1. First things first: tell us a little bit about you!
I’m in my third year studying Biochemistry with Genetics at Lancaster University. I’m 22 and I’m from Budapest, Hungary. I joined the Belly Dancing Society (LUBells) in Freshers Week in my first year, and I’ve been the President of the society since the end of my first year.
2. How and when did you first get into belly dancing?
I started belly dancing in 2011, back in Hungary. I wanted to start dancing, but I wasn’t sure what kind of dance I should try. Then I found my mother’s belly dance costume (she used to belly dance when I was younger), and it sparked my interest. I tried it on and searched belly dance videos on YouTube, then I started to search for belly dance teachers around my area. A few weeks after that I went to my first belly dance class, and after 4 and a half years I still love it.
3. What are your main jobs as President of LuBells?
I have various tasks as President, mainly organising the belly dance sessions and performances, answering messages and performance invitations and encouraging members to take part in our activities.
I also make and teach the choreographies that we perform. It is not specifically the President’s job, anyone in the society can make and teach dances, but right now I’m the only one confident enough to do it.
4. What has been your favourite performance at Lancaster Uni and why?
It’s hard to choose a favourite performance. The most memorable performance for me was my first performance here in Lancaster at the Diwali event for the Indian Society in 2013, where I did my very first solo dance. It’s not only the performance that I enjoyed there, the event itself was also very interesting and it was a great cultural experience.
5. How can people get involved with belly dancing at Lancs?
We have belly dance classes with a professional teacher from 8 pm on Wednesday in the Playroom, which is suitable for beginners and straight after that we have a beginner choreography session. You can join any time of the year, no previous dance experience is required. For more information, visit the Facebook page of LUBells or e-mail / message us.
6. Do you have any plans to carry on belly dancing once you’ve graduated?
Yes, I’m sure I’ll keep on belly dancing wherever I am after graduation.
7. What is your favourite song to belly dance to?
Again, it is hard to name a favourite one. It seems like I’m struggling with choosing favourites haha!Maybe Paul Dinletir – Ice Queen, which is a modern instrumental piece for belly dancing. But I also like to dance to more traditional songs. On the other hand, I enjoy experimenting with mixing different dance styles with belly dance. We are currently working hard on a belly dance-contemporary fusion dance for a Muse song in collaboration with the Choreography Society for their showcase on the 6th and 7th of December. Come along and have a watch!
8. What would you say is the best thing about being part of this society?
For me, the best thing is to see the choreographies that I taught being performed. Each time we are performing a choreography for the first time, I’m so proud of all the dancers. Really, it is one of the best feelings for me.
There are a lot of other great things as well, like making new friends, improving self-esteem and self-confidence through performances, and of course dancing.