Diagnosed  with High blood pressure several years back, My doctor recommended that I just start exercising. It seemed simple, but I found walking tedious,  aerobics pointless, and running just out of the question. I passed a shop with a sign for belly dance classes on Thursday night.  I was intrigued, images of exotic music, lithe dancers, and distant lands filled my imagination, I went home and did a little research and thought about it quietly to myself, after all I am a school teacher with an image to uphold, what would people think.  The words of my mother usually followed these thoughts-"No Guts-No Glory".  I discussed it with my husband, and doctor who thought it was fantastic.   I drove to the shop, paid for  classes, bought a hip wrap and have been dancing ever since.

That was over seven years ago.  Sure I get the jokes, and little comments, but secretly I believe most wish they had the nerve to do it too.  I have watched belly dancing turn my shy thirteen year old daughter into a strong self assured nineteen year old woman. I joined Thea's classes for some much needed exercise, not knowing that the curious little spark would become a consuming flame, and  a whole new world awaiting me.

  It is my  bliss, the thing I do for me, and I want to share it with others, and have others share with me.   I am honored that Thea passed the torch of the Texas Gypsys to me, I am still humbled and amazed by the gift.

Email Blyth (aka Valkyrie Myst): ladyvalkyriemyst@aol.com