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Bringing Egyptian Dance From the Nile to Anaheim

The history of the belly dance dates back a little farther than The Bangles' smash hit "Walk Like an Egyptian." In fact, records of the dance date back thousands of years. Yet now there are as many expressions of the belly dance as there seem to be artists who express it.
From the dance moves of Latin superstar Shakira, noted as having been formally trained in the dance, to Paris Hilton's "belly flop" (her good-natured self-critique of her abilities) at the crowning of Miss Turkey 2008, belly dance is moving ever further into mainstream pop culture. The maneuvers can be found on the dance floors of the hippest clubs around the world, so for persons looking to get their groove on with moves that can be incorporated into any dance style, including ballet and hip-hop, it's time to belly up.
Marlena Shaw of Reflections Dance and Fitness Studio in Anaheim, an area steeped in Middle Eastern culture, is the go-to person in Orange County for lessons in authentic Middle Eastern dance. Shaw was born and raised in Southern California, but her Egyptian clients swear she was raised on the Nile. "It's the highest form of compliment, as a Middle Eastern belly dancer, to have clients that know the art form appreciate your work," Shaw says.
Shaw received her formal training from some of the best in the Middle Eastern dance arena: the world-renowned master teacher and dancer Fahtiem, the internationally famous and highly respected instructor and dancer Angelika Nemeth (it was with Nemeth that Shaw fell in love with Egyptian dance) and Egyptian dancer Lilla Varese.
Shaw has embraced Middle Eastern dance and is an accomplished dancer of Lebanese, Turkish and Egyptian versions of what most Americans simply refer to as "belly dancing." And while the idea of dancing with a candelabra on one's head may seem highly unconventional, if the act is executed artistically, it becomes just one of the amazing, ultra-elegant showcase dances that Shaw has performed over the years for audiences throughout Southern California. From earthy moves to très élégant intros, Shaw expresses each dance segment with refined expertise.
"The beauty of belly dancing" says Shaw, "is that it is a woman's dance. This is a dance to be practiced and enjoyed for a lifetime, not just in one's youth. So if you are looking for a joyous dance, a dance that acknowledges your entitlement as a woman, and something fun and challenging to pursue that you can pour the sum of your life experience into, Middle Eastern dance just might be what you're looking for."

Channel your inner Shakira at www.reflectionsdanceandfitness.com and www.marlenadancer.com

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