"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
— Marianne Williamson (A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a Course in Miracles)

This quote runs through my mind almost daily. It is in the bathroom at Moon Belly and in the bathroom at Kandi's house and I just love love love it. I want to share it with my friends, children, and students.

Have a blessed day!!!
Steph

Re-Introducing Myself For The New Semester of Dance

I wear many hats as do most women I encounter. I am a wife, mother of 3, RN,and belly dance instructor/performer/ choreographer.
I debated whether or not to have 2 seperate blogs, one for dance and one for famliy life but I decided this blog will be primarily dance but in order to honestly represent who I am I will occasionally refer to my family as I feel family experience influences my dance as dance experience influences my family and my mothering.
I started taking belly dance classes after the birth of my daughter in 2006 after attending a belly dance show at the Missouri Theater. There I witnessed many different styles of belly dance and fell in love. Such powerful beautiful women expressing grace and beauty. I was particularly moved by a fusion performance by Kandice Grossman soon after I became a loyal student. (www.moonbelly.ort) I obtained Level 1 in July 2008 with Suhaila Salimpour a second generation belly dancer located in Albany California www.suhailainternational.com I joined the Dragon Flies Moon Belly Dance Company in 2009. I began teaching beginning classes and choreo while continuing my training, performing lead roles in annual Moon Belly productions along with other entertainment opportunities. I obtained my Level 2 certification April 2010 and am currently working on Level 3. See posts for new projects/performances/class opportunities!!!

I'm excited to re-visit my blog. I will try to update it more often as I am back full force with my dance training and teaching! Moon Belly classes start next week. I am teaching Ensemble classes on Tuesday evenings. I am also begininning my work on my Level 3 this will take a couple years at least I'm sure. My cup runnneth over!

The kids and family are busy as well. Allie is starting her competitive dance season, beginning kindergarten, and is taking swim lessons. Connor is starting 3rd grade and is in baseball taking a break from competitive baseball this fall season. Jorden is in the 8th grade (honors) and is playing football for West.

I know this is quick and not thought out but we are headed to the park! Have a great Saturday!!!