Belly Dancing Basics

Wendy Kerr first saw a fellow student perform belly dancing at a talent show at her Junior High School in San Francisco. She was captivated. She decided to introduce herself to this dancer, became acquainted and learned what belly dancing was about. In 1979, as a young adult, Wendy had the opportunity to take lessons from Alia at the El Cerrito Community Center. After 6 months, she performed her first solo dance to live music at the El Morocco Restaurant in Pleasant Hill. Since then, belly dancing has become an integral part of her life. She chose the dance name "Majida." She studied under well-known professional dancers, Shukriya and Sharlyn Sawyer, and took every workshop and class available. She learned how to make costumes. After about 5 years, she started teaching. She has danced professionally at restaurants, county/street fairs, belly dance festivals and private parties. She is a past member of Troupe Aliana, Dancers of the Pharoahs, and Desert Heat. She currently has her own troupe, Raqs Majida. She is also a member of Raqs Sharifa, and is doing collaborative work with Evona. Majida truly believes that belly dancing changed her life for the better. It promotes confidence, good health, lifelong friendships and improved memory. She is grateful to be a dancer and loves teaching.