Page 9 - June/June HER 2020
P. 9

9 JUNE HER
As I began learning the dance, I started gaining more confidence and felt more present in my body than I ever had before in my life. I realized that movement was the key to feeling present.
CP: There are so many! What I have noticed most in myself is greater coordina- tion and balance in addition to muscle toning and definition.
Anyone who has done arm undulations in my class can tell you how deceivingly effortless that movement looks, but it tones the arms in the process. When we work on faster movements, you definitely get some cardio in the mix and work up a sweat!
Mentally, I have personally experienced greater acceptance and compassion inward and outwardly. I have also seen many of my students gain more confidence and it shows in their body movement in and outside of class.
What are some challenges your students tend to have when learning to belly dance?
CP: Most often, it is simply overcoming fear.
Muscle memory and learning the names of the movements and combinations can be a daunting task and if you are telling yourself “I can’t do this” or “I’m not a dancer”; that will hinder you from getting past that fear hurdle. I am a firm believer that talent does not overshadow hard work.
While you may not get something right off the bat, with consistent practice you can master anything. Anything!
There is also this perception of what a belly dancer or a movement “should look like,” and those assumptions can and will hold you back; I know it held me back for many, many years. It was not until Rachel had our class record ourselves individually and critique ourselves did I begin actually watching myself and not another dancer. It was the first time I started to see how the movements looked on me and my frame. It was a game-changer!
Why is the COVID-19 pandemic a “prime time” to pick up a hobby like belly dancing?
CP: Because it will keep you centered, focused and present.
As someone who suffers from anxiety and depression, it has been a lifesaver time and again for me. I admit though, I have struggled to keep my consistency since all of this started, but the compassion I have learned to have for myself in learning this dance has helped me look at myself with kinder eyes and accept that sometimes, you need rest.
There are so many online options for classes and lessons that can bring it right into your home and that is amazing! I am considering online classes and private lessons as well. If you are interested, please contact me via Facebook at Cassandra Elyse, or email at Cassandra_elyse@hotmail.com.
HER Fitness
   HER MAGAZINE ¯ JUNE/JULY 2020 9



















































































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