All posts by : Sapphire

Here is a picture of me in 2007, four months after I had survived malaria. I had been in such a vulnerable and emotional place that my Mother brought me to Jamaica for some healing. We stayed at this hotel in Trelawny that was so beautiful, with villas and delicious food. My heart was broken from the end of a relationship and my spirit was attempting to find renewal. They had a talent night at the resort and I decided to Belly dance. There Belly dance was again, showing up to help me heal in my weakest hours. Some family friends who were also photographers caught this picture as I was dancing and I simply remember feeling at peace in that moment. Photo Credit: Reids Photo Vision Photography

Pictures from various private events that I have been booked for throughout the years.

I interned and danced as a student at Embora (a former dance studio in Fort Greene, Brooklyn) from 2006-2008. My dance teacher (pictured in pink and white) was Allisyn “Oya” Swift, a former student of the great Arianna Al Tiye, a belly dance Queen! These pictures were from my first student recital. I was so happy to have been apart of this experience. In 2007, I survived a difficult bout with malaria. I was sadly close to losing my life and simultaneously, I had just ended a four-year relationship. The recital and the heavy concentration on this dance form helped me to heal and find some purpose to push forward. The ladies in these pictures were a great support and such shining lights at this time in my life.I had gotten all of my costumes together and the orange outfit shows me dancing a solo piece to a Caribbean inspired song call Tassa. I was so nervous! My whole family was in attendance and they helped me to celebrate life and transformation that day.”

(Pictured in black and turquoise is Keisha, in all turquoise is Karen, in yellow is D. Bean and not pictured is Antina Johnson who I was the closet too and who showed me the most hearty love and support.)

Pictures from the richly imaginative “Desert Sin” from 2008-2009. This was the first burlesque piece I ever performed in. I played the Goddess Kali and danced in a trio at the now closed but legendary Zipper Factory in midtown NYC. This show really ushered me into stage performance and I was so pleased and honored to be apart of working with a dynamic, diverse and genius cast, all created and culminated by Desert Sin founder Djahari Clark .

I worked with Desert Sin – Theatrical Dance Company in 2008. This wonderful experience was my introduction into belly dance and burlesque as stage performance. I was so excited and thrilled to be apart of this cast. I was one of three dancers body painted and adorned in blue paint and gold embellishments depicting the Goddess Kali. At the time, I felt grateful to simply be apart of the show and cast. However, I wasn’t aware that from a spiritual perspective, this role and character would teach me and open me up to a deeper understanding of Goddesses.  I look back on these pictures and that moment with fond memories.