Rhea’s Story. Part 22.

“I always liked performing, I just didn’t like it in a night club. Now when I was a little kid we used to perform for our relatives. And you sang as a family, too...it was the idea that you got together and people entertained each other. People do that in the Middle East, too, you know. I remember liking that, and I remember liking organizing plays with the other kids where people had roles. I acted out every fairy story that I ever read. Or I would do tricks or have circuses and make all the tickets and the games. I liked the idea that you performed, but you involved other people too.

So, I liked that, and I like performing in front of people. I think it is an interesting and a life-affirming thing to do, but I don’t mind any woman who says I want to do this for myself - that is fine with me. But there is something about performing for others - it is a gift. And involving other people - it takes the place of old institutions that used to have all the people participate in things all together - even church. Because it is something where people can now lead together, and participating in a common shared experience where they have all agreed on the common goal. There is a hierarchy, usually based on seniority, or generally recognized excellence. And all agree. Those people agree within the group that these are the ones that go in front, etc. The feeling that you get from participating in such a thing is a big high - a lot of people don’t realize it.”

From a great interview with Amy Smith / Alizah Afet, first printed in Belly Dance New England in 2003. Thank you Amy.

Photo of me and Mom by @najmatphotography(❤️) on the backlot of where we performed as @moodystreetcircus for Wayland’s 350th anniversary. She stole my nose.