Yesterday was a day for dance. It was the day where all the dance classes of the fall semester got to show what they learned. It was a time for showing off and trying your best, after the all the hard work put in throughout the semester. It was time to dance.
I was in the Middle Eastern Belly dance and this would be my second year participating in the Day of Dance at Humboldt State. My experience in belly dance was a great one. Side by side with one of my best friends we learned about a new culture and experienced a piece of it first hand. We learned Turkish, Andalusian, Gypsy, and the classics belly dace. We also practiced famous cultural dance like the kaliji and the cane dance. We learned where these dances come from and why they are practiced. It's different to hear about something or to read about it and then to do it. We learned about a new culture then we tried it. We did something that in the begging was so foreign but after a while we started to pick it up, it was a hole new style of movement. We got into the grove of things and became something bigger then ourselves. We were no longer just students, we were belly dancers.
Middle Eastern Belly dance brought together students a Humboldt State. Brought together for a love of dance and new experiences. We fought for a common cause, to learn all we could and have a great time doing it. In the end we banded together to try and look our best on stage, it was our time to shine.
With only a few weeks of practice under our belts the day of dance came upon us. We rehearsed the dance and took a tour of the stage, then it was time to get ready. You could feel the nerves building. It was nothing but cauos in the changing room, as garments flew around, clothing be thrown off, and make-up being piled on. It was amazing to see all the outfits people came up with. In the end each person had their own flare and style. Personalities were clearly present in the clothing. For the night, it would be our new identities. It was great to look around and see people helping each other. Helping put on make-up, brush hair, or choosing an outfit. By the end we were all friends.
Together we practiced our dance out in the hallways and started to warm up for the performance. Each of us was willing to help one another. We all wanted the same thing, we were here for a common purpose. I practiced the moves as the last hour was ticking down. I was trying to fight back nerves. I looked around and I recognized the nerves yet excited expression of each dancer. Then it was show time.
It was our time to take the stage. As the drums started we danced our way to the stage. The stage is a hole new experience for those who have only witnessed it from the seats. It's a hole new culture of people who are willing take the stage. The pressure was upon us, knowing that everyone was watching. We did our best and we made many mistakes. Yet, it was a great thrill. It felt wonderful to be on stage. Each dancer looked excited and wide eyed as they exited. For each part of the dance I nailed I felt great. It was a blast.
After our dance I took many photos. I wanted to remember this night. When in life will we ever have a chance to do this again, to wear these customs again? When will we ever be able to call ourselves belly dancers? We all looked amazing and each of us beamed with pride at what they had accomplished tonight. It was a moment to remember and I wanted it to last. Finally the make-up and the customs came off. Each of us left our belly dancing identities behind and became Humboldt students once more. We all hugged each other and wished good bye. Belly dancing had brought us together and made us friends. Most of us might never talk again but everyone held this moment in their hearts. We had each shared something together. When we pass each other at school it may just be a simply nod of hello but in that one glance we will recognize each other as fellow dancers.
Dancing brings people together and it brings peace. For a moment no one thinks of the problems they are facing or the finals they must take. All that can be thought of is the dance and how much fun it is. Even my boyfriend was rocking out in the audience like a crazy person. It is a time for fun, a time for expressing ourselves, and a time for healing.
