The Art of Exotic Dancing for Everyday Women

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A LETTER FROM THE FRONT LINES
3:37 p.m. "My co-worker turns to me and asks, what do you think it was?" "Sounded like a mortar on the other side of the camp, I reply." Mortars, rockets and car bombs, never did I dream I would spend so much time in a place to be able to discern between each.My name is Jennifer, I am 31 and I am currently on my second tour to Baghdad, Iraq. I am a Contractor working for the Department of Defense. To put it simply, we build up Military Bases for the Coalition Forces. Our main goal is to take care of the troops, providing adequate living quarters, meals and MWR (morale, welfare and recreation). We do as much as we can to make it more comfortable for the troops while they are here!I have always been a fan of dancing no matter what it was, I started belly dancing 12 years ago. I know that belly dancing can be a very sensual dance, but I was ready to peel away that outer layer to let the real me bloom.I happened upon AOED's website in mid 2006. The philosophy behind what I read was tremendously comforting, just by reading it; I was ecstatic about taking a class!My first class….I was so nervous! As I walked in and met the other women who were taking the class with me, I realized they were just as nervous as I was. I believe that once we all chatted, we started to become more at ease being there. There is a feeling of camaraderie that kicks in instantly. Our instructor was awesome, thorough and very supportive. My second class was just as equally fulfilling and fun. It’s amazing what a boost of self confidence is gained by taking these classes; each class leaving you more aware of yourself. Walking away from these incredible classes leave you with a better sense of well being, I cannot imagine one woman walking away from a class not feeling more in touch with herself mentally or physically. Also, who could leave a class not feeling sexier?My goals for this next year are to keep practicing, (thank goodness my husband is here with me!), attend classes on my R&R’s when possible and to focus on becoming an instructor by 2008 and opening my own dance studio. I would love to be able to make a positive impact in a woman’s life like AOED has done for me!Keep dancing and let that Goddess within you shine! Whatever you are feeling or want to share, let us know! Share your thoughts here.

From the Desk of The Co-Creator Ten Years after the first ever Class, I continue to be inspired by the transformation that women experience after just one class; feeling more confident, less inhibited and totally free, regardless of age or size. The icing is feeling beautiful and sensual too. I am so privileged to be able to continue providing these classes for women throughout the country and in Europe and Asia with a team of the most extraordinary Instructors. If you are new to our experiences, Welcome! If you are a regular, thank you for being a part of such an amazing group of women; empowering women of the world, starting with ourselves!

“Stepping Out of The Box”With all the new offerings, there has never been a better time to focus on the topic of stepping out of your comfort zone. What happens when we do this? Based on my experience from touching thousands of women’s’ lives, it is really quite simple what happens. What actually happens when we create the possibility of growth and stretching beyond the day-to-day comfort of the roles we have mastered? I have experienced myself and witnessed women try simple 15-minute exercises that have them feeling self expanded versus self-limited by their daily roles. Sometimes we women neglect various aspects of ourselves for a multitude of home and career responsibilities or other reasons that keep who we are limited and in the box of how we have defined ourselves or how others have defined us. Self-expansion comes from within and it is amazing how in a short amount of time and with conditions that support growth a woman’s comfort zone expands . Through my facilitating I witness and experience a women becoming reacquainted with or discovering new aspects of her true, authentic nature and leaving The AOED Experience feeling confident, empowered and renewed. It is truly a gift and a privilege to be a part of a women “Stepping Out of The Box” and into herself.Leah Stauffer Co-Creator, The Art of Exotic Dancing for Everyday Women®