Shout-out to the incredible women behind Social Oak https://www.socialoakmi.com/ for hosting another successful event!
These dedicated individuals put their hearts an souls into organizing creative events that bring women together every month. The endless summer nights event in September was a testament to their hard work, featuring 22 local women-owned businesses, all gathered under one roof to support each other.
With a remarkable turnout of over 130 attendees, it was an evening filled with energy and inspiration. I had the honor of performing for this beautiful crowd of women, and the sense of community and empowerment was amazing! Events like this play a crucial role in connecting and celebrating women in business, and last night was a shining example of that.
These dedicated individuals put their hearts an souls into organizing creative events that bring women together every month. The endless summer nights event in September was a testament to their hard work, featuring 22 local women-owned businesses, all gathered under one roof to support each other.
With a remarkable turnout of over 130 attendees, it was an evening filled with energy and inspiration. I had the honor of performing for this beautiful crowd of women, and the sense of community and empowerment was amazing! Events like this play a crucial role in connecting and celebrating women in business, and last night was a shining example of that.
I worked on this project for a long time and a lot of my inspiration came from my love for hip hop music fused with my love for Middle Eastern music, all while I was pregnant with my first son. This is a great CD for drilling or creating combos.
You can purchase on Amazon, Apple, Spotify and more… Thank You for your support ! xo
I had the incredible opportunity to perform on stage with the International Symphony Orchestra and The Light of the East Ensemble during their Fall concert, “Be Dazzled.” It was just 7 weeks after having my baby boy, and I must admit, I was pretty nervous. I mean, performing in front of such a large audience after becoming a new mom was a lot to handle. I couldn’t help feeling a little self-conscious about how my body had changed.
But right before I took the stage, something clicked inside me. I reminded myself of what is truly beautiful about this dance form and quickly gave myself a pep talk. I realized that this moment was about so much more than just appearances. It was about sharing my love and passion for this art form with the world, regardless of how my body looked post-pregnancy.
As the music started and I began to move, I could feel all the nervousness melting away. I focused on the art itself, on the way my body gracefully responded to the music. The joy and confidence that this dance had always given me were still there, even after becoming a mother. It was like a powerful reminder that my body’s journey through pregnancy and childbirth was a part of my story, and it didn’t define my ability to express myself through dance.
And you know what? The performance was absolutely incredible. The energy of the orchestra and the ensemble, combined with the rhythm of my movements, created a mesmerizing experience for both me and the audience. I felt alive, empowered, and connected to the essence of this ancient art form.
Looking back, I realize that this experience encapsulates what belly dance is truly about. It’s about embracing our bodies, our journeys, and our passions. It’s about celebrating the unique story that each one of us carries and sharing it with the world without holding back. No matter what my body looks like, I will always hold a deep love and passion for this art form, because it’s a reflection of my inner strength, my confidence, and my unyielding spirit.
. #loveyourself #loveyourbody
As a dancer, I think we all dream of dancing to Enta Omri and especially with an Orchestra behind us. #Dreamcometrue #Bellydance #EntaOmri #Love #Blessed #Honored
Pregnancy Blessing Ceremony: A belly dance performance can be included in a blessing ceremony held to honor the expectant mother and the life growing within her. The dance can be a way to symbolize fertility, feminine strength, and the beauty of the maternal journey.
Baby Shower or Blessingway: Instead of traditional baby showers, some individuals opt for a Blessingway ceremony, which is a Native American tradition that focuses on celebrating and empowering the mother. Belly dance can be a part of this ceremony, serving as a form of expression and connection between the expectant mother and her loved ones.
Labor and Birth Preparation: Gentle belly dance movements can be incorporated into prenatal exercise routines, helping to promote flexibility, balance, and relaxation. These movements may also encourage optimal fetal positioning for childbirth.
Birthing Rituals: During labor, some women choose to engage in rhythmic movements, such as swaying and circling the hips, to help manage pain and encourage the progress of labor. Belly dance-inspired movements can be adapted for this purpose, offering comfort and connection to the ancient feminine art form.
Postpartum Healing: After childbirth, belly dance can be used as a gentle form of exercise to aid in postpartum recovery. Certain movements can help strengthen the core muscles while being mindful of the body’s healing process.
Mother-Baby Bonding: Some mothers choose to involve their newborn in gentle belly dance movements, fostering a sense of closeness and connection with their baby. These movements can be calming and soothing for both the mother and the infant.
Community Celebration: Belly dance performances can be included in community celebrations that mark the birth of a new child. This can be a way to bring joy, cultural richness, and a sense of togetherness to the occasion.
It’s important to note that the appropriateness of belly dance during pregnancy and childbirth varies for each individual. Prioritize safety and well-being, and consider seeking guidance from prenatal belly dance instructors or healthcare professionals who are experienced in working with pregnant individuals.
Authentic Belly Dance By Lauren 