So balancing my bellydance career and “normal” life has been a little harder the last couple of weeks. There has been so much going on. Hence the reason I have not written in two weeks! Don’t worry I’ll get back on track.

 It has been difficult trying to figure out how to keep my New Rochelle dance studio while teaching bellydance there only twice a week. Advertising and putting up flyers in New York has been challenging while living in NW Connecticut. Since my last post, two of my children have started school, I’ve scheduled countless appointments, planned a surprise baby shower for my sister, started MMA (mixed martial arts) classes for entire family, and I’m still trying to organize birthdays for two of my children and my husband all in the month of September! Now that you know a little of what I have on my plate, I can tell you how I manage to work in my bellydance and keep fit.

First, I will say that my weight is not what it was before my last two children were born, and it will probably never be. I barely eat veggies, have become allergic to a lot of fruit and try not to eat red meat or pork, pretty much living on carbs, chicken, turkey, rice & beans. I love fast food and try not to eat it at all, but I like to treat myself once a month or every few months. I DON’T do the GYM, and never really have. I tried last year for about six months and lost some weight, but was not in the shape I wanted to be. This summer I decided to re-open Dancing with Destiny Studio for the summer. By the end of the first session (four weeks), I had almost reached my target weight. At week six, I was less then my goal weight! I felt and looked great! The other women in the class also noticed significant changes in their bodies. Consistency is the key. Small changes make all the difference.

What is my class like? You might think of a typical bellydance class…let me STOP you right there! This is NOT a run of the mill bellydance class. I teach you the art of this exotic dance while making the class as fun as possible using isometrics to tone, and cultural dances for cardio. It is nonstop from beginning to end. Classes always begin with stretches and warm ups, as I try to stretch the body past its “normal” limits, then some slow soft moves to warm up. These slow moves are not always the “easy” ones. Because we are moving slowly, you are working the muscles of that body part longer then if we were moving at a faster pace. We eventually move into exaggerated and explosive hip movements and shimmy drills which will work EVERYTHING! My classes have become a kind of therapy session as well. The studio has become a place where women feel comfortable sharing personal experiences and stresses of everyday life with other women from all walks of life. Because we are all women we may be able to offer advice, encouragement and support. I have witnessed many friendships blossom in my classes. We are not tree hugging hippies by any means, but, you will find a sense of spirituality, healing, support, encouragement, a desire for better living and the need to shake & shimmy off the weight while expressing your inner belly dancer!

 Each class ends with “freestyle.” I usually choose a song at random or play a request and everyone is free to dance and do their own thing during this time. It is the time for you to let your guard down and “dance like no one’s watching” TM.

Don’t feel awkward about attending one of my classes without a sidekick. Being a new student in martial arts, I know how nerve wrecking it can be. I try to make everyone feel at home. If you know the gym just isn’t for you or you want to add something new & fun to your workout routine, try a class with me! If you don’t like it, you don’t come back! I offer demos periodically so you can try it out before you sign up! To get on my e-mail list to receive specials, discounts, locations, schedule, performances etc. E-mail me at DestinyTheDancer@aol.com with ADD in the subject line and name, city and days of the week you would be interested in a class.

Hope you enjoyed the read. I will try to post more often and regularly, now that life is starting to settle back down. Right now I am off to MMA class and trying to get new class organized in Bronx and Canton, CT.

Double Kisses & Shimmies

~Destiny Maktub~

Website – DestinyTheDancer.Com

Email – DestinyTheDancer@aol.com

Phone – 914-879-9101