She's sweet. She's talented. She's gorgeous. And hey, she's expecting... *woo hoo* ... she's the Cat's Pajamas, and I adore her to bits. Our BuffBuff Bellydancer for May... from New Jersey, Arani!!!

1) So... why bellydance?

I'm a classically trained dancer since age 5, starting with ballet and jazz, and moving on to modern, flamenco, hip-hop, theatrical dance and choreography. But as a child I always had dreams of myself as a bellydancer. My mom hired a dancer for my dad's 40th birthday and I told everyone I was going to be one when I grew up! Flash forward to my first Pennsic in 1998... when I found out there were ME Dance classes, I went to every last one. I did videos (Neena and Veena mostly) between Pennsics and that's all I did for about 7 years. In 2005 I took my first formal classes, then met my friend and teacher, Amy, and subsequently joined Mahira Tribe, with whom I've been dancing for nearly 3 years now.


2) What motivates you to keep dancing?

I'm currently 33 weeks pregnant, and I was sick as a dog for the first 7(!) months of this pregnancy... right now dance is the only thing that makes my body feel good. I couldn't stop if I tried!

3) What dancers or other performers INSPIRE you?

There are SO many... first the other ladies of my troupe! We had a hafla last night and there are amazing local ladies of our community like Michelle Devine, Mahalat, and Danielle Flowers. And of course, some bigger names... I am completely OBSESSED with Zafira and Blue Lotus Tribe, I adore Asharah, Suhaila, and Rachel Brice and the Indigo, and I'm the leader of Isadora Bushkovski's "East Coast fan club."

4) What are your current dance goals, dreams or hopes?

Right now I really hope to dance at Rakkasah's Spring Caravan on June 6 without going into labor first :) But beyond that, My goal is just to become more conversant with different styles and genres of bellydance, and also to choreograph more, as I've only just dipped my toe in that pool of fun...

5) What is your favorite or most coveted piece of dance costuming, jewelry or accessory, and how did it come into your life?

I have a beautiful kuchi necklace with blue diamond-shaped pieces, which was a gift from Amy to all of the troupe members at our first Rakkasah as a larger troupe. I treasure the memories that go with it!

6) So far, to date, what has your greatest dance epiphany been?

The day I realized that bellydance is the first thing I've truly done just for me. Most women are natural givers, myself included. But all my life, every pursuit has been in some part for external validation... until bellydance. It is a gift I've given myself, and that is truly a joy and a blessing in my life.

7) When you're not dancing, you're ...

Chasing my 3 year old son, Joshua! I'm a public school music teacher, part time opera singer, and a rabid bookworm. My life is full!

8) How do you feel about performing for an audience?

As a long-time pro singer, I'm really comfortable in front of an audience. But in all cases, I'd rather perform for a room on 1,000 strangers than 5 people I know!!!! Isn't that weird?

9) So, what music are you really into right now? Artists? Songs?

Gogol Bordello is a big one for me. I'm a big jazz girl, too, and I'm in love with Herbie Hancock's album "Possibilities." On any given day you'll find me listening to old-school R&B (Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, mostly), and I also love U2 and Billy Joel. For dance, I'll dance to ANYTHING. I love mashups too!

10) A quote to live by:
"A child sings before it speaks, dances almost before it walks. Music is in our hearts from the beginning." ~Pamela Brown