I started to dance back in the 1970s, when we were barely even aware that there were different styles. It turns out that what I learned was mostly Turkish style with other things thrown in.
In the late 70s, I moved to the Twin Cities and studied with Zedena and Cassandra. I was a founding member of the Guild of Oriental Dance. My first husband and I were members of a group that was then called Oasis, which later turned into the Electric Arab Orchestra.
Somewhere in there, I also discovered that I am a pretty good tar and tambourine player. After I got divorced, I danced and played tambourine on and off for a few more years. I was involved at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in a belly dance group called Delilah and Raffa, and I was a gypsy-musician-village-character at the Festival for a few years.
For quite a number of years I mostly did not dance, then a few years ago discovered that I really missed dancing -- A LOT. I took lessons from Margo and attended most of the workshops sponsored by her in that timeframe.
I heard about Tribal Style and was intrigued by the concept a group that could improvise together. For me, improvisation is the soul of the dance. I now consider Tribal Style my main form of dance, and also enjoy Gypsy/Rom Fusion style (as done by Artemis) and a more personal, shamanic style that I only do by myself (as done by Gabrielle Roth).
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