News Summary
Safiya Nawaar, a former wallflower, discovered her passion for belly dancing at age 27, after a nine-year hiatus from dance. Her journey led her to open Arabesque World Dance in Kentucky, where she inspires others to embrace self-acceptance and body positivity through dance.
Lexington, Kentucky – Safiya Nawaar, a former shy wallflower, has transformed her life from a hesitant individual to a dynamic belly dance instructor, inspiring others through her passion for dance. Her journey into the world of dance began at the tender age of three, where she engaged in various forms, such as ballet and jazz. However, after nine years away from dancing while she managed a horse farm in Florida, Nawaar felt a profound emptiness in her life without the joy of movement.
At 27, Nawaar found herself drawn back to dance, taking her first belly dance class at a local recreation center. This experience reignited her long-lost passion for dance and significantly transformed her life. As a child, Nawaar was inspired by a belly dancer she saw at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a memory that lingered with her through the years.
Before fully embracing her dance journey, Nawaar described herself as an anxious person who often preferred the company of animals over people. With encouragement from her mother, she ventured into belly dancing, which became a catalyst for empowerment and self-love. She credits belly dancing with helping her build confidence and accept her body as it is, regardless of societal norms or expectations.
In her classes, Nawaar emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, urging her students to embrace their bodies, irrespective of size. She believes that belly dancing is intrinsically linked to celebration and joy, originally intended as a dance of the people rather than solely for performance on a stage. This holistic approach underlines her teaching philosophy, focusing on emotional expression and body appreciation.
With a vision to further share this message, Nawaar opened her own dance studio, Arabesque World Dance, after relocating from Florida to Kentucky. Establishing the studio required immense dedication and hard work, culminating in the realization of a dream she had long pursued. After a challenging search, she discovered the ideal setting for her studio, a run-down warehouse that she transformed into a welcoming and vibrant dance environment.
To honor the rich history and origins of belly dancing, Nawaar decorated her studio with Middle Eastern and African decor. Each detail reflects her passion for the craft and her commitment to creating an inclusive space for learners. With her studio now established, Nawaar aims to spread her uplifting message of body positivity and acceptance across the nation, particularly through various social media platforms.
Through her classes, Nawaar encourages individuals to recognize their worth and foster self-love before seeking to improve themselves further. The overarching goal of her instruction is to promote emotional expression through dance, while simultaneously fostering respect and appreciation for one’s own body. Each session reinforces the idea that dance is a form of art that belongs to all people, enabling individuals to find joy and connection in movement.
Safiya Nawaar’s transformation from a shy individual into a confident belly dance instructor serves as a testament to the transformative power of dance, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and community support. Her story continues to inspire many as she champions the message that everyone deserves to celebrate their body and find joy through the art of dance.
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