| Nikki Brodlo I started to belly dance in 2007 upon a friend’s recommendation to overcome a sport's injury causing chronic back pain. I had never taken dance before and preferred competitive sports. I was an active amateur women’s disc golfer and loved being active and trying new things. I took weekly lessons in Egyptian style with Galatea and eventually joined her student troupe in 2008. I enjoyed the company of the other women and performing on stage. It became one of the few things I did just for me off season as I had a busy schedule as a full time social work supervisor, wife and mother of two active kids. In the fall of 2009, I found myself at a critical turning point and needed to make changes in my life. I had been burning the wick at both ends for so long it was negatively affecting my emotional and physical health. I had to start making cuts to my schedule to balance my children’s sporting interests and my wish to be there cheering them on. The same day I realized I had to quit my troupe, I decided to try a SGI class with Stephanie Masters. It was on the one night of the week that didn’t interfere with other schedules. “When one door closes, another opens”. The first evening was magical and I was thrilled to be asked to stay for level 2. I knew I was a quick study, knew basic movement as I had always been a Jack of all trades. What I did not prepare for was the differences between the two dances on an emotional level. I had to be fully present in the moment and just dance. There is no way to multi task this dance. The dance was mirroring my life journey. It was imperative that I learn to focus on one task at a time and to give purpose to my activities instead of just going through the motions to check off a box toward a goal. I was ready to start enjoying the journey. This was the beginning of a huge personal undertaking for me. I took a leave from my high stress job and spend time focusing on discovering and healing past traumas and figuring out new strategies to move forward with. Throughout this time, I was readying myself for auditions in Stephanie’s Sacred Moon student troupe. The connection I felt with the other women at times was overwhelming. It was like someone had cut me open and put me on display at the Smithsonian. However, it is just that bond I hold onto proudly today as one of the most important connections to my true self, outside of my husband and children. I have spent my life thus far blaming my body for failing me through life threatening and chronic illnesses. The movements of the dance have shown that I must care for my body temple gently and thoughtfully. I can make a difference in the future functioning of my body by supporting it instead of cursing it. I have incorporated many other healing modalities to support my new self. I am beginning a new professional and personal journey thanks to the dance and Stephanie Masters for forcing me to be present with myself, so I could care for myself. “One cannot fill others if they are empty themselves”. ~ Nikki Brodlo |