On a recent visit to Culture Days, held at the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, SooToday chatted with members of the Sault’s Jewels of the Oasis Belly Dance troupe after they performed for the public.
After, we went to check out one of their weekly dance lessons/rehearsal sessions.
Jewels of the Oasis Belly Dancers meet weekly, every Wednesday night, from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the gym at Ben R. McMullin Public School on Paradise Avenue, located within the Sault’s ‘P Patch’ neighbourhood.
“Belly dancing goes back thousands of years, to ancient times, and was started by women, for women, in the Middle East. Since then it’s spread around the world. There are North American types of belly dances, so there’s been a lot of variations,” said Leslie Smith, whose dance name is ‘Alima.’
“We’re really appreciative of Ben R. McMullin school for allowing us to use their space,” Leslie added.
Jewels of the Oasis is run by Anna Lefave, a Sault native who has been belly dancing for the last decade, the group in existence for the last five years.
“It’s fun. It’s good exercise without damaging any of your joints because it’s a soft flow, a soft motion. The costumes are great and we have a lot of fun,” Anna said.
“I just love belly dancing, the music, and seeing the kids have fun, it’s excellent.”
“There’s a $5 drop-in fee whenever you come. There’s a beginner's class from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the advanced class is from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. for our performing dancers,” Anna said.
“It’s a come and go. Sometimes we have 15 people, then 20 the following week. You pay $5 when you come, you learn how to do belly dance moves, you learn choreographed dance moves,” Anna said.
There are eight official core members in the dance troupe, performing at events such as Queen Street block parties, Culture Days, Women’s International Day, at Sault College and other venues, as well as private parties.
Others who wish to simply learn belly dancing at Ben R. McMullin without officially joining the dance troupe are welcome to do so, Anna said.
Ages of those learning belly dancing, Anna said, range from five to over 60.
“I would see them dance and it became a dream of mine to dance. My mom and I both decided to join the class. I like the moves, the music, it’s smooth. I like the dance moves,” said 10-year-old Rowan Hari.
“It’s for all sizes too,” Anna said.
“A lot of people figure a belly dancer has to be a certain size, shape or age, but no. You can be thin or large, it does not matter. Once someone takes my classes and learns a few of the dances, they can perform with us, we go out and have fun.”
Anna supplies the costumes, the bells, wings and fans for belly dancing classes and performances.
“I supply everything and it’s just a $5 drop-in fee (at Ben R. McMullin). Where can you go once a week for $5, learn something and have some fun?”
Jewels of the Oasis Belly Dance classes started this year Sept. 18, and continue to June 10, 2020, the class then taking a break for the summer.
Anna (‘Amira’ her dance name) may be contacted for more information at (705) 949-7911, by email or through Facebook