Shanazel
Moderator
We have a lot of new members (YAY!!!) and I thought perhaps it would be polite for the older members to introduce ourselves. Doesn't seem quite fair for the new folks to share their background with us without returning the favor.
OKay. I guess me first.
I'm Shanazel, a moderator for the Costumes subforum and for the Students and Instructors subforum. I've been hanging around OD since long before the Great Hack of 2006. I started dancing in the mid-1970s, performed professionally for a couple of years before I married, then turned to teaching. I've retired from dance at least three times but it never takes. I currently teach classes at the local recreation center and have students who weren't born when I started dancing.
Heck, a couple of the younger ones have mothers that probably weren't born when I started dancing. Woo, now there is a scary thought. :shok:
My personal style is Classic American Oriental (aka Classic American Cabaret) but I have been known to stray into other styles upon occasion. I like good fusion but tend to get a tad huffy about attempts to pass off "just do whatever makes you feel good" as belly dance. I've always made my own costumes, having more sewing skills than money, and have watched fashions come and go with differing amounts of amazement and chagrin.
Welcome to everyone who is new (or newish ) and may you have a long and happy association with Oriental Dancer. A lot of great folks hang out here and we are always happy to welcome new additions to the community.
Next?
OKay. I guess me first.
I'm Shanazel, a moderator for the Costumes subforum and for the Students and Instructors subforum. I've been hanging around OD since long before the Great Hack of 2006. I started dancing in the mid-1970s, performed professionally for a couple of years before I married, then turned to teaching. I've retired from dance at least three times but it never takes. I currently teach classes at the local recreation center and have students who weren't born when I started dancing.
Heck, a couple of the younger ones have mothers that probably weren't born when I started dancing. Woo, now there is a scary thought. :shok:
My personal style is Classic American Oriental (aka Classic American Cabaret) but I have been known to stray into other styles upon occasion. I like good fusion but tend to get a tad huffy about attempts to pass off "just do whatever makes you feel good" as belly dance. I've always made my own costumes, having more sewing skills than money, and have watched fashions come and go with differing amounts of amazement and chagrin.
Welcome to everyone who is new (or newish ) and may you have a long and happy association with Oriental Dancer. A lot of great folks hang out here and we are always happy to welcome new additions to the community.
Next?