For the past seven years, Rachel Reich has been a belly dancer.
Without any other dancing background, Reich — who is known as “Raqia” by her close peers and fellow belly dancers — found joy in the dance.
“I never was much of a performer,” Reich said. “I just fell in love with the dance and allowed myself to be free with it and embrace all aspects of it.”
Instructional belly dancing videos, such as “Neena & Veena,” influenced Reich to begin belly dancing.
“When I first watched and attempted to follow them, I sincerely enjoyed them,” Reich said.
Reich said she took some lessons in Louisville, but was captivated after attending a weekend workshop with the belly dancer Delilah.
“She was spiritual, feminine, empowering, just beautiful,” Reich said.
Reich continued learning belly dancing through various workshops, DVDs and lessons. She also traveled to New York City a couple times for lessons.
“Whenever I have a chance or visit out of town, I try to take a belly dance class,” Reich said.
She said her most recent class was in August at the Hip Expressions Studio in Tampa, Fla.
Reich also has a studio located on Pearl Street in New Albany called Raqia Belly Dance, where she teaches a beginner class and hosts different workshops.
Additionally, she teaches a non-credit class at IU Southeast on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 — 8 p.m. in Knobview Hall, room 230.
“I teach basic moves, veil movements, expressing emotion through the dance and putting it all together with a small choreography,” Reich said about her class at IU Southeast.
She said all classes begin with a warm-up to prevent injury, and, toward the end of class, a cool-down period with slower movements to lower the heart rate.
“I also try to include a bit of information and facts about the ancient art of belly dance,” Reich said.
Lori Turner, who met Reich through belly dancing about eight or nine years ago, said Reich is very supportive and encouraging to her students.
“Rachel is a very focused, goal-oriented teacher, but she does so in a very caring and gentle manner,” Turner said. “She is always aware and respectful of any emotional or physical challenges that each individual student may be experiencing during class.”
Reich said the perfect tool for her well-being was belly dancing.
“It has given me confidence, and a renewed appetite for life,” Reich said. “I smile when I dance.”
Turner said Reich is someone who knows how to have fun and can always keep people laughing.
“She always tries to see the best in people and believes in giving everyone a chance or opportunity to learn and grow,” Turner said. “Her gentle spirit impacts everyone she meets, and people are naturally drawn to her and the light of love she radiates.”
She has also put together an annual holiday toy drive, benefiting AIDS-infected and affected children in Southern Indiana and Kentucky, which she said is very close to her heart.
“I feel very humble and blessed to have this opportunity,” Reich said.
She said last year’s event was held at the Holiday Inn in downtown New Albany.
“There was a fabulous turnout with 78 guests in attendance and 220 toys collected,” Reich said.
This year, the third-annual toy drive will take place at The Grand in New Albany on Dec. 1 and will benefit the AIDS Interfaith Ministries of Kentuckiana.
By JENNIFER HARRINGTON
Staff
jeharrin@umail.iu.edu
