NARTAKAH नर्तक
Sanskrit ~ Who Causes Others To Dance
(aspect of Lord Shiva, God of Dance)
DAVID REDWOODHe came he saw he danced his little toes off. Lost a over a stone in weight and looks fabulous in a turban..lol.. :-) ATS® is my life and don't you forget it..lol..Seriously, I have found a new medium to express myself ATS®. With a loving and respected tribal family around me to dance with. We have so much fun in class and when we perform and we always all look fabulous. It's a beautiful way to express oneself through dance and I genuinely enjoy every minute of it. Furthermore it's amazing that ATS® is so well respected around the world and it's something to be proud of belonging to. I have made so many friends from around the world because of ATS® and I haven't met most of them. ATS® is like a fast growing religion of dance and I am proud to be a disciple. Lililililililililiyyyyyyip!
STACEY LOUI think it's safe to say that I love everything about ATS®. From the moment I tried it I was hooked. I had done cabaret style bellydancing before, but hadn't realised what I was missing. After taking part in an ATS® workshop I started attending classes with Akula Tribal. Addicted, I started putting together some costuming and now find myself sewing at every spare minute! As soon as I hear the music I want to dance and the music is mesmerising. I love the fact that every dance is different because it's all improvised and you can dance with anyone - it's so easy to lose yourself in the music and move with the beat and the troupe, and watching a performance is captivating.I'm so proud to be a part of Nartakah: my new ATS® family have been so kind and supportive and have made me feel so welcome, and I look forward to dancing with them as much as possible!
TONI WILSON
I have danced for the majority of my adult life in one genre or another and came to ATS® bellydance quite by chance when attending a workshop. I walked into the workshop more as a time-filler and had no idea of the impact this first introduction was about to have upon me. Even at that early stage and after only being given a few rudamentary paces as soon as they partnered themselves with the earthy beat of the music I was well and truly hooked. There seems to be something about this style of dance that when coupled with the lamenting sounds of the accompanying music resonates with the soul. Since that time I've been privileged to have joined Akula Nartakah where I continue to learn from my teachers and from my fellow tribe members. What I absolutely love about this genre of dance is that you never stop learning, its always on-going, no one strives to be better than another yet everyone strives to better and perfect their personal best and for me this is the magic and the heart of Akula Nartakah and what gives this style of dance its dynamics within its performance. One of the most important things though, is that it's so much fun!...
MARK BROWN
ATS® has let me love my body, nourishes my spirit and is a beautiful gift that is shared with my wife, teachers, troop mates and fellow dancers. A gift that I love to share with all that come to watch us.
I got involved via photography and was "talked into" giving it a go, never thinking I'd enjoy it. After the first lesson I'd left my hangups behind and discovered how fun it is.
MICHELLE BROWN
I never considered myself to be a dancer, let alone a belly dancer. After being coaxed by a couple of friends two years ago, I joined Maxine's class and have never looked back. ATS® Belly Dancing has opened me into a world of dance, friendship, and the ability to wear as much shiny things as possible! It has changed my life and helped my husband and I in so many ways. The fact that this style of belly dance is improvised means every dance is unique. I also love the fact that as a troupe, we are able to communicate with each other without needing to speak.
MARGARET KAYI have enjoyed dancing in a variety of styles for about 10 years but first saw ATS® danced around 5 years ago - I knew right then that I was seeing something very special. There was something very powerful, such energy radiating from the dancers, something quite magical going on quite apart from the fantastic costumes and jewellery! (I've never been too much of a sequins-and-chiffon girl!). Apart from occasional workshops though, it was another 3 years or so before ATS® came to Colchester in the form of the wonderful Akula and it became a real possibility for me to join in. We come from a diversity of backgrounds, our steps and trappings are drawn from a variety of cultural influences, yet when we dance together, the essence of what we do seems to tap into something far more ancient and universal. We make a connection with each other (and with the wider dance community) and every time we dance together, the bonds of confidence and trust in each other and the energy we access grow stronger. We still have much to learn and a lot of growing to do but already our tribe is greater than the sum of its members - I am honoured to be a part of that.
MARIA G KELLYHaving danced to a different Belly Dancing style for about seven years, I've always felt like there was something missing...Joining Akula's ATS® classes filled completely that void, loving every second...I was lucky to meet Maxine and Christine (our beautiful teachers) who welcomed me in the troupe just like one of the family, changing my life for the better in every angle and giving me the chance to bond with the unique and beautiful people that I dance with, nevertheless giving me the confidence and encouragement needed to perform. I feel so lucky and honoured to be part of it ♥
GEMMA LOUISE WHITEHOUSEMy passion for dancing has grown so much since I have started ATS®. I had previously done cabaret belly dancing for a few months and was a part of a cabaret group in Southend called, 'Mystik Hips'. However, I then found that it wasn't for me and decided to take the path onto tribal. One of my main influences is the amazing Rachel Brice. Once I had seen her dance I knew instantly that's what I wanted to do. Tribal belly dancing to me is much more spiritual and beautiful than any other style; everyone is equal. Being a part of Akula Nartakah is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Everyone is so welcoming and down to earth. I felt as though I fitted in straight away. ♥
JULIA SIMPSON
I started belly dancing with Henrietta Lewis and spent many happy years as a part of Zahara Belly Dance. I saw Akula dance at our hafla and was entranced by both the music and the beautiful movement. Within two days I was at my first ATS® lesson with Akula, knowing I had found my niche within the belly dancing world. I feel privileged and proud to be a part of the dance tribe/family that Maxine and Christine have formed. There is such genuine warmth, creativity and humour within Akula Nartakah. We have respect for each other and for the dance that FatChanceBellyDance® have created. But most of all – it’s fun and it’s addictive.
ALISON MEACOCK
To follow...
LYNSEY WILLIAMSBeing part of Akula Nartakah is not only a privilege but a joy and blessing. From drilling moves in class with our inspirational teachers to performing "as one" at events, Nartakah has become an important and special part of my life. The journey is continuous and ever evolving, and along the way I learn beautiful moves, feel and connect with the music, tap into an undiscovered creative side of myself through costuming, and get to share my passion with other wonderful and like-minded people whose enthusiasm is infectious. It is a true belonging which has enabled me to "be" in the present moment. To put it simply...It makes my heart sing.
LEAH R LEAH RI love the fact I am using my brain, that each week in class there is a point where I know what I am meant to do (when the week before I spun the wrong way in confusion...) I love that I have met such lovely people all willing to help me, that the stretch before and after is like a yoga class in itself and best of all that every time I see M and C dance I am inspired - to push myself in my dance (and to give in to the temptation to by a new belt, or skirt, or bra......)
