Bellydance by Aleta

The DAnce

She danced the dance of flames and fire, and the dance of swords and spears; she danced the dance of stars and the dance of space and then she danced the dance of flowers in the wind.

When she had finished, she approached the Prince and bowed her body before him.  The Prince bade her to come nearer, and said unto her, "Beautiful woman, daughter of grace and delight, whence comes your art?  And how is it that you command all the elements in your rhythms and your rhymes?"

And the dancer came near and bowed her body again and said, "Gracious Majesty, I know not the answer to your questionings.  Only this I know:  The philosopher's soul dwells within his head, the poet's soul dwells within his heart, the singer's soul dwells about his throat, but the soul of a dancer abides in all her body."

-Khalil Gibran

Bio

Though a dancer's soul since birth, Aleta did not begin her dance training as a young child. She was enrolled in ballet and tap lessons at the age of 3, only to be withdrawn from classes in a short time for her refusal to dance in front of anyone else! 

However, lack of classes did not prevent her from dancing whenever, wherever, and as much as she possibly could.  This included her grandparents backyard, her bedroom, school PE classes, the playground, and essentially anywhere. 

Aleta's passsion for bellydance began as an 8 year old when she discovered that her friend's babysitter was a bellydancer.  Fascinated with the costuming and the mystical allure of the dancer, she yearned to take lessons.  In 2001 her dream finally came true.  Inspired by Veena & Neena, the Bellytwins, and their fitness video series, Aleta knew that she needed an instructor.  This was no passing fancy, but a full-blown obsession.

Beginning her lessons with Galadriel, Cira, and Kisa in Salem, OR, Aleta's thirst for more knowledge, more technique, more music, and more costumes could not be quenched.  She continued her lessons with Zaina Hart, Aziza, Astryd de Michele, and finally found the challenge, technicality, musicality, and artistry that she had been questing for in the instruction of Rachel George and Suhaila Salimpour.  Aleta is currently Level 1 certified in the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance and is working on her Level 2 certification.

Steadfastly believing that life is a journey of learning and adventure, Aleta approaches her dance training in the same way.  Every new technique learned, every new skill mastered, and every goal accomplished is a direct reflection of the number of beads of sweat that it took to achieve them, and opens even more opportunities for further advancement.  She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at Western Oregon University studying Exercise Science/Sports Medicine.

Experience

As an award-winning performer, Aleta's talent and creativity continue to blossom and flourish as she becomes a highly sought after performing artist.  Her unique and detailed knowledge of muscle mechanics and body movement, mastery of timing, complicated layering techniques and isolations, powerful grace and elegance, and captivating emotional  & intuitive expression make every performance a spellbinding experience, leaving her audience enthralled.

Advance Your Bellydance with Rachel George (Instructional DVD due out end of 2008)

Outside the City Summer Bash 2007 Biker Rally, bellymetal with "Frisk Me Now!"
Bellymetal performer

World Beat Music Festival
CCTV
Good Day Oregon
Western Oregon University
• Jovita Reyes Scholarship Foundation
• Diversity Week - OR State Department of Human Resources

Awards 

2003 - 1st Place Isis

           1st Place People's Choice

           Double Crown Competition

2003 - 3rd Place Intermediate

           2nd Place People's Choice

           Bellydancer USA Competition

2003 - 3rd Place Rising Star

           Wiggles of the West                             Competition

2008 - 5th Place Bellydancer USA

           3rd Place People's Choice                     Bellydancer USA