Kristine
Hi, my name is Kristine and I've been a member of the Neighbourhood Strays since spring 2006.
My bellydance adventure started about seven years ago in my home province of British Columbia. I took a few classes as something different and new to do, and really enjoyed them. I started dancing regularly in my kitchen, but never thought anything more would come of it.
When I moved out here to St. John's to pursue a MA in Folklore, I noticed Andrea's posters for classes around our department, and signed up immediately. I enjoyed Andrea's style even more than the Egyptian dance I had previously participated in, and was thoroughly hooked. I practiced at every opportunity- not an easy feat during my first semester in my tiny residence room- and began performing with the troupe about eight months later.
I started leading some workshops with the troupe in summer 2006, and realized that my enjoyment of teaching extended to bellydance as well. Since then, I've been teaching classes both at our downtown studio and at the former Healing Circle on Pippy Place. I enjoy teaching immensely, and try my best to make my classes welcoming, informative, and, of course, fun.
Overall, bellydance had provided me with an amazing opportunity to challenge myself. I am actually a very shy person, but dancing and performing is a wonderful boost to self confidence and allows me a wonderful form of creative expression.
Photo by TerryLynn Colford, with some Photoshop experimentation done by Kristine.