Essence of Bellydance

"Listen to your heart and to the people who have already accomplished a dream similar to yours."

Interview from March 30th 2018.

Madeleine (23) is ESSENCE OF BELLYDANCE™ teacher, author and student of languages & cultures.

How did you come in touch with Bellydance and what does it give you?

Well I guess my first time getting in touch with belly dance was when I saw some of Shakira’s iconic music videos like “Whenever Wherever” and “Hips don’t lie” on MTV while I tried not to get caught by my Mama, haha. She was very strict when it came to education besides school, I wasn’t allowed to do very much. I used to be bullied in school for being the “fat nerdy girl” with braces, skin and hair acting up… puberty really had its fun with me. I still remember crying myself to sleep almost every night because I hated my life. I couldn’t seem to understand why God “punished” me when I just wanted to be free, loved for who I really am and dance!!! So with 11 years I promised myself that as soon as I would turn 18 I would no longer dream but make the best out of my life and body. I started where I was - by dancing to Shakira secretly in front of the mirror.

The feeling belly dancing gives me is hard to describe because it means so much to me. It feels free, light-hearted and being in tune with everything that I am as a woman. And also a little bit like finally eating that chocolate cake you have been craving for all day. Belly dancing is like… Love.

How did you start and what were the important milestones/turning points in your dance journey?

I started belly dancing 2014 when I moved for my Russian, French and Portuguese languages and cultures studies to Giessen. It was a typical oriental belly dance class focusing less on techniques but more on getting the energy of oriental belly dance. We occasionally danced on social events as well which was fun, but I wanted to be more than just a “birthday belly dancer”. The oldest woman in our group was 69 years old and not only was her belly dancing stunning, her whole body looked so young, flexible and beautiful! Of course nothing else but belly dancing for 30 years was her secret.

The first turning point of my career was definitely in 2016 when I discovered Coco and her teacher training. Before the teacher training I was still struggling with self-doubts since I only had 2 years dance experience – what if I wouldn’t make it? Those doubts vanished as soon as the teacher training started. I loved every weekend in Berlin soooo much, every dance lesson was full of life, warmth and growth externally in belly dance and internally as a woman. It’s softly challenging in all the good ways. Thank you Coco for creating ESSENCE OF BELLYDANCE.

What was the best moment in your dance life so far?

Last year I went to Los Angeles to a belly dance festival as a visitor but somehow ended up on stage dancing with children to live drummers in between the main acts becoming the main attraction of that night in my simple blue summer dress, no fancy make up or jewelry. All the appreciation I got from everyone there felt so unreal to me. This was the moment I fully realized that I had made my secret childhood dream come true.

You study, teach 2 classes and have just published your first poetry book Roarmance, how does it all fit together and how do you find time for it all?

The time is there because I make time for it. Somehow, the more I take time for the people and things I truly love, the more energy, the more time is there. Life is too short to fill it with half ass things. I want my life to be as full of Unconditional Love as possible and by doing what I do now I feel Love even on a “bad day” even when I am alone because I am living my Soul’s Purpose. Everyone has a different Soul Purpose and the more we live it, the more we glow. By the way your glow is giving me a tan Coco!

I love it, thank you! Is there something you regret?

No. I don’t like the energy of regretting. It takes precious moments away of the now. However, whenever I find myself “regretting” or overthinking something, I pray and count the blessings in my life using the “regretting” energy to create something with Love in my life right now. Or I just shimmy, shake, twist and slide it away with my hips.

What 3 tips would you like to share with women who want to pursue a similar dream?

1. Listen to your heart and to the people who have already accomplished a dream similar to yours. Never take advice or let negativity get close to you from someone who has no clue about the meaning of your dream for you.
2. Your dreams matter and realizing them will make you truly happy. “Remember that wherever your heart is, there will you find your treasure.” Paulo Coelho The Alchemist
3. Be unapologetically ambitious in following your dream every day. Even on a “bad day”, just do it. Your future self will love you for it, trust me. Oh and don’t forget to pamper yourself on a daily basis while doing so.

How does a day in your life look like?

I hit snooze a couple of times before I finally get up, haha. I always stay up way too late at night because that’s when I feel most inspired to write. After a good breakfast and cup of tea with fresh fruits I pray, put on really loud Hip Hop music and drive à la GTA San Andreas to university. While driving I always practice my belly moves to the beat – it’s more fun that way. As soon as I finish my courses I head to the sport campus and teach my modern belly dance class and meditation in motion.

After those I always feel like walking on cloud 7 since my dance students leave my classes with big smiles. Depending on the day I am either heading to the dance studio for Air Hooping (my current dance obsession) with friends or whatever dance class we feel like that day, to basketball games, food, spa, movies, basically vibing together doing whatever feels good to the Soul and Heart. As soon as I get home I prepare myself for the next day and get my mindset and body right. I put on my favorite music and continue writing on my second book until I realize it’s already 3 in the morning…

What are the 3 books that shaped your life?

"Only Love is Real - A Story of Soulmates Reunited" by Dr. Brian Weiss

"Heal Thyself for Health and Longevity" by Queen Afua

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

I recently published my first book which has been a big childhood dream of mine. It’s called "Roarmance: Poetry and Soulful Writing" and it definitely shaped my life into a big heart bubble ever since…

What is your vision for the future?

In the future I see myself sharing my Love for belly dance with everyone who comes to my classes while expanding my dancing skills and writing many more books. Since Love and Family mean so much to me nothing makes my heart shimmy more than the thought of having my own one day with the man I love, being a good wife and mother.

Thank you so much for the interview Madeleine! You are an inspiration.

Do you love to dance and want to inspire other women? Then join our international community of excellent dance teachers and start teaching your own ESSENCE OF BELLYDANCE™ classes. You can do it!