The Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance

 Hello everyone! My name is Andrea Kitta and I'm the founder of The Neighbourhood Strays.

My dance experience is pretty complicated. Because of cultural constraints, I'm only allowed to discuss the details of my training in a venue where I can see everyone's faces. The reason why this rule is in place is because Romani (Gypsy) culture is frequently misunderstood and it is believed that if you can see the face of the person you are talking to or speak personally to them, you will be able to help them understand the  culture better. If you can't see their face or be there to answer their questions, your words (or text) may only lead to more misunderstandings.

In addition to my family training, I have also studied Egyptian, Turkish, Indian, and American Tribal Style bellydancing. I am currently certified in the Suhaila Salimpour Format Level 1. I have my general skills certification in American tribal style bellydance from Fat Chance Belly Dance, and have my teacher certification as an American tribal style bellydance general studio from Fat Chance Belly Dance.  

I've danced in restaurants, at cultural festivals, at weddings, births, and various other parties and everywhere else in between! I belonged to The Lotus Dancers of south central Kentucky from 2001-2003 where I danced with the troupe, performed solo, assisted with classes, and gave private lessons. When I moved to St. John's in 2003 to pursue my Ph.D. in Folklore, I began teaching bellydance in the Grad Room in the Folklore Department at MUN. Those classes led to the formation of The Neighbourhood Strays (thus named because we were all CFA's) and classes at Kittiwake Dance Theatre. After Kittiwake closed, we moved over to The School of Dance and operated our own dance school from 2008-2009.

The bottom line is I love bellydancing! In 2009 I moved to North Carolina to teach at East Carolina University. Although I am no longer living in Newfoundland, the troupe is going strong and is around to stay!

 

 Andrea