In a word, I was nervous.
The party’s guest of honor was one hundred years old. Meanwhile, at nineteen years of age, I was to provide the evening’s entertainment. Although I’d been dancing since I was a child — and had studied belly dance with master teachers in New York — I’d never performed in public. Would the crowd respond?
Then the music kicked in.
At that moment, I thought about my own grandfather, and my nervousness subsided. I surged forward, filled with inspiration. To my delight, the guests smiled, clapped, and cheered. When I was done, they gave me a standing ovation.
I was thrilled. Since then, I’ve been dancing for both young and old. And I’ve never lost the excitement I felt in that first public performance.
My name is Sasha. Partly of Armenian descent, I’ve been a Middle-Eastern dancer and instructor for over ten years, entertaining diverse audiences throughout the New York and New Jersey area. I’ve performed at weddings, colleges, corporate events, restaurants, festivals, theaters, and parties (including a celebration for Jon Bon Jovi). I enjoy dancing for everyone, regardless of their age or background. My audiences have been Indian, Arabic, Lebanese, Greek, Egyptian, Russian, Polish, African, Chinese, American — all nationalities. But they have one thing in common: they come alive in the spirit of the belly dance.
Belly dancing has been around for most of recorded history. It’s a unique art form that invites you to dance along. And it permits the dancer to express her individuality while bringing joy to all those around. Whether you need to liven up your next gathering, or want to try this fascinating ancient art for yourself, contact me to learn more.
— Sasha