Each month, we feature a Bright Star teacher and student pair, who share with us their own special experiences in dance.
Teacher Spotlight: Joanne Rawlings-Sekunda – American Tribal Style Belly Dance
Thursdays, 6:15-7:15 PM – Fall Classes start September 17, 2016
Q. What’s your movement background?
A. I started dancing in the ’90s as a way to cope with the heaviness of caring for my husband during a major episode of mental illness. In the dance studio, I had to be completely focused; it was a mini-vacation from the anxiety dominating my life. My first dance-love was hip hop; I studied with Missy Cloutier and Vick Perreault for 14 years.
I was first captivated by a belly dance performance about 10 years ago at the Maine Festival at Thomas Point Beach, but it took a couple years for classes to fit into my schedule. I’ve had the pleasure of studying with many of Maine’s most graceful dancers, with Jeanne Handy, Emma Holder, and Rosa Noreen as my primary teachers.
I stumbled onto my primary form of dance — American Tribal Style bellydance — through a workshop hosted by [local teacher] Emma [Holder]. Since ATS is group improv, Emma suggested forming a practice group. Eventually Jan Hanseth studied enough independently to start teaching our practice group and others. I studied with Jan until she moved to San Francisco in 2011 to study with FatChanceBellyDance (she’s now a FCBD studio teacher). That fall, I joined the newly formed Sisters of the Sun tribal belly dance troupe, and I’ve been living the dream ever since.
ATS wasn’t love-at-first-dance for me — I struggled for a long time with the precision needed to keep my movements synchronized with other dancers. It was when I knew enough to be able to really dance with the music that I fell in love. But from the beginning, I was hooked on the camaraderie — dancers being dependent on each other to get the job done creates a special bond. That’s why I’m addicted to ATS now, and want to do whatever I can to see it continue in Maine.
Q. How does dance complement your life?
A. A couple thoughts:
1 – When I was younger, I prized my intellect and pretty much ignored my body. Dance has taught me about integrating the two. I no longer believe that the body houses the soul — the body IS the soul just as much as thoughts and emotions are. It’s all one – indivisible. This may be a no-brainer to some, but it took me a long time to discover.
2 – Music has always been a big part of my life. While singing uses my lungs and throat and brain, dancing gets the whole body involved — arms and legs and hands and hips. Embodying music through dance can be an ecstatic experience, and I can always use more ecstasy in my life. Add the ability to share that experience with other dancers, and on occasion being able to see people smile and clap along as they watch us perform — that’s euphoria.
Q. What’s your favorite kind of student?
A. Perseverant. ATS has a steep learning curve, and it’s easy to get intimidated or frustrated as you’re learning. You need stick-to-it-ness to get to the place where you can really have fun with it.
Joanne teaches American Tribal Style Belly Dance at Bright Star World Dance on Thursdays at 6:15 PM. Visit our website at http://brightstarworlddance.com/ to learn more!
Student Spotlight: Joan Lawton – Belly Dance
Q. What do you study at Bright Star?
A. I’m currently practicing American Tribal Style Belly Dance and have studied this and cabaret style belly dance since Bright Star World Dance Studio was established.
Q. What drew you to Bright Star?
A. The staff at Bright Star offers top notch instruction, and opportunities to perform at what ever level you are comfortable with. In addition, it’s an exciting place with plenty of events and workshops to keep you energized and involved!
Q. How did dance come into your life?
A. I would suggest that it is important to remember we all started out beginners at one time, and we all learn at a different pace. So be gentle with yourself, follow your heart and you will succeed.
Q. From your experience, what would you want a new dance student to know?
A. In high school I was involved in sports, as well as movement and dance that involved some degree of technique like ballet. Since then I have continued this practice, incorporating my love of music and movement to it.
Learn about all the classes offered at Bright Star World Dance at our website at http://brightstarworlddance.com/ !
Bright Star World Dance 