It was October 1975, and I began training within this wonderful dance form in a little Southern California town called San Dimas. In fact, it was all my Mother's fault. She invited me to join her in a class and I was hooked. Our teacher was a very large woman and the absolute grace with which she moved was astounding. I was convinced that belly dance brought out the beauty of anyone who applied her or his self to the art.

My first time on stage (with knees knocking) was that spring and I danced to "Enta Omri". Some of you may recognize that oldie. Being on stage lit a fire within me that as never gone out. Mom went on to become a well-known costumer in California, "Samira-CostumeMaker". She used to make the most exquisite Persian applique skirts.

On October 3, 1977, I got my first night club job. I was in 7th heaven. It was the Arabic club, "The Cascades", owned by the well-known Lou Shelby. From then on, I danced in almost every night club within two hours driving distance of Los Angeles and Orange Counties: clubs like the 7th Veil, Coco's Nightclub, Ali Baba's, The Fez, The Merrakesh, The Moroccan House, and The Appadana (to name just a few).

One of the most exciting memories I have of those times was when I danced at the California Jewelry Mart and made $800 in tips. Whooo Hooo! Another time, I danced for one of the princes of Oman (a small Persian Gulf country). The prince was pretty grumpy and I was not impressed.

The silliest memory I have is of the time I danced in the "B" movie "Stoogemania" starring Josh Mostel. They had me dance around a table in a restaurant scene, but when the movie was released, all that was left of me was a quivering belly accompanied by a glib one-liner. Ugh!

During my club years I became involved with MECDA (Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association) and was one of their first Vice presidents and for an eight month period, acting President. I also began teaching seminars for MECDA and others in the early 80's. I was the first American professional belly dancer to teach several seminars in New Zealand (June 1986). I was featured there in the Wellington City Magazine and had an interview on the premier "Performance Arts" radio show also in Wellington.

In the late 80's, I also began researching the effect of belly dance on pregnancy and during childbirth. I started teaching the "Birthdance" method to local Moms in the Los Angeles area. It was a class combining yoga and belly dance to prepare for childbirth. Some of my students used it during labor with some interesting results. For more information see the article "Birthdance: A Labor of Love" written by Delilah.

My daughter Elayssa was born in 1980 and grew up surrounded with belly dance. She was an exotic looking child being half Russian Gypsy. It should be no surprise to anyone that at the age of 16 she decided that she was going to be a belly dance star. I had never pushed her to do this; it was all her idea and I was pleased. Elayssa and I formed our first troupe together, "Desert Bloom". We were well known for our biyearly house parties in Bel-air. (Desert Bloom has transformed into the now famous and cutting edge troupe 'Desert Sin" is now on their own and going strong)

In 1996, Elayssa and I moved up to Sonoma County to go to school together. I went on to major in fine arts at Mills College in Oakland and Elayssa took time off from school and went to live in San Francisco.

UPDATE February 2005: I'm currently teaching and dancing in the Los Angeles area. As for my photography, I'm currently on hiatus, but watch for my photographs coming soon.

Blessings to you All!

Jenza
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