"The Season of the Diva"

Letter from Alay'nya - First Year Series

March, 2004

Dear Ones –

Several months ago, our dear Maha Najeeb loaned me one of her favorite books, "I am Diva!" This was so perfectly timed, because not only does it fit in perfectly with our upcoming show ( "Viva la Diva!"), but also it's a way to build on and celebrate a positive, life-enhancing view of ourselves. Some might say its even a bit over-the-top, but then, most of us who come into belly dance have an over-the-top personality lurking within us, someplace.

This is a great book for structuring your year, as it is built around thirteen "Steps," each with four separate writings - one by each of the different authors.

If you like, start with this month devoted to "Step Three: Unleashing Your Femininity - Sources of Diva Glamour and Power." Why? First, we were busy doing other work during months one and two - but we're not so behind that we couldn't "catch up" and get into this Diva thing with most of a year ahead. And second, "Step 3" is all about the fun stuff. Having just gotten through a long and cold winter, and now that we're listening to the songbirds that have returned, and are watching the geese whirling overhead, we know that spring is actually on its way. We need some jolts of fun in our life. And Step 3 is the fastest way to introduce it.

The "Week 9" chapter - the first chapter of Step 3 - is about the power of a maribou feather boa. Get one! I'm not kidding! And less you think that's not the right attire for belly dance, go check out the picture of Amustela from last season's show, "Diamonds."

Do this - then wear your boa to belly dance class! Let's see how many boas we have showing up by the end of the month. Get one of those long, long thin boa-like scarves in a mix of wonderful colors, with loopy, fluffy yarns, and wear it and your boa together. (Combining the two, you'll both make an extra-special style statement, AND have the courage to wear the combo out on the street!

And as you move to Step 10, "Tiara Presence," keep in mind: Tiaras work also. Our own Fa wore her tiara in her role as "Queen of Diamonds" in our last show. Let her be an inspiration to all of us: We are all worth diamonds, and we are all worth wearing a tiara. So when you see one that looks "right," get it! (And maybe I'll see those in class also.)

Love to all – Alay'nya

PS - Want to get the book? I've got it listed below, and go to our "Transformations page" to find links to some other similar, highly recommended, and wonderful reads!