Chemagne, you’re an incredibly versatile dancer with experience in many areas like Belly Dance, Egyptian Middle Eastern Dance, African, Latin, and Indian Dance, Jazz, and Pilates. how long have you been dancing for?
Well I’ve been dancing since I was 13. but there was a period of time where I completely shut dance off for about 10 years. There were just so many things that got in the way and life happened, University, work, building a career I got distracted. Wow that’s a long time to stop, how did that feel? I missed moving, I really missed the fluidly of it. I was aware that I loved going to dance and theatre and I really missed it.How would you have described yourself during the period when you turned your dance switch off?
I remember always feeling like I wasn’t being true to myself. I actually had a dream one night while I was completing my graduate studies in environmental studies. The dream was of a girl and she was dancing around in a circle over and over again, very peacefully. I was just watching her in awe. She had a gypsy outfit and she was laughing hysterically like she was so happy to be moving. When I had woken up I immediately thought am I supposed to be dancing again? Specifically, Belly Dance? The way she was moving and that gypsy outfit really spoke to me. I decided that when I moved back to Toronto that I should start up with Indian Dance or Belly Dance then I tried belly and it got me forever. How do you feel when your now dancing as the Belly Dance Expert? I feel so open, expressive and free something that Belly Dance really brings. I also really feel that I’m sharing a story and emotion with people through my movements.
That’s such an amazing story of really being true to yourself and your passion. You spent many years developing a career through studies and work in an area that didn’t fuel you anymore. How was the switch from corporate to dance? It wasn’t an easy one knowing I spending so many years, all this time and effort into my schooling and experience in environmental studies . It wasn’t an easy decision but there was something that fueled me and put things into perspective. My brother was really sick with cancer around the time I was transitioning and it made me think that life can just snap you up! Would I have ever wanted to leave this world not doing what I was supposed to do and not fulfilling my dreams? I knew the answer was no. To think that could happen and you wouldn’t ever have that chance to do what you love shook me. It was eye opening being young and sick and allowed me to think what really matters to me in life . He would have been proud to see me now which I know he is.
That’s great you went for it! It’s amazing what inspires us! So why Chemagne Dance? I know your dream sparked it but what does belly dancing mean to you?
I found that being a belly dance artist really pushed me to understand myself. The journey of finding that one art form made me learn more about myself, become a lot stronger, improve my dance skills and become more aware of myself and make the push to do something new. To me it’s about embracing my femininity and sensuality through such an ancient sexy dance. It’s an ongoing journey. I’ve learned I’m so much more resilient, gifted, beautiful, passionate, sensual, and committed to me and to the dance. I love what I do and want all women to experience their sensuality because we all have it! I actually had a really fond memory of a women coming into my studio saying “I just want to shake what my momma gave me!” (as she laughs) I gave her a good workout and she thanked me saying she felt really great about herself and body. I loved that! You don’t have to be an expert mover it’s just about shaking and moving what you already have. Of course you’ll get to be a hot belly dancing queen after a few of my classes but it’s just about having fun and feminine.
I love it! I’m totally coming to a class! Okay so we know you as this amazing Belly Dancing, feminine beauty but tell us one thing that most people don’t know about you?
(As she laughs) I’m into comics and I like superheroes! I’m kind of a comic book nerd. I have a few issues of the popular ones and I really like fantasy and sci-fi, I’m a total junkie. I’ve been to the comic book convention a few times and dressed up as storm – that was fun! I also have a few collections of Wonder Woman and Cat Woman. Wonder Woman is my favourite by far! She was always very strong yet nice and feminine. She’s so beautiful and her powers are natural, she’s just an athletic woman. I always looked up to her as a kid and got into sports more because of her - I did a lot of running and sports when I was younger. Well what you described of Wonder Woman is pretty much what you’ve evolved into a stronger, more confident, natural beauty! Thanks so much Chemagne it’s been a pleasure!
How amazing does Chemagne’s Belly Dancing art sound? Get those hips of yours in motion from the Belly Dance Expert herself! Head on over to Chemagne’s Dance Studio! As a DivaGirl Member you get 10% off her workshops and classes, yay! I’ll see you there! Be sure to check out her website and follow what's she's up to on Facebook and Twitter!
If you'd like an amazing Exlusive Feature for yourself contact me at: julia@divagirlfitness.com
Like what you’ve read? Let me know! Love to hear what moves, inspires and resonates with you! I’m big on feedback so leave me a comment, let’s chat! Oh and be sure to follow us ;)
Interviewed and written by: Julia Gallo xox
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