Spotlight on Zondra...

As I sit in Starbucks, awaiting the arrival of my first REAL interviewee, I’m struck by just how necessary this process may be.  I’ve known so many of the local dancers for years now and can’t believe just how much I DON’T know about them.  Well, I guess that is about to change.  I look up and see that my first “victim” has arrived!

Enter Zondra Mele!  She arrives looking so different from when she is performing on stage, all done up in makeup, glitter and sparkles, that I have to smile.  She still looks lovely, dressed in jeans, a brown turtleneck sweater and heels.  She smiles and we hug.  Then she’s off to get a green tea frappuccino.  I smile, I love those too.

As she sits down by me, we chat about our day so far.  She had just come from work and would be going back to it after our meeting.  I explain to her the reason behind our meeting and the thought that had come to me that morning – the idea of an interview series.  She thought it was a great idea and was onboard!  And so we began…

What first got you interested in Belly dancing and when?  I saw the Bellydance Superstars back in 2006/7 when they came through Augusta and when I went to visit my aunt in Panama, who bellydanced, she set up with private lessons for me.  After that, I attended a workshop or two, learned from some YouTube videos, etc.

Who was your first instructor/where?  I first took lessons with Kareena in Panama, then some workshops, &, locally, with Kendra.

How did you feel during your first performance or when you were first able to make sense of the dance?  Well, I’ve been performing since I was 5 years old (tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, pointe), but when I got to create my own piece, it was a magical moment, like this is my interpretation. Also, making personal contact, connecting with audience.

Where did you grow up?  Martinez, GA.  I’ve lived in the same house all my life.

What is something fascinating about you that no one, or very few, knows about you?  I’m an only child, love to ride horses, I have a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and love to travel.  Also, I’m extremely shy and have a massive fear of talking in front of people, but I don’t have a second thought about dancing in front of a million people.

What’s your biggest fear?  I’m terrified of flying but hide it well.  I’m a nervous wreck during take-off and landing.  Also, I’m terrified of deep water which is why I’d never take a cruise.

What are your dreams for the future – where do you see yourself in the dance in 3, 5, 10, 20 years? Hopefully inspiring others to step out of their own box and try new things, get up and dance.  Hope to still be performing and have that fire/passion for the dance.

Do you teach?  If not, would you ever consider teaching?   I teach private lessons on occasions.  My real job interferes with my dance life.

What do you do in the “muggle” world?  I’m a Mental Health Counselor for Children and Adolescents.  (**Heads Up - She started in pre-med but changed her mind, and her major, after reading a psychology book.**) 

Where do you get your costumes?  Do you make any?  My aunt makes several of my costumes (she’s a clothing designer), eBay, (“yay, eBay!”), bits and pieces were gifts, and I’ve made one or two pieces.

What music inspires you?  Anything and everything.  It all depends on the mood, sometimes a mellow song and sometimes something with a good driving beat.

What do you absolutely HATE about the dance world? D R A M A! 

What do you absolutely LOVE about the dance world?  The sense of community, especially with bellydancing, more of a sense of connection, the range of music, self-expression, and, of course, the COSTUMES!!

Are you a soloist or do you dance with others or a troupe?  And which troupes have you danced with?  My very first belly dance performance was a duet with Kareena for my aunt's birthday.  Then when I first started in Augusta, I was with Envey, and now I'm a soloist. 

Where do you find choreography inspiration? Anywhere and everywhere in the community, other dancers/dances, YouTube (LOVE YouTube), clubs, & the shower (the choreography black hole).  Really!  You come up with great choreography in the shower and as soon as you step out, it’s gone.  Step back in and it’s back, step out and it’s gone.

What types of movement are you drawn to?  Absolutely everything.  Depends on mood.  When watching other dancers and the movement fits their personality and they are feeling it, it draws you in but if they are just going through the moves, you can tell.

Other than bellydancing, what types of dance do you like?  Salsa, Bachata, Latin Ballroom, Cha-cha, Jive, Rumba, Swing, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-hop, Lyrical/Contemporary

What “style” of bellydance do you most associate yourself with – Cabaret, Tribal, Folkloric, Fusion, Orientale?  That goes back to whatever I’m feeling that day – darker then dark fusion, light and happy then cabaret, etc.

If you were suddenly unable to dance, would you continue in the dance world somehow, or would you just give it up?  ABSOLUTELY!  I would find a way!  Even if it’s choreographing and then just finding someone to set it to, putting together shows/haflas, etc. 

How long have you been dancing/bellydancing?  I’ve been dancing for about 25 years and bellydancing for 5-6 years.

If you were to do something completely shocking or out of character with absolutely no consequences, what would it be?  I would run away & get married, elope with some random man, a la Vegas Night, a Carrie Underwood moment.  LOL.

If you were stranded on a desert island, whom would you like to be with and what one thing?  My mom because we can talk until I’m blue in the face and Michael Phelps because he’s pretty to look at – eye candy- plus good swimmer and could probably fish for us.  The one thing would have to be my cell phone so I can Skype everyone.  Otherwise, if no cell service or electricity, then my little stuffed pig, “Piggy”, that I’ve had since I was 4 years old. 

What is in your dancers bag?  What has to be in there?  Double-sided tape for keeping the girls secure, extra undies, makeup, bobby pins, safety pins, change of clothes, extra pair of shoes like lyrical sandals, random jewelry from random costumes that haven’t been taken out, scissors, needle & thread, & a backup CD!

After all my questions had been asked, I found myself feeling quite fulfilled with this time with Zondra.  While enjoying a cup of hot Vanilla Rooibos tea and the awesome 40’s style music Starbucks has playing for ambience, I’ve learned a lot about someone I now know so much better.  I smile.  We both get up and try to ignore the older couple that sat down by us shortly before the interview ended (and whom I secretly feel had been eavesdropping on our conversation J ), and head to the door.  Once outside, we say goodbye, promising to do this again soon, hug and head back to our “normal” lives.

So, where will The Spotlight shine next?  Are YOU game??