Salit Cohen-Cheng

Teaches at SHEBA- Belly dance school

When my first belly dance teacher told me that maybe I’ll become a professional belly dancer, after studying with her for a few months, I laughed in her face. I was 21 years old and thought my prime years were behind me and it was way too late for me to start a dance career at that point.

I had started taking belly dance classes purely for fun, and what a joy they were! Learning new moves, listening to new music, connecting with other women and feeling comfortable in my own skin. It’s hard to imagine now, but before I started belly dancing I was a tomboy: buzz-cut hair, baggy clothes, no jewelry or make up, or anything else that was considered “feminine”. So being drawn to a dance style which is considered the epitome of femininity with movements that emphasize every curve in the body in a soft, yet powerful way came as a surprise to me and everyone around me.

I did take ballet classes as a child for a few years, as did any “normal” little girl in my community, but honestly, I was not very good at it. My movements were heavy instead of light and gravity-defying as a ballerina should be, I could not turn-out my feet to the extent my teacher wanted, and I really, really hated putting my hair up in a bun, and wrapping it in a hair net!

I finally gave up on ballet classes but never lost the passion for dance. I would constantly dance around the house to any music that came from the radio or TV (remember when MTV actually played music videos??) in all kinds of imaginative costumes I put together using clothes and accessories I found in my mom’s closet.

Fast forward to today- I now comfortably embrace my femininity without trying to define it and realize the heaviness in my movement, my need to dance freely without restraints, and my love for all types of music are actually my strengths and perfect for the Egyptian dance style I now perform and teach. Belly dance has empowered me and gave me confidence.

I have also found a new affection for ballet and appreciate and enjoy studying any and every dance style I can. It only adds to my dance and personal style.

And I never put my hair in a bun when I dance anymore. Now my hair gets complete freedom to relax and do its own dance!

There is so much more I could tell you about myself like my music training, martial arts experience and my military service, but it will take pages upon pages to write so just ask me anything you want know about me next time you chat with me.