The light returns

Amy Danielson, Waseca resident and owner of Bold Oracle Studios, hosted a day of belly dancing workshops at the Waseca County History Center, capped off with a show in the evening, titled “Uncoil: Return of the Light” on Saturday, March 11.

Belly dancing, Danielson explained, is a grouping of folk dances from various cultures which have become closely associated in the United States. “It's generally by the dancer, for the dancer,” she added, heading off the assumption many make that belly dance is flirtatious or sexual. She explained that she found belly dance after a tough period in her life, and it helped her to reconnect with herself and heal. There is a close-knit community surrounding belly dance, and Danielson emphasized that it is based around inclusion and sharing of time and talents. The community is open to all genders, races, ages, sizes, and beyond and strives to be nonjudgmental. Danielson also explained that there are two major schools of thought among belly dancers, “Folkloric” dancers focus on dressing and dancing in the same fashion as the culture from which the dances came – dancing the same way one would see in Egypt, India, and other nations. “Fusion” dancers learn and utilize those dances, but also bring modern or western movements and musics, as well as blending their other interests or passions into their dance. Most of the dancers teaching and performing during the Return of the Light event were fusion dancers, she explained, but she gave equal respect to both types of dancers.

Danielson connected with the History Center one day when she was taking a walk. She lives nearby, and while out walking saw someone enter the History Center museum and felt what she remembers as a strong urge to follow them in. She described forging a strong connection with Joan Mooney of the History Center, whom she described along with herself as “ideas people.” This was the connection that would eventually lead to the creation of Uncoil: Return of the Light at the History Center.

The event was called “Return of the Light” because it was intended to celebrate the oncoming spring through dance. It began with a series of four workshops which participants could choose among, attending one or all. First was “Mapping a Song” led by Edie Julik, which began with a discussion of Julik's lived history with belly dance, followed by hands-on instruction on choreographing dances to instrumental music. After lunch, Rachel Riska of Mankato led “Silent Dialogue,” a workshop on expressing emotions and ideas through movement and dance. Next was “Elemental Dance Magic,” led by Meggan Sheperd, followed by “We are All One: The Magic of Synchronized Group Improvisation” led by Suzanne Szucs. Throughout the day, Bold Oracle Studios, Sheherazade's Daughters, and Persephone's Raven operated vending booths selling handmade textiles and accessories for belly dance costuming. In keeping with the “Return of the Light,” the evening's show was done by lantern-light with each of the dancers using glowing or lighted props and costume pieces to create visual effects in the dimly lit room. Following performances there was a drum circle and time dedicated to open dance.