Name: Jaclyn Barzvi
Year: Senior
Age: 21
Major: Communication and International Relations
Hometown: Queens, NY
Alexa: When did you become interested in belly dancing?
Jaclyn: Well, it all started when I was about 15. I had a really good friend who was Turkish and a great dancer. I used to watch her movements and go home and figure them out on my own body. I would start to “invent” movements or tricks with my hips… and then later on figured out that I didn’t really invent anything at all… they were moves used in Belly Dance all the time. I have done many other forms of dance but I think the reason why Belly Dance is so special to me is because I was able to explore it on my own and figure out what moves worked best for my body.
Alexa: Are there any specific dancers / art forms / places that have inspired you?
Jaclyn: Absolutely. There are so many amazing professional dancers out there that are constantly inspiring me. This summer I was lucky enough to go to Cyprus for a Belly Dance festival. I learned SO much in that weekend through hours of workshops but what really inspired me the most was being around so many people who love Belly Dance so much and who have made it such a large part of their lives and careers. There were so many talented dancers there from all over the world and it got me so excited to continue learning and traveling as much as I can.
Alexa: How did the UMass Belly Dancing Club arise?
Jaclyn: Bekah Perlin and I officially started the club in 2011. During our first semester, we had about maybe 15 girls and now UBDC has over 220 members with a core performing group of about 65… we have become an army haha. This club really has been the most amazing experience of my life. We have not just been teaching girls (and now guys) the beautiful art of Belly Dance but in the process we have created an amazing and supportive family and have changed the ways girls see themselves and their body image. I will admit that showing your stomach is sometimes not the most comfortable thing to do but these girls have embraced who they are and have not only learned how to belly dance, but have become belly dancers. My favorite thing about belly dance is that anyone can do it: regardless of age, size, color, or gender. And the more you can shake… the better!
Alexa: When do you teach at the Rec Center?
Jaclyn: I teach Belly Dance Beginners, Belly Dance Fitness which is a little more fast-paced and work-out oriented and, Belly Dance Fusion which is an advanced class where we learn different styles of Belly Dance every week.
Monday – Belly Dance Beginners 4:15 p.m. room 215
Tuesday – Belly Dance Fitness 7:45 p.m. room 210
Thursday – Belly Dance Fusion 7:30 p.m. room 210
Alexa: What can students expect to learn/work on in your classes?
Jaclyn: Students can definitely expect a serious ab workout! It might feel weird at first but we use very intricate muscles that most people have never used before. We work on isolations, hip movements, shimmies (shaking), and countless of other fun belly dance moves to a mix of both modern and traditional Middle Eastern music.
Alexa: Are you available for booking for events?
Jaclyn: Yes! You could book me for private lessons, or for performances. Also the UMass Belly Dance Club is always looking for events as well for large group performances or for multiple solos.
Alexa: Do you hope to continue belly dancing after college?
Jaclyn: Yes! For updates on my classes, performances, costumes, or just my dancing in general you can check out my Facebook page “Belly Dancing with Jackie.” I absolutely would love to continue dancing after college. Belly Dance and UBDC have become a huge part of my life and even though I am sad to leave in May, I am excited and hopeful for new Belly Dancing adventures in my future!