Rose Hafla Interview Sessions - Shona Hagan
- Natalie Borg
- Oct 9, 2024
- 2 min read
The Rose Hafla asks members of the Scottish Bellydance Community in 'The Interview Sessions.' We find out how they started bellydancing, highlights of their dance journey so far, inspirations and top tips!
Name:
Shona Hagan (now known as Shona McNeil)
Based:
Glasgow and Largs
Dance Teacher
Dance Student
Professional Performer
Event Organiser
Bellydance Holidays Organiser
Links and Contact Info
email: Shonamcneil1@aol.com
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shona.hagan
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazingly_healthy_lifeigsh=MTJ0NDRmNjA3azEwdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
How did you start bellydancing?
I watched a documentary about Egyptian bellydance on TV, it featured Hilary Thacker an Edinburgh based dancer. I was inspired and immediately searched for and started attending classes. One class was with Judith Whitelaw and the other with Lorna Gow. Shortly afterwards I started the JWAAD teacher training diploma which provided an intensive, well researched, rounded and well organised training in all aspects of the dance.
Top 3 highlights of your dance journey to date?
All the many decades of fun dancing with and for my bellydance friends and family. It’s an absolute honour. It just doesn’t get any better. I’m very very lucky to do this for a living and for that I’m extremely grateful.
It has to be being invited by Dina to dance on her stage with her band at the Semiramis. What an honour!
Competing in and winning 3rd place in the professional Category at the 2nd International Bellydance Congress.
What inspires you to keep dancing?
I love it…how it makes me feel and being part of such a wonderful community. There’s so much more to learn and I’ve got so much more to give.
Name 3 dancers (past or present) that inspire you and why?
Margaret Krause is my number one first love and inspiration of Bellydance. A talented and beautiful dancer with an authentic Egyptian styling but still with a very unique personal style…, mesmerising stage presence, a giving teacher, a lovely person.
Dina - Anyone who has watched her perform live will know how powerful she is as a dancer and as a presence on stage. Absolutely ground breaking in her costuming and dance style and very much leading the way in the modern Cairo style. Her musicality and expression is second to none, I always believe her when she dances….
Fifi Abdo - I always go back to Fifi. Just an amazing natural dancer. She doesn’t do many moves she doesn’t need to.
Share a 'Top Tip' for bellydancers just starting out or ongoing:
Work hard at developing your own unique style
Commenti