1. Bellydance accessories. Hip scarves, finger cymbals, veils, CDs, DVDs, and jewelry make great stocking stuffers, or go for the BIG Gift and get your bellydancer a brand new costume! The Belly Dance Shop in Pineville (a suburb of Charlotte) is our state’s best resource for accessories and costumes! You don’t even have to live in the Charlotte area to shop there – just visit http://www.thebellydanceshop.com. Shipping is very quick. There are other NC vendors listed in the Links page as well.
2. Workshops. Give your bellydancer the opportunity to study with an internationally famous dancer for a whole weekend! This experience of a lifetime will enrich their technique, self-confidence, and provide inspiration for years to come! Check http://www.ncbellydance.org/workshop.html for all the scheduled workshops in North Carolina this coming year. Some workshop sponsors may even be able to make you a gift certificate for the workshop that you can put under the tree. For example, Asyia is offering holiday gift certificates for the upcoming workshop with international superstar Bozenka in Raleigh in March. Visit http://www.asyia.com/bozenka.htm for more information.
3. Classes. Support their “bellydance addiction” by purchasing their next session of classes! This thoughtful gift will allow them to enjoy several weeks of instruction with their favorite local teacher. After you get the name of their teacher (be devious!), visit http://www.ncbellydance.org/instructors.html to look them up and find links to their website, list of class schedules, and more information. Many teachers offer gift certificates too! For example, if you live in the Asheville area, you can buy gift certificates from award-winning instructor Lisa Zahiya online at http://www.lisazahiya.com/giftcertificates.html
4. Bodywork. All that dancing and exercise can create a strain on your dancer’s body, and it is necessary to get regular bodywork to prevent injury and strain, promote flexibility and overall health and wellness. Some favorite methodologies include massage therapy, Pilates, Rolfing, chiropractic, acupuncture, yoga, and Feldenkrais. Heather Murphy teaches Pilates in Morrisville at World in Motion dance studio, and they offer holiday gift certificates for all their classes: http://www.worldinmotiondance.com. Or if you are in Salisbury, email Kalima at kalimatribal@carolina.rr.com about Reiki!
5. Pampering. Bellydancers love to be pampered with manicures, pedicures and other spa treatments; bath and body lotions, hair salon visits, makeup and hair accessories. Besides providing relaxation and pampering, these gifts are also essential to keep the bellydancer looking their best! Mention “NC Bellydance” to Sterling Bollinger in Winston-Salem and you’ll get 20% off of your Mary Kay order! Email her at SDBollinger@gmail.com for more info (and ask her about her special Belly Dance Beautiful Eyes package while you’re at it!)
While these are all good gift suggestions, your own bellydancer might have some ideas too!
So...
Bellydancers: post your Bellydance “wish list” in the comments section below and then send a link to this article to all your family and friends. Maybe you’ll get what you really want this year!
Of course, I've already received a special gift this year - your support in keeping the site going and up-to-date. As I prepare to celebrate Christmas with my family, I want to thank you for being a part of the NCBellydance.org family this year, and wish you love, joy, health, and lots of shimmies!
