AZHAR Abbas has always loved to dance.
However, growing up in southern Iraq, there was little opportunity for her to pursue her dreams.
“I grew up in a very strict Muslim area,” she said. “It was always expected that I would be a doctor or a lawyer or something like that,” she said. “But, I always had a passion for music and dance. I loved to dance at weddings, but it was unthinkable that I could ever dance on my own.”
She moved to Australia in 1999 and immediately sensed things could be different.
“I thought to myself why not do it? It’s what you have always wanted to do,” she said. “There is this amazing freedom here.
“I now consider myself one of the luckiest people that I have this chance to express myself.”
She has taken lessons in belly dancing from a professional teacher and hopes to pass on her knowledge to others, holding classes locally.
“Belly dancing is an ancient, traditional style of dance,” she said. “It allows you to be creative, as well as sexy and happy, and it keeps you fit.”
She hopes her classes will show people a different side to her culture, as well as promote belly dancing itself.
“I was looking around Perth for a book about belly dancing, and I couldn’t find one,” she said. “I would love to open a workshop and studio where I teach, as well as selling books, CDs and DVDs.
“A lot of the costumes are $500 or $600 and I think I can make them for at least half that price.”
Much to her surprise and pleasure is the support she has received from her parents, who are still in Iraq.
“Iraq is a different place now,” she said. “The wars we have been through have changed us.
“Belly dancing for me is a chance to be happy, and takes away the everyday pressures.
“I feel happy that I am now able to pass on these things that come from my heart.”
Azhar is holding a six-week belly dancing class at the Koorliny Arts Centre. No prior experience is necessary. The cost is $8 per lesson.
For more information email azharmiden@live.com.au