The Magic of Bellydance
I began my bellydance journey as many women do—as a fun way to exercise while safely exploring the concept of “goddess” and the exotic “other” of the Oriental fantasy to satisfy an innate curiosity I had about how this ancient art could be applicable to modern women.
What I didn’t know is that bellydance would become a lifelong love affair!
In experiencing the fascinating movements, intoxicating rhythms, and unique sisterhood that this enchanting dance gifted me, I fell under its spell. Before I knew it, I was harnessing its transformative power to heal myself from the inside out while embodying a new way of being.
From unlocking my body to translate the deeper feelings in the music to accentuating these undulating movements with sensual costuming, bellydance has given me the tools to transform into an everyday goddess while becoming a better dancer and performer in the process.
It has also helped me get more comfortable with owning my femininity as I surrounded myself with other sensually-awakened beings.
Over the years, I’ve been supported and inspired by many beautiful and brazen dancers. Through these connections, I’ve been challenged to rise to the occasion and become more confident with my own expression, ultimately forging a more authentic relationship with my true self.
Here lies the genuine magic that bellydance offers: discovering that the exotic “other” lives inside of every one of us and is just waiting to come out and play!
Each time I enter into this magical ritual of self-empowerment by surrendering to the dance and its many expressions, I grow stronger through the divine inspiration and emotional release it provides me.
For many years, this metamorphosed me into a feminine archetype of my choosing whom I became daring to express as myself. Over time, though, this “other” alchemically became “me” as my femininity grew stronger and had a desire to become my own archetype.
By connecting to my sensuality and experiencing the true freedom of expressing it, my life has been transformed beyond words.
Because of this, I live my life less fragmented and more in alignment with my femininity and womanliness than ever before. But this has been and continues to be a journey, not a destination, and one from which I am still learning and growing!
This is the part that excites me the most and is why I am here to support you on your journey. If you are feeling a disconnect between yourself and your own sensuality, I invite you to give bellydance a try and let it work its magic on you!
~Michelle Leigh
Each time I enter into this magical ritual of self-empowerment by surrendering to the dance and its many expressions, I grow stronger through the divine inspiration and emotional release it provides me.
Classes
Want to learn how to bellydance or deepen your practice?
Currently, I offer private lessons in my home studio in Kailua Kona, group classes at Kona Dance & Performing Arts in Kealakekua, online dance classes, as well as mobile bellydance classes and playshops for special events.
Workshops
Interested in hosting or attending a bellydance workshop?
I am available to teach workshops on Egyptian-style bellydance in Hawaii and on the mainland. I also sponsor workshop teachers on occasion to produce day workshops and weekend long bellydance intensives.
Performances
Looking to feature bellydancing at your next event?
I can be hired to dance for celebrations, parties or ongoing events, either as a solo artist or as a group performer. I also host haflas and student showcases to create performance opportunities for my students.
Events
Want to stay informed of all bellydance happenings?
My events calendar features my current productions and performance schedule as well as other interesting bellydance events on the Big Island and around Hawaii.
