| Zareen |
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| Aquilah |
| I took my first belly dance class from Rabia when I was 16 with a group of my friends from high school. I fell lin love with the dance. I have been studying and performing ever since. Rabia continues to be my mentor and teacher, constantly giving me support and encouragement when I seem to need it most. In addition, I am a member of the Yalla Habibi Dance Troupe. Yalla Habibi is a young troupe full of spirit and potential, and I cannot wait to see where dance will take us in the future. Three of the friends, who were there for that first lesson, are members of Yalla Habibi. Dance has a wondrful way of creating bonds that keep old friends together while, at the same time, creating numerous opportunities to make new friendships. Both of which I believe will last a lifetime. I plan on broadening my studies of Middle Eastern dance by taking workshops and classes from a variety of teachers. Lastly, I am thakful for the loving support my family gives me through their words and actions. |
| Most high school girls find a sport; at 15, I found belly dancing. Through it, I have made great friends, become comfortable with myself and learned about many different cultures. I currently attend UNR, work part time and dance every chance I get. I hope to continue to grow both as a person and as a dancer within and because of Belly Dancing. MostMMost |
| Marika |
| Chelsea |
| Belly dancing is not just a hobby, but a way of life. I started belly dancing when I was 15-years-old, and dancing has helped form who I am and has opened my eyes to the world around me. I have become aware of the vast differences between cultures and have formed a respect for each one. Performances have become a way for my family and friends to come support me, while also having a great time. I love entertaining the people I know, and love even more to see the joy in complete strangers' eyes when they see us dance. Belly dancing has given me so much confidence in myself and has taken away the "hollywood" pefect image that has been instilled in so many people today. A woman is beautiful no matter her figure, and belly dancing fully expresses this. Belly dancing has also been a place where I have made new friendships and strengthened others. Our troupe is not just a group of dancers, but a support system. I am a fifth generation Nevadan and have grown up in Reno. I studied abroad in Turin, Italy in 2003 and traveled aroud Europe. I am currently studying speech communication and business at the University of Nevada, Reno. After I graduate, I plan to go to law school. |
| Marla |
| I was raised by an inspiringly strong, single mom who was emotionally and spiritually very supportive, however; struggled financially. So, I was the girl who always wanted to be in dance. I grew up desiring a creative outlet that would bring me more into my body through self awareness and self confidence. I had always admired the gracefful strength I saw in belly dance and wasattracted to the celebrated acceptance of a womanly figure and attitude. Eventually, I found Rabia in 2001 and found just whatI I was looking for. I findbelly dance to be a beautiful, feminine source of fun that I share with my troupe members who are now my dear friends. I treasure the sense of celebration for life and creativity through belly dance and I look forward to developing more as the dancer I have always wanted to be. |
| Nicole |
| My name is Nicole Bibb and I 've been belly dancing since 2001. After I got married and moved to Reno, I needed a hobby. I did not know anyone in Reno so I decided to take a dance class. I randomly chose belly dancing. I am glad I did because belly dancing has taught me to have confidence in myself, courage to be in front of a group of people, and how to dance gracefully. Right now I am attending UNR, but always make time to dance with troupe Yalla Habibi at restaurants and coffee houses around Reno and California. I have developed wonderful friendships among the girls I dance with and continue to enjoy every week with them learning new moves. Belly dancing is about the music, the dancing and being with your good friends and having a great time showing everyone how beautiful the dance truly is. Belly dancing is no longer a hobby for me it is a part of my life. I am excited to be with the troupe and to have Rabia for my teacher. |