After being a dancer for 25 years, it's safe to say that local belly dance instructor and performer Seraphina, who goes only by her stage name, knows what she's doing.
Beginning with ballet and training in classical Russian technique, Seraphina sadly succumbed to an injury that wouldn't allow her to continue dancing on pointe so she decided to begin studying other styles of dance.
"I stumbled across belly dance at a renaissance festival and fell in love instantly," she said. "Over the years I've had the privilege to learn under various teachers in different styles of belly dance--the style I gravitate toward is modern fusion, the combination of classical belly dance, modern dance and elements of world folk dance."
Seraphina has been involved in belly dance for more than 16 years, and has taught it for more than a decade.
"To me, belly dance is as much an art as ballet or any other style of dance. It takes years of hard work, dedication and practice to become a professional, but it's also accessible to the beginner and offers a fun and engaging work out," she said.
For the past five years, Seraphina has been teaching tribal fusion belly dance classes in Auburn.
"Tribal fusion is a branch of American tribal style that combines the fundamental moves of classical belly dance with folk dances of the Middle East and India," she said. "This particular style puts an emphasis on isolated muscle control and correct posture."
She added that each class session focuses on a different aspect of the dance as a whole, rom choreography to musicality.
Recitals also play an important role in her classes. Seraphina said the recitals are a great way for students to overcome their fears and increase their overall self-esteem.
"If you can get up in front of strangers and dance, you can do just about anything," she said.
Additionally, having the chance to teach her students and watch them grow is something Seraphina cherishes.
"They each have different strengths and weaknesses, but seeing them realize this is when I know I've done my job," she said. "I learn so much from each of them and I'm thankful for every single one."
While not as well known to some, belly dancing is a great way to stay in shape, both physically and mentally.
"It's a rewarding experience," Seraphina said. "You walk in the door feeling uncertain and nervous, but you leave the class with a new confidence and awareness." Additionally, she said students who are dedicated and work hard have the chance to become members in the student troupe gypsy Blues Belly dance, which is Auburn's premiere belly dance performance troupe. \0x2028 She keeps up her dedication to her students even though she is battling the illness endometriosis. She has struggled with this illness for more than 15 years and said there are days when it limits her beyond her control.
"Dancing is literally my way of life--teaching has been my only source of income for several years as I continue to battle my health," Seraphina said. "I take it very seriously. But I use my story to inspire others to reach for their dreams and to prove that anything is possible despite adversity."
Despite this illness, Seraphina is still able to perform, and has a performance coming up next month in Columbia, S.C. She said she feels blessed to have been given the opportunity to perform across the nation.
"When an audience member smiles, laughs, or even cries, I know that I've been successful in that performance," Seraphina said.
As for her hopes for the future, she would like to see more people give belly dance a chance.
"As a teacher, I hope to reach more students and inspire them to become serious dancers. In turn, I hope they continue sharing this art with others for years to come," Seraphina said.
Seraphina's tribal fusion belly dance class is held in 7-week sessions, and classes meet every Monday from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The spring session opens April 22 at the event Center Downtown in Opelika.
For more information, Seraphina encourages those interested to go to her website at http://seraphina.vze.com, or email her at otakubellydance@gmail.com.
"Belly dance is for everyone regardless of age, gender, skin color or size--everyone is welcome to join," Seraphina said.
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