Bahaia was once a beginner belly dancer

We recently had Bahaia from Austin join us in the studio. Surprisingly, we found out that before becoming a belly dancer, she was a competitive Scottish Highland dancer and that her love for it waned because there was no room for expression in the dance.

Something that also came up several times was the importance of having a guide; someone with more experience or knowledge who can lead you into a richer belly dance experience.

During this episode of the Baby Boomer Belly Dancer, we talk about:

00:00 How Bahaia got into belly dancing at the age of 15

07:07 First solo belly dance performance in Austin

07:55 When Bahaia came onto Karen's radar

12:45 Great training from early instructors and making connections

15:31 Bringing in a dancer from Greece to Austin and doing events/workshops

20:31 Having enthusiasm and skills from outside of the dance world

21:30 The rise of the Austin Belly Dance Convention

23:24 Karen's CD release of "Mystery and Mastery" at the convention

24:42 Taking a "back seat" to strong, definitive instructors

26:07 Dancing at The Sands in Houston before 9-11

28:40 The "real deal" vs fantasy... friendships and music

31:07 Being a third generation "camper" and fun hosting belly dance camps

36:36 Everyone was coming down to San Antonio to take Karen's classes...

38:07 Belly dancing to live music and "How do I get in on that?" with Project Band

40:58 When the National Arab Orchestra (NAO) Takht Ensemble came to San Antonio

44:10 Having a different mindset and soaking in every bit of the music

49:50 Collaborating to have belly dancers on stage with the NAO for the first time

50:20 Bahaia's new project with belly dancers performing to new original compositions

57:16 Who is Bahaia's "hero' in the belly dance community?

58:59 Greatest pet peeve(s) and greatest benefits of the belly dance industry

Bottom Line: Just do things and get out there; knowing that getting recognition as a dancer and teacher can bring out the snarky in some folks.