Every experience I have with this dance just reinforces just how amazing and powerful it is. Even with its' immense growth in popularity lately, I still think it is one of the worlds's best kept secrets. If only all women could have the experience of having an instant community of other women who accept them, encourage them and support them--can you imagine how different our relationships with other women would be? There are so few places that we as women in this culture can get together, support one another, look our best and have a great time.

I recently participated in a national teacher training for an amazing program called SEEDS (Self Esteem and Education through Dance). It is an innovative program that is the brain-child of my teacher Myra Krien. The program was created seven years ago for young women aged 15-18 to participat in a 9-month program (1 full school-year) geared toward teaching them valuable life skills. The heart of the program is learning to dance American Tribal Style Belly Dance. The details and benefits of the program are too far-reaching to even begin to explain here, but needless to say, it is and AMAZING program. The program gives young women experiences and knowledge that are vital to their survival in this day and age and I would encourage anyone who has any interest in working with young women to attend a training.

Thank you Myra for giving this gift to the world.