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In celebration of Valentine’s Day, let’s take time to reflect on what we bellydancers love about dancing in North Carolina.
Southern hospitality is the main thing people notice when they visit here from out of state - dancers in North Carolina just seem to be more polite, welcoming and supportive of each other.
I am blessed to have "grown up" as a dancer in the greater Triangle belly dance community (Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill and surrounding areas) with teachers who stressed the importance of community and of being welcoming and supporting of all dancers. The lesson I took from teachers like Qadria of Raleigh is not to regard others as competition, but more like friends and allies.
Azadi of Torque in Greensboro agrees:
"I love the support that bellydancers in NC give to each other. I am impressed with the tight bellydance community, especially in the RDU area. I feel like I am part of something great!"
The lesson we North Carolinians have learned is that when we support and encourage others, we in turn receive support and encouragement.
Nandana of Blue Moon Dance Company and also The Devoted Collective in Apex writes:
“I love that this area is so welcoming of new students and professionals. We encourage and support each other in so many ways that enables each of us to grow as dancers and individuals.”
In addition to our Southern hospitality, Perizade of Charlotte notes the loving nature of North Carolina dancers:
“What I love the most is the loving hearts of all the dancers. They truly Love themselves and it shows - in all the styles of dance - it is the common theme that ties them all together…Healthy self-image for all is encouraged through example - I believe this can heal the world! Just think of how many eating disorders and other unhealthy behaviours have been warded off through "BD therapy"! “
I heartily agree - go to any hafla in North Carolina and you’ll see a diverse range of sizes, shapes, ages, and ethnic backgrounds, all joyfully participating in this ancient art form.
In addition, North Carolina is very accepting of the diversities of bellydance styles. In some other parts of the country, for example, Oriental and Tribal dancers do not perform or socialize together, but in North Carolina it is very common to see a full range of styles showcased at haflas, with everyone socializing and dancing together. Many dancers here in North Carolina, such as Lisa Zahiya in Asheville and Kaitlyn in Jackonsville, are even “double threats” – dancers that are equally dazzling whether they’re dancing Oriental style or fusion syle.
No, we’re not all perfect, and not everyone loves each other. But overall, we should be proud of our welcoming community.
As we continue to welcome and assimilate more and more dancers from out of state, and as our bellydance community continues to mature and grow, I hope that we can retain our uniquely North Carolina spirit of inclusiveness, hospitality, and sisterhood.
I wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day and I also thank you for making this state a truly loving and special place to be!
About the author:
Haala is the webmistress for NCBellydance.org, and also a Teacher and Performer in the Triangle area of North Carolina. She is the wife of drummer John Price, and mom to two human and three feline children.
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