Farasha (Joan Browne)

Bellydance and Belle (Ballet/Bellydance Fusion)

• Tell us, when did mind-body first bend you to it's will?  When I was 14 years old, I began to study Ballet seriously. My mom said it was as if I joined the army because I became so disciplined. By the time I was 18, I was dancing and teaching professionally with The Milwaukee Ballet Company in Wisconsin. Since I had accomplished so much in such a little time, my body quickly learned what causes injury and that was as important a knowledge as the great dance form I was mastering. As I grew up, I felt I wanted my dance to have meaning both for myself and those who watched. I then began to explore other dance forms as Ballet offers a limited means of self expression. I then studied Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Sacred, African, Ballroom and finally Belly Dancing (which is an American term for what is known in the Middle East as "Raqs Sharki").
• Besides your obvious coolness, what makes you qualified to teach?  Well, I've stuck with something a long time that has not always been easy or possible. Because of that, I have learned how to break movements down to the simplest form until they make sense to everyone. I have had teachers who were wonderful dancers themselves and graciously passed that knowledge on. For 25 years I was Artistic Director of Amadeus Dance Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during which time I taught all ages and ability levels extensively. Most of all, I love to dance, teach and perform! 
• What other things are you qualified to do? I have received the "Wisconsin's Most Promising Artist" Award  and a Fellowship Award for "Outstanding Artistic Achievements" in the field of Choreography from the Wisconsin Arts Board. I also am a certified Color Analyst.
• What can we expect to see, hear and do in your classes? I do a warm up moving one part of the body at a time. As we progress we "layer" by putting different movements together. We will experience all tempos of Middle Eastern music (don't worry, it's cool stuff, mostly very contemporary, and you won't even care that you don't speak Arabic) I do EVERYTHING with you and don't stop and watch until you feel you have it. I will point out the right way and the wrong way to do a movement, so you don't injure yourself. I like to keep it fun, but we will work hard and dance! 
  
• What move do you dig the most and why? SHIMMIES!!!!!! I love to shimmy. When you get in class you will too. It's a great stress relief and it looks cool on everyone!
• If you could push a button and remove a pose/move from history, which one and why?  That's easy, Ballet's 5th position. Like breast implants, it looks good, but at what cost to you body and WHY????  Needless to say, but I will, I DON'T teach it to anyone who wishes to continue being able to walk without a limp over the age of 30.  (ed. If it's anything like Eagle, then amen to that.)
  
• Like, what's your sign man?  My sign is the butterfly. (ed. er, that's an insect ) It is a symbol of hope and new life. It teaches us to rise above what we see in the here and now and think of the eternal. That is what Farasha means in Arabic.
• What are 3 things that make you smile real big and cheesy?  My husband, my chihuahua, and my children.
• What is your favorite quote when you are in need of a little inspiration?  This depends on the inspiration I need at the time. Right now I would say: "Your actions in life are like a boomerang, what you send out will come back to you." anonymous author
• If you could do anything to change the world, what would it be?  I would want for everyone to realize that we are all related to each other and our differences are very minor things compared to the similarities we all share. There would be a limit on the income a person could earn and if they went over it, by law, they would have to give it to those who are hungry and have nothing.
• Any other interesting information you would like to share with the nice people reading this here Bio? Yes. Please bring your yoga mat to my classes, as we will often do floor stretches and cool downs on them. Also, please don't compare yourself to others in class. We are all unique and have something to offer. I think competition is not appropriate in the Arts (even on a professional level). Let's keep the score keeping to the sports enthusiasts. Dance is an expression of the soul, so master your "instrument" as best you can and we will make some beautiful "music" together!