Fat Cat Belly Dance   Bringing joy and laughter to dance

Hi Ladies:  Fall is definitely in the air.  Hoping everyone enjoyed summer, even though it was way too short!  I’m very happy once again to be offering a class for breast cancer survivors, through the “Fit and Fab” program at Breast Cancer Action Ottawa.  Please see details on my “Classes” page, in order to register.  Not sure which class to sign up for?  Email me at, fatcatbellydance@gmail.com and I can offer suggestions…there are lots of great teachers and classes around town, for all levels and styles, from basic beginner to pro.  Have fun with fitness, and love yourself at any size…shimmies are great for the soul….don’t be shy!  **************************************************************************

Spring may finally be here!  After a much needed break, and some travelling this winter, I’m happy to be back in the studio at Greenboro Community Centre; teaching a beginner class for Breast Cancer Action’s Fit and Fab Program.  So nice to welcome new faces, and welcome back those who’ve been with me before.   Fridays are fabulous once more!  I’ll be updating my “events’ page in the next week or so;  so please stay tuned for some upcoming fun, and mark your calendars for shopping and outdoor dance adventures.   Spring is a great time to sign up for a dance class, to kick those winter blues in the butt, and work on our waistlines…hahaha…mine’s a bit of a mess after all that good food in Europe!  But that’s okay…I’ve learned the hard way, to love yourself at any size; feel the freedom of movement to music, and express your creative side with a great group of women.  Classes are available all over town, from basic beginner to senior level, and different dance styles.  Got questions?  Contact me at fatcatbellydance@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to find a class that works for you…Ciao for now, Bellas; get outside and enjoy some sunshine!

Zahara + Siddiqah at “The Art of Hope” event, hosted by Vixens Victorious, October 13th, 2016

Yay!  My “BCA Fit and Fab” Fall session for breast cancer survivors is ready to roll…Fridays, starting September 23rd, noon till 1 p.m., at Greenboro Community Centre.  For registration details, please check my ‘Classes” page.   Looking forward to welcoming new students, as well as re-uniting with familiar faces.  For anyone wishing to try a belly dance, tribal,or bollywood class, there are lots to choose from in the Ottawa area.   Got questions?  Contact me at:  fatcatbellydance@gmail.com  Let’s have some fun with fitness!

So much to catch up on for my blog page!  The ‘Shimmy Into Summer’ event was a success; raising nearly $1,400 for Breast Cancer Action Ottawa.  I was really proud to perform with my students from the Amala, Nashita, and Jamaleen Troupes; they worked so hard to get ready for the show, and brought me to tears backstage.  Big thanks to Mia and Danya for organizing! 

The next event was the Ottawa Race Weekend.  Halyma and I organized a small but mighty crew, and set up a cheering station along the runner’s route (with generous assistance from my amazing husband).  We danced our hearts out, to encourage participants on their journey to raise money for various causes.   Thousands ran past us…quite a sight!  Many offered a smile, or briefly shook their booties, in recognition of our effort. 

Next came Emilie’s Run, at the Aviation Museum.  A beautiful morning to set up and dance along the Parkway, and cheer on Olympic level female runners during their 5K race.  We also got to dance for the Kids Race, and the little ones gave it a good effort. 

Today, I stepped way out of my comfort zone, and danced in a set with two professional performer/teachers at the Byward Market Dance-At-Lunchtime series.  It’s one thing to free-dance in a group; it’s quite another thing to dance a solo choreography in front of a large crowd.  I was extremely nervous, but got through it somehow.  Watching Eurika and Niki, I admire their abilities, and learned a lot about the art of public performance; especially getting audience members to come forward and participate.  We even got to meet a couple of lovely girls visiting from Brazil.  Even though I don’t have these particular skills, charisma, and nerve, that’s okay; it’s good to do things that scare you once in a while, to challenge yourself, and perhaps re-focus on what you ARE good at.  So now, some time off to rest, relax, and re-group.  It’s been a wonderful dance season, and I feel blessed to have such great students, friends, and mentors.   Have a super summer, everyone!

Dancing in the Byward Market with the ladies from Brazil, July 2016

So happy to be part of this fundraising initiative!

Dancing in the Byward Market, July 2016 with Eurika and Niki

Ottawa Race Weekend 2016

Shimmy Into Summer Dance Showcase 2016

Despite our fair city’s unseasonably chilly weather, the dance season is heating up.  The Souk and Ottawa-Gatineau Shimmy Mob were very successful, and we’ll soon be shaking things up along the sidelines at the Ottawa Race Weekend.  I’ll admit to being a bit heartbroken when scheduled classes at Rideau and Brookfield High Schools didn’t run for the Spring session, due to low enrollment; but it’s amazing how other opportunities will present themselves when you least expect them, eh?   Right now, I’m busy teaching two private groups, along with a regular Friday class for BCA Fit & Fab participants; and recently got the opportunity to instruct a gorgeous group of 25 ladies at a bridal shower…so fun!  Both student troupes are working very hard on their choreographies, and they’re going to be wonderful to watch at the upcoming Shimmy Into Summer event on June 21st. 

