Venus Uprising Bellydance New York City: FREE BIRD BELLYS

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I just got back from teaching at Planet Dance in the 'Natti (I'm told this is the proper terminology when referring to Cincinnatti now) home of Sarah Jessica Parker, Skyline Chili and some of the best up-and-coming dancers in the country!

Planet Dance was founded by two former Broadway dancers, Missy Lay Zimmer and Andrew Hubbard and a famous dancer and choreographer from LA who has worked with everyone from J-Lo to Justin Timberlake to Prince: Kristen Denehey.

It's a fabulous event where they bring teachers in from various backgrounds from all over the country and the kids get a weekend immersion in different styles and techniques. I don't know where these little souls come from, but they will steal your heart and blow you away with their talent. They are beyond Broadway bound with their endless pirouettes, boundless leaps, and inexhaustible supply of energy!

They range from ages 7-18, and come from all over the country to offer their blood, sweat and tears to study ballet, jazz, hip-hop, free-form authentic movement (which is what I have been teaching at Planet Dance for the past 5 years)

and for the first time... this year...

BELLY DANCE!!!

I just had to report how much these gorgeous kidlets were absolutely mad for bellydancing (guys and gals alike!)
They had never been exposed to it other than watching Shakira and Christina shake their bom bommas and bust a few hip drops.

And I have never had such a large group get the steps and the technique in "on-demand" speed like that!
Mind-blowing and so inspiring to see their passion and fearless faces. Please enjoy the photos!

The kids favorite song was by far "Brooklyn Baladi" by Djinn -- they shrieked with delight when they heard it!
We used it for the across-the-floor work... Aw, the raw, gutsy energy of youth! Let it live on in all of us at any age!