A DAY OF MANY STRONG FEELINGS : sarah

I have been deeply sad about the passing of a dance legend and knowing that many of my friends and teachers were very close to her and are deeply upset. I never studied directly with her. But I doubt that it is even possible to not be effected by her. She is one of the main figures that have shaped belly dance as it entered the US and blossom into what it is today. I am in Altagracia’s dance company. Zeniada has made several chirographies for me including the ones for my Turkish DVD. They were both trained by Serena. I photographed Scott Wilsons marriage to Leni. The links of my connection to Serena’s influence goes on and on.

From left to right: Serena, Scott, Leni, Rip

I have thumbed through the emails and message boards of people talking about Serena. I came across a youtube link of Serena teaching 9/8 in 1975. I was so THRILLED to see this. I have always heard that the Turkish style I do and see around me in NYC to be from that 1970’s era. I learned this Turkish style from the teachers and performers of that era but I never thought I would actually see it performed and taught- in a video time capsule. Here lies the undeniable proof for the world to see! TURKISH STYLE IN 1975 IN NYC USES SKIRT!

As I am reeling with joy, I receive and email alerting me to a product review of my “I Love Turkish Belly Dance DVD” by Zorba. Zorba’s video review. I recently had a message board discussion on BHUZ.com about belly dance fashion with him. I just had to read what he wrote right away. I got 4.5 stars out of a possible 5. That just made my day just got even better! I am thrilled to hear that there is another happy dance shopper! And I am even more blessed that someone took the time to write a review about it. Before I left for my dance rehearsal I got an email from Leni Wilson. It contained a note saying that Scott was going through is mother Serena’s things and found this poem that she would read during Belly Dance performances. It made me feel connected to myself as a woman, and all that it entails. Embracing the sensual.

I AM A WOMAN A poem
written by Serena Wilson, believed to be used in her shows, as a spoken prelude to a dance.

I am a woman, wrapped in chiffon and jewels, Thin silks and girdle of gold. I stretch my arms... The embrace encompasses a universe. I can control a quiver in my hips, Tell a thousand stories with my eyes, Skip with child-like glee, the smile of experience on my lips. Glide in innocence, endure with age. Spin like a dervish; undulate in sensuality... Excite, promise, create, change, tease, mock, Unveil my passion. Untiringly seduce the world as I move my body, for I am a woman... I am the dancer

I went to rehearsal with Belly Essence and they had just stopped by Serena Studios. She touched so many…

New York Platinum Dancers showcase July 11, 2006 When I photographed this show I felt I needed to capture Serena in a way that conveyed the Rock Star quality she has.