Posted on 30/08/2019 by siteadmin

Getting to know: Elizabeth Aitken

Elizabeth is a recently qualified JWAAD Bellydance Diploma teacher.  She taught for the first time this year at the JWAAD Bellydance summer school in Berkshire and her workshops were really well received.  I was also very impressed by her performance – she sizzled.  Read on to find out more about Elizabeth ….. and don’t miss her at this years Fantasia.

How did you get into belly dance?
I started bellydancing at a local class in Ely. This was my first go at any type of dancing. At the time I was shy and hid at the back of the class for the first few weeks. After a while I realised that I was quite good at it and I became a lot more confident.
I loved the music and I soon became hooked. I started to going to more workshops around the country and made copious notes. I wanted to learn as much as I could.

Tell us a bit about your bellydance journey – how did you end up teaching?
I was asked to provide cover while a local teacher was on holiday. I loved it. I realised I wanted to pass on my passion for this dance and give other ladies the same confidence boost I’d had. I signed up for the “JWAAD Safe Delivery of Belly Dance Classes” course and never looked back. I set up my own company Elysian Bellydance and began teaching straight away. Last year I completed the JWAAD Teaching Diploma and became a Mentor and Assessor.

What did you like most – and what did you like least – about teaching bellydance?
I like so many elements of teaching, the fun in class, seeing my girls perform or take on their first solo. I’d say the best part of teaching for me has to be the reward you get seeing your students transform or seeing that moment when something clicks and they “get-it”. What I enjoy least is the admin.

What do you like to do to relax?
I like a good glass of red and a Keanu film. I’ve also recently taken up Sivananda Hatha Yoga. It’s great for flexibility, strength and balance. It can be hard work but well worth the effort. I really enjoy the stretching, relaxation and breathing exercises.

What is your star sign?
It’s Libra!
The sign of balance symbolized by the scales. I definitely enjoy the times of equilibrium and peace in my life and like to keep things on an even keel.

What is your favourite colour and why?
I love mixes of bright colours. I expect that’s the Indian in me.

At the Fantasia bellydance festival you are teaching ‘Arabic Salsa’ – can you tell us a bit about what to expect:
Expect exuberance. I’m going to be teaching step patterns and combinations full of energy and attitude that dancers can use to spice up their own dance.

Lastly, what would you like to be doing in 5 years’ time?

I’ll definitely be dancing!

Here is a link to Elizabeths web site and a video of her performing.

To find out about Fantasia and book your dancers day ticket click here.

JWAAD designs and delivers the only certified bellydance training accredited by a recognised awarding body at Level 3.