Today we are rehashing what we know about our amazing teacher Jacqui and also introducing you to me, Marina.
In a previous post we looked in depth at Jacqui's biography (as part of our Star Stalker posts) but I thought it would be good to revisit the life of this amazing woman today.
 |
| Jacqui |
Jacqui Chandler was born in the small Free State town of Welkom and immersed herself into ballet from the age of 6. She started studying Graphic Design at the Bloemfontein Technicon, but transfered to Durban to study Stage Management and Technical Theatre. During her time at Durban Technicon, she continued studying dance and worked toward her teachers certificate in ballet. She also performed for the Natal Performing Arts Council (NAPAC) and starred in numerous productions. Apart from her studies, Jacqui also took every possible class she could, including Jazz, Modern and even Cabaret. In 2004 she took a Belly Dance class before moving to Mozambique and upon her return in 2006, she focussed more seriously on the artform.
Her greatest achievement to date was seeing her students perform at the Rhythm Divine Hafla in 2013 and to watch them grow and overcome obstacles, not only in their dancing, but in their personal lives. She also loved doing workshops with Bozenka, Karim Nagi and recently completed her teachers training with Ajsa Samia.
 |
| Jacqui |
Jacqui would love to train with the beautiful Rachel Brice, the "face" of Tribal Fusion Belly Dance. She loves her grace, fluidity and the way that she mezmerises her audience. She loves the art form of Tribal Fusion because it is a very adaptable form of dance in which you could "fuse" any other dance form in.
When Jacqui is not hard at working doing her day job, she loves spending time with the love of her life, painting, sketching and making costumes. . . That is when she isn't choreographing our amazing dances!
I am an intermediate advanced student, known best for assuming the character of "Karma" when on stage. My day job is in a boring office, but with Karma, I have license to come out of my shell when performing.
 |
| Marina (Karma) |
I started dance training with Marinda from Belly Buttons Harties in 2011 on a workshop basis. When I heard about the opportunity of attending weekly classes with Jacqui in 2012, I jumped at the chance. I have no prior training, but I am spurred on by my passion for Bollywood movies and credit watching actresses like Aishwarya Rai-Bacchan and Kareena Kapoor on screen for cultivating my love for dancing.
My greatest challenge is overcoming my fear of failure in class. I am a self-confessed "pain in the butt perfectionist" and struggle with "just letting go" in class. My greatest achievement is showing the doubting Thomases in my life that I can do this, as well as every time I am asked to do a solo - something I never thought would happen!
 |
| Marina |
I would love to train with Jillina from Belly Dance Super Stars as it was my first encounter with Belly Dance. I'm looking forward to the workshops at the end of April and only wish that my finances allowed me to attend all the workshops. I enjoy dancing with fan veils and would like to attend another workshop with local dancer Anastasia to brush up on my skills.
Apart from my 7-4 day job, I love reading and making costumes for myself and other dancers. I'm also a budding writer and blogger. My other passions include photography and watching as many Bollywood movies as I can.
Hope you enjoyed this look into the lives and characters of our Rusty Belly Dance students. Please remember to follow us on Facebook to keep abreast of all our antics.
Happy Shimmy-ing!
XxX
Marina
No comments:
Post a Comment