Karima Bellydance

Yesterday was a tremendously important and busy day for me!  It started with my audition for Atlantis World Dance Company in Nashville.  I was the only dancer to audition this round, so it was a quick in and out performance!  Mediterranean Cuisine generously provided their restaurant space for us to take over, and aside from the stifling heat of Nashville in August in mid-afternoon, it was a great space for the audition.  However, dancing in an 80-90 degree room was challenging for endurance and focus reasons.  I need to learn tricks for staying cool.  I think keeping my hair up in an up-do or ponytail would have helped.  And the fact that my new, gorgeous Eman costume was velvet didn’t help in cooling off! lol  Chiffon/LOOSE skirts are DEFINITELY next on my costume purchase list!   However, after the 6-piece audition (including Classical, Pop, Drum Solo, Taqsim, Balancing and a metal/tribaret fusion piece) and following interview, I was invited to join the company!    This is a culmination of years of work (and months of specific audition preparation) and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity!  What an honor and priviledge to be able to dance in such great company!

Following the audition was the Umbra Fusion Belly Dance expo at The Blue Rooster in Murfreesboro.  We had a decent turnout of about 70 at it’s peak, which is pretty good!  The challenges for this show were a carpet stage with a drum riser in the center.  Thankfully the stage was large enough that the riser wasn’t really an issue.  Thanks to everyone for coming out and making the event a success, and to Umbra for inviting an Oriental dancer to join your tribal goodness!   I’m glad I could contribute!

Today is a day of rest, celebration, and taking a breather before I jump into the next phase in my professional dance journey!