- There's no judgement
When I first walked into my first meeting, I was nervous that everyone would have more experience dancing, already be friends, and that I'd blend into the background. But that was completely not the case. Everyone there welcomed me with open arms and really made it feel like a comfortable and safe environment. Everyone of all experience levels were welcome and you weren't forced to do anything you didn't feel comfortable with. Being a part of the club, allowed me to embrace my body and really learn to love myself for who I am.
2. Performing Gives You The Biggest Self Confidence Boost
Before you go on for a performance, especially you're first one, you get butterflies in you're stomach, feel like you forgot the whole dance, and are terrified you're going to do something wrong. But after you perform, you feel so proud of yourself because not only did you remember everything, but you also had a killer performance. You feel like you're on top of the world and you discover a new found pride for not only yourself, but also, your fellow dancers. Because everyone's so supportive, they really allow that self confidence boost to come through, especially when you need it most.
3. The Board Members Are There To Help You
In a lot of different clubs, the board members are seen as authority figures and are even somewhat intimidating. For belly dancing, they are the people that want you to succeed. They make sure they're available to you whenever you may need help with something or even if you just want to talk about the club. They go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable with the dance, so you can be the best dancer you can be. They are extremely talented, and people to look up to.
4. There Are Chances For You To Go Solo
Besides a group dance, every member of the club has the ability to either make up their own choreography, or get help making their own choreography to perform a solo. This allows you personally to shine and reassures you of just how far you can go. There's nothing better than performing a solo, having an amazing performance, and then hearing all your team members cheer for you and congratulate you. Again, it really helps your self confidence to see where you came from and where you are now.
5. The Club Is A Family
From all different backgrounds, from all across campus, from all different walks of life, Umass Belly Dance Club comes together and unites as a family. When we're not performing, or at practice, we invite each other to do things, like grab dinner at Berk. We have bonding events that bring us together and allow you to meet people you may not have gotten the chance to talk to before. You see the people in the club all across campus and everyone always says hello with a smile on their face to one another. I know for me, I always feel most comfortable when I'm around the people in UBDC because I know they accept me for who I am.
PS: The costumes are pretty awesome too!
