life, I was also experiencing the most frightening time of my
life because of Covid-19. Daily we would have this electric
bonding dance experience and every night we’d go back to
our rooms, turn on the news, look at our social media news
feeds and the reality of the Covid-19 virus spread was getting
worse and worse. We would be ready for class (masks on if
we were feeling any slight tickles in our throats or sneezes or
coughs), find our focus and the electricity would flow again
and we would forget all about the stresses of the outside
world. Then we’d go to lunch, discuss with each other the
news and updates and then go back in for more dance magic.
It was so frighteningly wonderful.
My experience at The Tribal Massive was far beyond making
“a few new friends and learning some new stuff.” Perhaps it
is because of the heightened fear that I felt we were brought
so much closer together. The information was plentiful,
the shows were epic, the bonding was magnetic and the
connections were ground-breaking. I was horribly sad when
the last day of class came and I knew I would be flying home
that night, worried for all of my friends and their journeys
home. It felt so tragic looking at all of the people I had spent
the last nine days training hard with, crying with, creating
and growing with, and knowing I had no idea when I would
see them again. I’m happy to report that everyone got home
safely and in good health.
I came away from MASSIVE with not just friends, but true
family away from family. I came away with growth both as
a dancer and a person more independent, brave and with
more self-confidence than I could have ever imagined. I
came away from MASSIVE obsessing over about how I’m
going to make it back next year… and the year after that…
and the year after that. Because there is no way I’m missing
it ever again. Going to The Tribal Massive Bellydance
Academy was easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made
for myself!
DARLINA MARIE
Darlina Marie is a Fusion Belly Dancer from El Paso,
Texas. She discovered Fusion Belly Dance while
performing Spoken Word at a local art show in 2004
and has been heavily involved with the dance style
ever since. She currently teaches classes in her city
and her dance company is called M.O.D. Fusion Belly Dance Company.
www.facebook.com/darlina.marie Photo by Anahi Rodriguez
Antonella
Sciahina