|
|
Darlene Ghantt I began studying Tribal Style belly dance in February 2007 with Vikki Williams of Hipnosis. I’ve always loved to dance and since I had some time on my hands my husband suggested I take classes. After mulling over my options I thought, “Belly dance…why not?” Like many others I figured it was a good, fun way to exercise. After my second class with Vikki I came home and said to my husband, “This is it – I’ve found my calling.” I poured all of my energy into learning, taking two and three classes per week, practicing at home every free moment and taking on any responsibility Vikki would give me. I joke that I became a Hipnosis groupie, but in reality I knew this was an amazing troupe full of amazing women and they became my role models. I wanted to be near them and emulate them while developing my own style and in the end it paid off. I began Teach Assisting with Vikki, and In June 2008 I auditioned for and was accepted into Hipnosis as a student member, becoming a full member in September 2008. I’ve been exposed to other styles of belly dance but nothing gives me the joy that Tribal Style brings. The movements are grounded and earthy, yet strong and confident and there’s simply nothing like the connection I feel with my fellow dancers when we’re following each other, playing with the lead, making eye contact and smiling at each other because we both feel the same positive energy of the dance. The improvisational nature of the dance appeals to me because it keeps everyone connected while preventing the dance from ever becoming predictable. Each dancer has her own favorite moves and style so when leaders change, you never really know what you’re going to get and that appeals to me greatly! I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to thank my husband Michael who is my support system and biggest fan. He’s an artist himself (tattoo artist, musician and photographer) and is fully understanding of the time and effort I put into dance, involving himself at every opportunity by providing live music for us, taking photos and doing whatever favors are asked of him. My day job finds me as a construction admin for a large commercial real estate develoment company, and outside of dance my hobbies / interests include acquiring tattoos, reading, photography, eating, good beer, hiking (almost anything outdoors) and the all-too-rare foray into golf and rock climbing. |
"