Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand April / May 2015 - The Health & Wellness Issue | Page 25

HEALTH & well-being to start teaching so that I could find people who had a similar interest in belly dancing. My intention was not to start my own studio; however, my studio has become my sanctuary. PHOTO: Shutterstock WHO IS YOUR BELLY DANCE IDOL? Tamalyn Dallal, not only because she a good dancer but also because she is such a nice person. Being part of her class made me feel so peaceful. Even though she is famous, she is very low key. I have learnt a lot from her as a teacher and as a person. their lives. I have even had people cry in front of me. By changing people’s lives, I mean that people might come to class feeling bad about themselves and then when they are in the class they feel better. As a teacher, I don’t judge people, with one exception—if people have bad behavior and a bad attitude or are not respectful, I will not bear it. Many people use dance as their exit for stress. I always tell my teachers to admire the courage of the students who step into the studio. WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AS A BELLY DANCE TEACHER? I HAVE OFTEN MET PEOPLE THAT SAY THEY WOULD LIKE TO LEARN TO BELLY DANCE, BUT THEY ARE TOO SHY. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM? When people stand in front of me and tell me that I have changed You never know until you try. You need to believe that you can I always tell my teachers to admire the courage of the students that step into the studio. do it. And don’t just sign up for only one class. Sign up for about 10 classes, because it takes time to learn. Attending a dance class is a wonderful way to meet like-minded people, get fit, have fun, and make new friends. So be brave and give it a go! Visit Rumpuree’s website at www.rumpuree.com or visit their Facebook page at https://facebook.com/rumpuree www.wanderlustmag.comWANDERLUST  23