think I had ever seen my mom dance before then, so when I glanced at her in the mirror I couldn’t help but laugh a little (co-ordination is not her forte).
It was a special experience. In these 10 weeks, my mom and I spent time together, sweat together, laughed together became more confident in our movements and more comfortable in our bodies. I’m so grateful to have experienced this with her, at this very important time in our lives. My mom no longer takes classes, but since this time I have become a professional belly dancer and my mom comes out to support me every chance she gets!


Leanna MNDL

Tips on how to become a better bellydancer!

How to be a better dancer. Tip # 1
The days when we're tired and don't dance very well, makes us appreciate the days when we dance at 100%. Accept the level you are at in your dance but then work like crazy to push your skills and knowledge to the next level. This makes you feel good about your dance and will increase your self-confidence. A confident dancer is a whole lot more fun and interesting to watch than a dancer who has given up!

Sarvy's Transformation through Bellydance!

I’ve always loved dance and dancing, In my 30’s I took some Salsa classes and did a short stint with ballroom dancing, both requiring willing partners which sadly I didn’t have. So I gave up. Then in my 40’s, I decided to try Belly dance when I saw Belly Up offering a free trial class. BINGO, I fell in love instantly and signed up for unlimited classes! Not only was it challenging mentally and physically, but Joharah and her students were all amazing AND I didn’t even need a partner! I’ve never been a girly girl. In fact, as a young girl, teen and young adult, I took pride in being as tom boyish as possible (possibly as rebellion on my diva mom.. ha!) Training and riding horses as a profession for over a decade gave me a lean strong body, self confidence, and tons of scars & bruises I wore proudly. I also did not have too many girlfriends as I could not relate to fashion, makeup and all the diva things, and therefore felt intimated by women. Life has a funny way of working though, .. I got married, quit my horse jobs and started working in front of a computer. That, and a couple of kids later, and my body expanded by about 50 lbs I can’t seem to shed, and I developed body image issues. So by chance, when I tried out bellydance, not only did I fall in love with the dance, but I found confidence in my body again, and as an added bonus, my inner DIVA!!! Who knew I would love makeup, glitter and fabulous clothes!!! And all the ladies at belly up are so friendly, and Joharah so supportive and positive, I actually enjoyed being around women, making new friends, and even performing. So much so, I got my 10 year old daughter Tara into it.. It only took a few lessons for her to truly enjoy the dance. She now shows off her moves at school dances, has found new confidence in herself and has even performed at one of the recitals!! I’ve even caught her practicing moves in her room when no one is looking! Thank you Joharah & Belly Up for a great experience my daughter and I will continue to enjoy together for a long time.

From a Fellow Dancer's View Point- About Chris!

Chris - Her story by fellow dance sister.

I have danced with Chris in Valizan’s class at BellyUp for at least 3 years now. When she came into our class, intermediate from the beginners class she was probably wondering what she had gotten herself in to. We were a loud and boisterous group and she often took a spot at the back of the class. As the years passed, saw her at the drill houses, workshops and even a pantaloon workshop as she explored and dabbled in the ATS world. This past year I feel that I have taken the time to get to know her better and her mantra seems to have been- I can never remember the moves we have been taught from one class to the next. Well, I can attest that while we all have that problem, her memory is much improved! She now often takes the lead spot while we dance in class and passes from one move to the next with a secret smile on her face- Yeah, I can do this…and you had better be following your leader! I have just had the pleasure of doing a duet with her at the BellyUp Student Recital and feel honoured for being her partner. Having found out that there was a song she fell in love with, I had approached her to see if she would be interested in doing a duet at the recital. She said sure. As this is an improvisational form of dance, I felt that whatever happens on that night, happens. But over the weeks of practicing with Chris, she came in one night and just blew me away. She was bang on the phrases of the song, passed lead and took it back seamlessly, crossovers and even threw in some moves that I never even thought of. The night of the show I was full of anticipation to get out there and dance with her as I so knew that she was going to do fantastic and so impress our fellow dancers. Which she of course did! So from coming from the back of the class, to leading a duet where you cannot hide behind another dancer, you have come a long way baby! Sherry

The Husband of a Bellydancer Story.

Ok, so it is not what you were thinking. My beautiful found her way to belly dance a few years ago. Initially it was Egyptian style that caught her eye. Then one day, she fell in love with the movement, costumes and adornments of American Tribal Style. She was hooked. She signed up for the classes at Belly Up under the guidance of the Mighty Valizan. My journey really begins there. Her transformation has been nothing short of enlightening. Her grace and self confidence have flourished in those classes. Not only through the life filled with dance, but the bonds that have grown with Valizan and the others in the classes, studio and indeed the entire belly dance community. I have been dragged into this life with her, although not unwillingly. She has been the core of my support these many years, giving my support to her and dance has been a thrill ride. Through this, we have both developed a very strong friendship that lives on outside of the dance world. All of this is fostered in the studio. Joharah has created such a beautiful home for these women to relish in each others common love. Everyone is welcome, everyone is encouraged. All of us are blessed by this new found family. John Hobbs Husband of a Belly Dancer

Cindy - My Journey into Bellydance

My journey began while looking for something to help alleviate the stress caused by a very rough period of time in my life. I also wanted to restore some quality time with my daughter. I tried going to a local all women's gym which had somewhat helped but I got bored. I tried yoga and pilates but still nothing was settling my mind. I saw an ad in the local paper offering bellydance classes My daughter and I bravely signed up and wonder of wonders it was the most amazing thing I have ever done! I finally found the ability to concentrate on something other than the bad things that were going on. I started to feel alive and come out of my shell I had been hiding in. I started to interact with others again. I spread my wings and flew! My daughter humoured me and danced alongside me (I think she knew I needed someone to hold my hand) for a little while but felt she needed to move on in another direction. One of the biggest things I've learned is that its okay to be any size or shape, and feel good about it! I've also discovered that the music can take me away to a magical place that helps me escape the reality of day to day doldrums and it's a healthy thing to do! Sure, problems continue to come and go but I now I feel better equipped to discern what's worth worrying about and what I can let go.

Marlee's Journey in Bellydance

Belly dancing has become my identity. It's my creative outlet, my life's passion. And, as with any passion, mine as been kept alive through new challenges, the quest for self improvement, and inspiration from my teacher and fellow dancers. When I joined Bellyup I was not a total beginner. I had had some experience in my twenties and again in my mid-fifties. But, when I reflect on what has transpired in the past three years, I am in awe! Back then I was really feeling the limits of my age. I was afraid to over-exert myself in case of injury. I thought my back was too fragile to handle deep hip circles. Three-point turns terrified me, and "cute" or "sexy" moves made me feel as if I looked ridiculous! Over time, with Joharah's encouragement and my own determination, I have become the dancer that never in a million years I imagined I could be! And it's not about the quality or calibre of my dancing --- it's all about the growth and improvement. It's been gradual and subtle, but the improvement is what continues to amaze me. I'm no longer fearful of new challenges that seem beyond my capabilities. I'm even starting to "let loose" on the dancefloor! Dancing is what keeps my spirit alive. Attending classes, and practicing and performing with my equally passionate dance "sisters" has enriched my life beyond words. Turn the music on and the smile on my face says it all! Marlee