You know, sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day doing of things; like lesson plans, music preparation, scheduling, and other task-oriented aspects of teaching classes…making sure students are getting the best “bang for their buck” and focusing on prepping for shows…perhaps losing sight of what really matters, like…why am I still doing this, and, am I still any good at it?  Sounds a bit self-serving and New-Age silly, but lately, I’ve been questioning abilities, effectiveness as an instructor, and purpose; even contemplating an exit strategy.  But, during the past week, I’ve had two unexpected conversations with students, that brought me to tears; with a re-affirmation that this job actually can have a positive impact on other people, and the service provided is meaningful.  So, despite some self-doubt, I plan to carry on; happy to help other women try something new and fun in their fitness journey, and recognize the beauty of their own bodies, while expressing themselves creatively through music and movement, share support and camaraderie in a non-competitive environment, with a few girlish giggles along the way.  This is how the job started out, and this is what still really matters.  Counting my blessings, going forward! 

*************************************************************************

Join us on Parliament Hill, Saturday May 14th, 2016, 2 p.m., as we shake up the Capital in support of Interval House of Ottawa, and bring awareness to all in the struggle to end domestic violence.  This event will be happening simultaneously in many cities across North America.   Your contribution can make a difference!  http://www.shimmymob.com

Shimmy Mob at Parliament Hill 2015

Hi everyone!  Sorry, it’s been far too long since my last post; the Winter session was busy, but that’s no excuse for being too lazy to write.  For the cold season, I had the great pleasure of teaching a bunch of beginner beauties (photo below) at Rideau High School on Monday nights.  These young women were so enthusiastic and energetic, (whew!) they will forever be known as the ‘Nashita’ troupe.  I was really impressed by their progress in such a relatively short time, and got to enjoy challenging them with layered movements, and the use of props, like sticks, veils, and zills.  On another night, I was fortunate to teach a technique class, for several former students.  This was a new type of class, which certainly pushed me out of my comfort zone to try something different, and it was great!  I have my own teachers and mentors to thank, for their inspiration and encouragement.   And of course, Fridays are happy dance days, with the Fit and Fab divas from Breast Cancer Action Ottawa.   It was a wonderful Winter session, and I feel very blessed to be surrounded by positive energy, laughter, and a sense of purpose.

So, now’s the time for a new session.  Registration info is posted on the ‘classes’ page for Spring, and please check the ‘events’ page, for upcoming fun stuff, like the Ottawa Souk (formerly the Ottawa Dancer’s Bazaar), Shimmy Mob, and Shimmy Into Summer Show.  Hopefully, this chilly weather will soon mellow into soft spring breezes and warm sunshine…so treat yourself to a pedicure, dig out those sandals, and sign up for dance class…it’ll put a little ((Spring)) in your step!

Wow!  These ladies are wearin’ me out!!

Nashita Troupe – Rideau HS Winter 2016

Happy New Year!  Hoping everyone enjoyed the Christmas and holiday season, along with our beautiful weather.  I was happy to perform with my lovely students at two events recently – the Dance With Alana’s “ugly Christmas sweater party”, and Halyma’s Ottawa Community Class Party.  The ladies did a great job, and I was so proud of their stage presence; wearing pretty costumes, heads up, smiling, and enjoying themselves after all that hard work.  We were blessed with appreciative audiences, and it felt good to know that their first introduction to performing was such a positive experience.  That’s what makes my job so awesome!  Big thanks to both Alana Hock, and Tracey Vibert (Halyma), for creating events like these, to allow teachers and students to shine on stage.  

Nashita Troupe performing at Halyma’s Ottawa Community Class Party, Dec. 2015. Photo courtesy of RSVP Photography

Nashita Troupe (minus one dancer) at Dance With Alana’s “Ugly XMas Sweater Party”

After a brief break, it’s time to get my suitcase loaded up with coin scarves and be ready to roll again.  Winter session listings are all updated on my ‘Classes’ page.  I know, it’s tough to get motivated at this time of year, when the weather gets cold, snowy, and all-around nasty.  Some days, I just want to curl up in my PJ’s and eat bonbons, and watch trashy TV.  But I must admit that getting out and getting active is a great antidote for the winter blues and blahs.  So, if you want to try something fun for fitness, come on out and learn to dance…shimmies and smiles guaranteed!!

Hello Everyone.  It’s been too long since my last post…sheesh!  Wishing you a belated happy Thanksgiving, and hope you enjoyed a bit of scary fun last night during Hallowe’en.  At this halfway point of the Fall session, classes are progressing really well, and we’re beginning to work on a brand new original choreography.  I’m hoping some of the students will consider performing at Halyma’s Ottawa Centre Class Party in December…fingers crossed! 

I realize from my own experience, it’s a big commitment of time and effort, and kinda scary…practicing and remembering a whole routine, especially when you’re new to dance; so I’m trying very hard to choose great music, and write the choreography in a way that’s easy and fun to learn, and by providing short instructional “selfie-type” video clips for the ladies to review and work on at home.  These students are very brave to consider performing at such a large event; so I believe it’s important, as an instructor, to remember how they’re feeling; and try to prepare the group, so they can have a good first experience on stage, and enjoy meeting other people in the dance community, without feeling pressured or tossed into a competitive environment.  Fortunately, we’re a pretty supportive and friendly bunch!!   Well, wish us luck, we’ve got a lot of work to do!

*********************************************************************************

The Fall session has started, and I’m very happy to be back in the gorgeous studio at Greenboro Community Centre, teaching lovely new and returning students in the BCA “Fit and Fab” program.  Although a bit disappointed that two of my anticipated new classes were cancelled, due to low enrollment, I’m looking forward to teaching beginners on Tuesday nights at Brookfield (spaces still available).  Perhaps now I’ll have time to sign up for a class with one of my favourite teachers!  

Stay tuned for upcoming events…I’ll update my “Events” page with information as I receive it.  Wishing everyone a lovely Fall season (I like this weather), and hope to dance with you soon…   *******************************************************************