Photo by
Michael Baxter
Photography
How would you describe your dancing style?
Who are your most influential teachers?
Ruby said, “I consider myself Modern American
Classic style, with a strong dose of Turkish. I
also think labeling styles can be tricky, especially
as an American dancer who is non-native to
the origin culture. My style is athletic and also
feminine, but not feminine in a soft, pretty
way...more like a strong, powerful feminine
way. I would say that my number one influence
is Delilah Flynn (of Seattle, WA, USA); she
has been my mentor for about 12 years. She
taught me so many things from how to put on
fake eyelashes to how to properly light a stage.
Delilah has been generous and present for me
for almost my entire career. Early on I was really
influenced by Amy Sigil (of Unmata Dance
Troupe, Sacramento, CA, USA); although our
dance styles are very different, I found her
creativity and work ethic inspiring and her
personality magnetic. I was also really influenced
by Yasmela (Shelley Muzzy of Bellingham, WA,
USA). She was one of the first teachers I ever
had that was truly honest in her feedback and
thorough in her critique. I valued her input so
much; without her I know I would be a very
different teacher and dancer now.”
How does your expertise in martial arts
influence your dancing and teaching?
According to Ruby, “I think that the Kung Fu had
more of an effect on my teaching and dancing
in the beginning. When I first started teaching
classes, I would practice group discipline and
anyone who showed up late for class would
have to do push ups... I lost a lot of students
that way. I learned quickly that people coming
for bellydance class, generally, were looking for
something more fun and a little less disciplined.
At least at the beginning of my teaching I
definitely think my martial arts training taught
me how to be diligent in practice, how to train
hard, focus, and also how to channel and direct
my energy (chi) in performance.”