Suhaila & Amaya
female friendships are bitchy, toxic, or competitive, history
shows that women are just the opposite. Throughout the
world, resilient women find and congregate with each other
for strength. Taking the time to build good friendships and
a healthy social support network is a wise investment into
health, happiness, and well-being.
Today’s modern and hectic world chips away at the
deterioration of this female connection. Feeling isolated?
Treat yourself to something you enjoy. Many of our readers
already know the benefits of our beautiful dance. It is well
known that our bodies get stronger; that we learn an aesthetic
skill; improve our posture; we learn about music and culture;
but perhaps the most important benefit of this dance is the
development of a sisterhood and social interaction. In my
40+ year dance career, I have gathered dance sisters from all
over the world. It is a joyful experience when we run into
each other at dance events. Typically, our chatter easily takes
right off from where we last left it.
I am convinced that these connections are the secret to
the success of my annual Wise Woman Retreat and even
larger events such as the Yaa Halla Y’all festival. These
Diana Soto & Amaya
gatherings of mostly women provide a space for sharing,
eating, laughing, crying, and endless oxytocin-producing
laughter. Unpressured conversations with women take on
a different flavor and deliciousness that isn’t found with
mixed groups of men and women. Dance workshops are
often the only place in our typical lives where it is all about
glitter, giggles, and connection. It is like a three-day therapy
session! We bond in dance class, at the bar, poolside, at
vendor’s stations—it is all about us! No matter what your
age, treasure your girlfriends for as long as possible, as they
can become the backbone of your support system. Meet you
at the proverbial red tent somewhere soon!
AMAYA
Amaya resides in the Land of Enchantment,
also known as New Mexico. She enjoys an
eclectic life of green roasted chilis, sunflower
harvesting, writing, sunset gazing, fire fly
dancing and scratching the heads of her boys,
Mr. Smith, Buddy (rogue Scottie Terriers) and
Partner Pete. For more info on Amaya’s dance
see www.AmayaDances.com
January 2020
The Belly Dance Chronicles
33