Who I am, what this blog is about.
I’m Kalaneet, and I’m learning bellydance in the mountains of rural Northern California. Because there are few teachers here, I’m learning to dance mostly using videos, with the help and encouragement of a small local bellydance troupe. This isn’t easy, but I love to dance and I don’t plan to ever leave the region (if I can help it), so I’m going for it anyway.
Learning to dance from videos only is not recommended. It’s true; learning this way is far from ideal. If you have access to a teacher, definitely take the opportunity to attend classes. That will keep you from hurting yourself and learning the moves incorrectly. I may have an opportunity to take a six-week course in a town 90 miles away soon, and if I can swing it, I’ll definitely sign up. When I get up to the level where it will be helpful, I’ll attend workshops at Rakkasah West next year. Meantime, I’m just doing the best I can with the videos and my troupe.
I have been to a handful of classes, but left for a variety of reasons I won’t go into here, all related to the quality of the teaching—in otherwords, not interpersonal drama (at least none involving me). I have no desire to criticize, so I’m just moving on.
Kalaneet is my “stage name” (even though it’ll be a long while before I’m on the stage). “Kalanit” or “kalaneet” is the Hebrew name for a flower called Anemone coronaria or Poppy Anemone.
Anemone Coronaria (Kalanit)
I don’t have a preferred style yet, but I’m leaning toward Classic Tribal Style (Bal Anat, Hahbi Ru) or Turkish cabaret. My favorite dancers/troupes are Ansuya, Autumn Ward, Suhaila Salimpour, and Hahbi-Ru, but I’m still discovering new dancers all the time.
Whether you’re a fellow bellydancer, or you just like watching people fall on their faces, you’re welcome to follow my adventures in learning bellydance the slow and frustrating way!
Highlights:
Where I’m At ~ August 25th – A little background and my first progress report.
