Female

39

I've been studying Middle Eastern Dance since 2000. I originally started classes in Perth, Western Australia with Belyssa--largely Egyptian and Turkish Oriental-style dancing. I didn't get to spend as much time studying with her as I wish that I could have, but I do credit her still with the strong base that she gave me, the passion I have for this dance and the respect I have developed for its origins.

I moved back to Knoxville in 2001 and continued my dance studies with Alexia. My first recital was with her student troupe in her first Egyptian Nights show at the Fairbanks in 2002.

In 2003 I was diagnosed with Familial Mediterranean Fever(FMF) and dropped out of classes and performing publically for a couple of years. I still danced at home and while out with friends. Life stresses combined with my long-term illness (which had been un-diagnosed up until that time) made practicing and performing very difficult. And still does sometimes, but I refuse to let this make me give up my dance again.

In October 2005 Danika started teaching in Kingston. This was so much closer to home and I was happy to start classes again. I'm currently on hiatus from performing with Danika and her troupe to concentrate on honing my skills within the more traditional Egyptian Oriental style of dance with Sabylla in Knoxville.

I love bellydancing no matter the style--though I do find myself more often than not picking Turkish music (old and new) when I perform solos. I love the passion and spontaniety of the Turkish style of dance. I've also fallen in love with the folkloric dances of Turkey. My dance name, Hülya, is Turkish in origin and means "a sweet thought or dream." It's my dream to travel to Turkey someday with Artemis or Eva's tours so that I can experience the culture of the dance first hand.