Beatriz Marta Arencibia aka BOZENKA
I was privileged enough to attend two of Bozenka’s workshops held in JHB at the beginning of October. I thought to myself what a pity that I could only attend two workshops and for such a brief time. Watching Bozenka dance and being thought by her I can best describe as like a drug [there is really no other way of describing this] you just can’t get enough – the more you see and get the more you want! I was amongst quite a big group of fellow SA dancers and even so felt that Bozenka gave a lot of personal attention during the workshops and I do believe that each and every one of us have benefited from her workshops in a HUGE way. Her love for the dance and her unconditional commitment as well as her willingness to share and teach her knowledge of this dance form is so admirable.
Bozenka was not only involved in the crowning of our Miss. Belly Dance SA 2010 but participated in the Belly Dance Fantasy Showcase. I was in the second row from the front [really really close J] and can I just say that I have NEVER EVER seen a live belly dance performance like that. Bozenka is by far the most graceful and elegant dancer! Her performance was breathtaking!!! If you happened to miss this, then ‘shame on you’, it was absolutely brilliant and such an inspiration. Bozenka is truly a dancing Queen !!
After the show I sent Bozenka a Facebook mail to congratulate her on this performance and to ask her for some feedback about her South African experience and her views on the South African Belly Dancing Community. She gave me permission to publish this and I would like to share her reply.
Bozenka Arencibia October 23 at 5:52am
“Dear Bernice,
First of all let me thank you for your kind words. It was really a joy for me to perform for the audience members in Johannesburg. It was always a dream for me to travel far but I never imagined that dancing would be the vehicle to take me to such exotic places. I truly enjoyed working with the ladies that attended my workshops. In general, I was met with smiles, excitement and respect. I felt that the dancers have an immense desire for more knowledge and they are ready to take it on! I’m very impressed with Angela for taking it into her own hands to bring teachers from abroad and to give her students and local dancers the platform (literally speaking too) to perform in such a lovely theatre. I wonder if some of the students realize that it really isn’t that way all around the world. Some bellydancers never get the chance to experience that.
Next time I visit, I’d like to teach in another city to get a bit of contrast and “taste” other grounds. It was a beautiful and very positive experience judging the Miss Belly SA Competition, teaching my workshops and performing for an audience that was so welcoming. I shall return!
Bright Blessings,
Bozenka”
I have to agree with Bozenka, Angela, a thousand thank-you’s for your commitment and your courage to organise for a dancer of this magnitude to come to South Africa and share her knowledge with us. Such a boost for the industry. Keep up the good work !!
To Bozenka you have officially become my idol :-). Hurry back to SA soon!
