Opportunity

Everything starts with an opportunity. We may not always recognize it and we may not always grab it if we do recognize it. It can be big and it can be small. I wanted to start by thanking my mom for all of my first opportunities that she said yes to for me. As a single mom, she worked full time and was able to send me to 12 years of private school, paid for years of dance lessons, attended numerous sporting events, encouraged my to see the world through travel and music. It was her strength that inspired me to be the best mother I could be to my kids. It was her strength that inspired me to follow my heart in my career path as well as follow my other passions: dance, music and helping others. Following the birth of my children, I found the opportunity to teach childbirth classes to support others to feel empowered in their births and understand what their bodies were capable of. From teaching classes and listening to my students I wanted to do more to support them in building their birth experiences and parenting confidence and found the world birthwork and doula services. But I also could not ignore the other passion that fills my heart and soul: dancing. And not just any dancing, belly dancing. The two worlds for birth and belly dancing connect in so many ways. I danced and performed while pregnant and in labor with both of my children and it keeps my soul content in those moments that you often see on TV sitcoms of moms pulling their hair out. Belly dancing also keeps me connected to many strong women and men who are comfortable in their bodies and share their inner strengths and voices through dance.

I have had the luck of having 2 wonderful mentors in belly dance since I began about 13 years ago. Both have taught me and inspired me and when one of them offered me the opportunity to take over her classes when she relocated, I only briefly hesitated. How would I fit in all that I already did as a belly dance student/performer, mother, wife, friend and full time job as I also embarked on expanding my birthwork? But what if I didn't jump at this opportunity to share what I love with others and help inspire them to be their best? So I took a deep breath, rallied my village and jumped in feet first!  My kitchen sink may fill with dishes more than I'd like but I am demonstrating to my children what it means to do what you love and fill your soul. No turning back this will be an amazing adventure and I want to share it all with you. Hope you will follow along!