by Rachel Bennett 

“Hello. My name is Rachel and I’m a tribal convert!”

My first encounter with tribal bellydancing was on DVD and I’ll admit it left only a small impression on me. I recognised the prowess of the dancers as they effortlessly undulated their bodies. Yet, the heavy layers of clothes and serious faces didn’t welcome me to the dance form.

What a difference live performance makes! I started warming to tribal after watching the mesmerising Bellydance Superstars perform. The dance form communicated itself to me through their powerful moves, and this time I even liked the costumes!

In my quest to refine my dance skills I’ve given tribal a go. Now I’m attending Emma Pyke's regular Monday tribal lessons and enjoying it: the style is strengthening my technique and ability, whilst remaining a challenge as I progress and learn.

My conversion was complete at a recent haflah, where I performed a tribal piece with the Mersin dance troupe. Now, as a member of Emma's Tribaltastic troupe, I will don my tribal skirt; I shall go forth, armed with a hugga, a juicy peach & flowers in my hair. I shall radiate positive energy to the audience through my fingertips and use arm muscles I hadn’t known existed before… and I’ll remember to breathe…. and SMILE!