Luloah
What do you like about belly dance and what do you like about being in the performance group?
I used to play rugby and tore out my ACL tackling someone once.  For years, I was in pain, because of my injury. A few years ago, I wanted to take up a form of exercise that would be fun, but because of my knee injury, I couldn't do any high impact activities.
 A friend of mine had taken belly dance lessons on the West Coast and really liked it. I would see pictures of her in her lovely costumes and it looked fun. It was exercise that worked your core muscles that wouldn't hurt my knee.
 So, I bought a DVD and started to practice to it and have been hooked ever since.
The best part of belly dancing is that you are encouraged to wear pretty, sparkling things!



Aasiyah
I started belly dancing because my friend asked me to go with her. I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I have, but I got hooked. I love the music and the movement, and learning about the culture has been great. I have made great friends, and lets face it, when else would you get to wear something covered in beads, coins, and sequins!

Sahar
I enjoy bellydance because I like the moves and the music. There are various styles and different types of music to choose from. Over the years I have taken tap, ballet and jazz, but I have enjoyed bellydance the best. I feel I have found the dance that I want to pursue. The learning never ends! 
I feel good about being a senior member of the performance group. It makes me strive harder to be a better dancer. I enjoy dancing and it gives me a chance to perform.

Katiyah
I originally joined for something new to try and for the exercise.  It sounded very fun.  Now, 6 years later I have made a lot of wonderful friends and learned great dances. 
I enjoy performing with my new found friends.  We have a great group with a wonderful instructor and we have a lot of fun.  It is a great way to spend Friday night.


Mira
(Costume Mistress for Faaria's Belly Dance Ensemble)
I coached cheerleading for 21years, and when I stopped, I really missed doing something that incorporated music and movement. I had been a baton twirler/drum majorette from age 10 through high school, and having already taken tap, jazz, aerobics, swing, and a brief attempt at Irish step dancing, I knew I needed to look for something that wouldn't be so hard on my tired, old knees.  So, I thought I'd give belly dancing a try.  From the very first class I was hooked!  I enjoyed learning to move my body in a fluid way that was so different from the more rigid styles of dance I was used to doing.  I also liked trying to develop an "ear" for music that was different from western-style music.  And, as a bonus, the costuming is so beautiful!  Who could ask for more?!  Being a member of the performance group has been a blast!  Although we all try to do our best, there is plenty of room for fun, teasing, goofiness, and lots of laughter.  Performing can be nerve-racking, but in the end, it is always a memorable experience.  I truly enjoy being a part of the group.


Kalilah
I have been dancing for 13 years in ballet, modern, jazz and pointe disciplines.  5 years ago, I began belly dancing.  I enjoy infusing other disciplines into my belly dance routines, especially latin flavors.  I enjoy the acceptance that belly dance offers for all women of different ages, shapes and sizes.  I also enjoy the variety offered in the choreographies of the senior performance group.