Safira of Bellydance Kalamazoo

About Me

I'm a belly dance teacher/event producer, wife, mom, La Leche League Leader, and No. 1 cheerleader for my dh's band: 33rd Street Band
Community builder: Bellydance Kalamazoo Community
I've been on stage performing for over 30 years in one capacity or another, doing everything from singing, dancing, acting, choreographing, and directing. I'm a classically trained vocalist, mediocre guitar player, and all-around percussion lover. I found middle eastern dance 6 years ago, and haven't looked back! It is by far the most creative, personally expressive performing art I've ever encountered.
I teach because I love creating an inclusive community of fun, supportive, creative women doing something they love together. And obviously, I love the art form and I love sharing my enthusiasm with others! (The shiny costumes aren't bad either!) I also derive great satisfaction in watching peoples' self esteem grow as their skills improve. I have 12 years of teaching experience, and I've been teaching this dance form for 3 years. I make it a priority to teach to all types of learners. :)
Visit my website: Bellydance Kalamazoo
My Space or Yours? Myspace Layouts and more at myspaceoryours.net!

My Interests

Bellydance Kalamazoo

Middle Eastern Dance, girlfriends, yoga, nutrition and whole foods, knitting, fine art, old movies, cooperative communities, unschooling, family, and so much more...

Here's Isidora with some profound thoughts on dance & the human condition:

I'd like to meet:

I like most people, I think everyone has something interesting about them. But I enjoy people with wit and brains the most. :) I'm actually interested in meeting dancers, drummers, and people who create middle eastern or middle eastern inspired music.

Music:

Middle eastern for sure, but also love classic rock, vocal jazz, 30s jazz, classical, opera, folk & bluegrass, world, new country and Johnny Cash, and the guy (or gal!) in the coffee shop with just their guitar.

Movies:

LOVE movies, but I don't have a lot of time to watch. When I do, it's usually something foreign or a documentary, or film noir. Probably my all time favorite movie would be The English Patient, with Casablanca a close second.

Television:

Very little! PBS, or a concert, or sports.

Books:

Biographies, and author Anne Morrow-Lindbergh, especially her book Gifts From the Sea.

Heroes:

Joan of Arc, Emily Bronte, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie O, Princess Diana; (OK, I know, they're all dead!) Also, my great-grandmother Esther, who had an amazing gift of making everyone she ever met feel special, God rest her soul.

My Blog

Glean the Most From a Dance Workshop

So you're going to a dance workshop! Congratulations on deciding to further your dance horizons! Dance workshops can be fun, exciting, and creatively inspiring. They can also be extremely disappoin...
Posted by Safira of Bellydance Kalamazoo on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:04:00 PST

Helene Eriksen Coming to Kalamazoo

If you don't know who Helene Eriksen is, check out her web site:http://ww.helene-eriksen.deSee the RED poster on my profile for info on the 3 SHOWS she'll be involved with while she's here.In case you...
Posted by Safira of Bellydance Kalamazoo on Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:10:00 PST

Photos

I'll be posting lots of photos over the next several days. There were a lot of photos taken of me and my performing gals over the past couple of weeks, and it will take me a few days to get to them a...
Posted by Safira of Bellydance Kalamazoo on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:34:00 PST

Hafla Tomorrow Night! Henna, Dancing, Food, Fun, Friends!

OK that title pretty much said it all, didn't it?! ;)Here's the details:7PM, at the Bullard School (431 E. South, Downtown Kalamazoo)BYOB, and a Finger Food to ShareDOOR PRIZES!!! :)$5 at the doorSpec...
Posted by Safira of Bellydance Kalamazoo on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:32:00 PST

Be Strong!

I've been exploring ways to build strength for myself outside of dance lately. Yoga is a no brainer, and I've done that for a while now. I've also been biking, and walking, and generally taking the ...
Posted by Safira of Bellydance Kalamazoo on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:20:00 PST

Summer Classes & Student Hafla!!!

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Posted by Safira of Bellydance Kalamazoo on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:40:00 PST

Sarah Mayne Egyptian Choreography Workshop! 6/15

Come join us in Kalamazoo for an Egyptian Choreography Workshop with the lovely and talented Sarah Mayne!You don't want to miss an afternoon of study with Sarah! She's fun, talented, and she'll work...
Posted by Safira of Bellydance Kalamazoo on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 01:38:00 PST

A Review: Sahra Saeeda Workshop

I traveled last weekend to northern Indiana for a workshop with the highly respected Sahra Saeeda. (www.sahrasaeeda.com) I have one of her videos, and several of the cds she has produced, and I was ...
Posted by Safira of Bellydance Kalamazoo on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 09:07:00 PST

Trees, dance, and other things...

I love getting outdoors for some yardwork! :) Plant a few trees, clear out some brush, trim a few bushes. My family does most of the work, and I act as fore-woman. You know, The Queen in charge of ...
Posted by Safira of Bellydance Kalamazoo on Sun, 18 May 2008 01:26:00 PST

Bellydance Classes May-June 2008

Bellydance Kalamazoo? Springtime Greetings Dance Friends! ?Spring has sprung! Are you taking advantage of the beautiful weather to get outside and move your body? Let our beautiful dance give you so...
Posted by Safira of Bellydance Kalamazoo on Sat, 10 May 2008 05:00:00 PST