Read this beautiful write-up on the Incense program by Karen Rose from the Big Island Weekly. Appeared July 31, 2013. You can read it here.
“Learning Tribal Style Belly Dance- being with the girls of Incense (a S.E.E.D. program)- made us a lot more confident than we used to be. Perhaps it’s because we can perform with smiles on our faces instead of nervousness, but it’s also because we realized we had a new way to express ourselves.”
There’s no mistaking it: positive body image is hard to come by, especially in teenage girls. Whether it’s because of high school antics, or simply because we can’t fit into the ideal clothes size, the problem isn’t the reason, or the effect it has on us. The problem is how to look at ourselves in the mirror and be content with what we see. That’s why Incense (a S.E.E.D. program: Self-esteem, Empowerment, and Education through Dance) is so beneficial. We weren’t just being taught improvisational belly dance, we were remembering how to really speak and experience through art journaling, talking circles, and mentorship. What makes Incense so special is that it isn’t just a fun exercise. The Incense program has features that can be used even after it is over, education and life-style wise. Two girls who participated in the 2011-2012 SEED program, Savannah and Kalela, agree, saying, “Incense is a good program because it does more than just teach a few dance moves and songs. Tribal belly dancing teaches the language, the history, and the ability to dance in a group without a routine. The program leaves you to be more open, a better writer, among other things.” When I entered into the program, I didn’t really know what to expect. I remember thinking to myself that I would keep quiet and pretend not to be embarrassed. As I walked into the studio and learned the various dance moves, I found that even though I made awkward motions, no one laughed at me. Everyone else was learning something new as well. A parent of a SEED graduate, Ilana Maxwell elaborated, “Incense improved [my daughter’s] confidence by giving her a safe and nurturing place to explore and express her femininity. This group of girls, I think, allows for a peer mentorship dynamic to occur that is a confidence booster for all. This is rare for most high school age girls.” As an Incense a SEED graduate myself, I can say whole-heartedly that this is an amazing experience, and I would recommend this for any girl out there, because it makes you understand that you shouldn’t let anything hinder you. It’s a dance class you will never forget. -Malia Elmer, Konawaena High School Sophmore, age 14 |
Incensepromoting Self Esteem, Empowerment, & Education through Dance & Art Archives
April 2014
Categories
All
|