My journey thus far in movement and dance has spanned the globe, from the far reaches of East Asia to the Caribbean and Latin America, to Africa, Europe, the Middle East and, of course, to the streets of New York City and San Francisco.

The travels have been primarily metaphoric but nonetheless have been powerful influences in my identity and value formation. I am a dancer. And I suspect, a gypsy of sorts. The primal call to move the body rhythmically creating fleeting images of life and death and all that lies in between is what I define as dance. In that sense, we are all dancers.

It is the "all that lies in between" which provides the infinite diversity of expression. The beauty and joy of life cannot be without the perceived ugliness and pain of death, just as the lotus can only blossom out of dark, murky waters. This circle dance, this rhythmic pull between poles is powered by the transformative energy of the Goddess Kali.

Kali is the Hindu Goddess of time, of change. She is the power of action, of the breath and of transformation. Kali's essence is Divine Love. Through time, breath and Divine Love all things are accomplished. If we surrender to Her essence, She creates the energy and all is possible. -quote from Tony Murdock

Finding my way to American Tribal Style Bellydance has been a winding, if not difficult path. My first formal introduction to belly dancing was at the Brooklyn Arts Festival about 4 years ago. Dr. Sunyatta Amen from Belly Dancers of Color hosted a free class there. After a few minutes of shimmying, I was hooked. I had to figure out a way to bring bellydancing to my studio, otherwise, I knew I wouldn't have the time to pursue it!

Over the last 3 years, Ifa Dancenter has had its share of bellydance instructors gracing its dance floor. We offered classes in different styles ranging from Egyptian to Tribaret to Tribal Fusion and ultimately, American Tribal Style. The biggest lesson I learned from the dramatic comings and goings of different instructor energies was the importance of surrendering the ego.

For awhile, I just couldn't figure out why things weren't working out with these teachers. But then I got it. I understood why it was happening. It actually was a blessing that the other teachers just did not work out. Maybe it can be construed as a call to action. It's no coincidence that the Kali Yantra appeared to me at about this time of yuckiness. I have been wearing it every day since!

All of these "negative" experiences have helped to clarify my mission as a bellydancer and bellydance instructor. I knew I didn't want to breed insecurity, jealousy and negativity among women, especially through dance! Dance has always been a means to liberation and enlightenment for me. This is what I am here to share. I want to experience true sisterhood, where we can appreciate and revel in each other's unique beauty without fear, threat nor judgment.

When I met Carolena (director of Fat Chance Belly Dance and creator of the American Tribal Style) for the first time this past November, I knew that my bellydance path simultaneously began and ended right there! The format that she created for all of us to enjoy requires that surrender of ego I was seeking! Becoming an excellent ATS dancer requires a sensitivity and awareness of the needs of your fellow dancers and your audience, more so than your own personal needs!

Please welcome the birth of Tribe Kali, a new bellydance troupe dedicated to promoting, teaching and dancing American Tribal Style Bellydance in Westchester and beyond!