Nadua (Winter Haven, FL)

I am currently working at a Court Reporting firm while studying to be a court reporter. I have been an Enlightenment Dancer for a little bit over a year. I found Enlightenment Dance by accident and I have not looked back since.

I love Enlightenment Dancing. I love that I can express my mind body and soul at the same time through dancing. I love that I have finally found a way to come out of my protective shell. I was always so afraid to let people see who I really was, and now all I need is music and a veil and the real me comes out.

I love that I have found a bond, and a way to create a bond, with other women without all the cattiness or pettiness. Through dancing I have found a way to accept and enjoy life for what it really is, an adventure.    Nichole Hein

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Sherry McDonald - Blue Lotus Center, Orlando / FL

Hozuhni was my very first teacher. I did not know what to expect as I had never taken Belly Dance before and was very shy about going to class because of my age. I thought I would get there and feel out of place. On the contrary, I found the most wonderful group of women both young and old and to my surprise a gentleman dancer as well.

Hozuhni's bubbly spirit and her way of teaching Enlightenment Dance made me feel very welcome. She told stories along with the dance steps which helped me understand the meaning of Belly Dance.

The dance was not the only thing I learned. I learned about the true spirit of why we love this dance. She is a wonderful teacher. I do not live close enough to keep up with classes in Winter Haven but I am truly grateful for the opportunity I had to take classes and enjoy friendship with Hozuhni and her Enlightenment Dancers.

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Christine Praria , Orlando/ FL

Hozuhni brought spirit into my dance, and helped me find the confidence to dance without choreography, from the heart and soul.  After my first private lesson with this beautiful, exotic, fiery woman I knew I had found a teacher who could help me grow spiritually through dance.  I was exhilarated! 

Gypsy dance focuses largely around the dancer’s flashy, flowing skirts, but what makes the moves and the costume work is the free-spirited and spontaneous attitude of the gypsy.  Hozuhni taught me about getting into that spirit, finding freedom in my heart and joy in my body and dancing with wild abandon.    None of my teachers had ever taken a spiritual approach before.  With Hozuhni I learned to draw on feminine earth energies, circulating them through my body and allowing them to find expression through the power of the gypsy persona.  She taught me to flirt, to pose, to be passionately angry as well as deliriously joyous, to compete, to cooperate, and most of all to enjoy my body and lose myself in the music, letting it flow through me. 

My breakthrough came after performing my first solo for an audience.  Because of my nerves and a wet floor I forgot my choreography and was forced to improvise, to dance spontaneously.  I realized I didn’t need choreography.  In the alchemical marriage of the internalized moves and the free spirit of the persona I was able to let my body take over.  Now when I dance, I feel ecstasy, just from interacting with the music and feeling each movement flow effortlessly into the next.  It is an active meditation, as I let go of conscious control and trust my body and skills to create something beautiful.   

I love Hozuhni -- she has such glorious goddess energy, a beautiful body and a radiant, loving spirit.  She showed me a path to enlightenment that never would have occurred to me, and it has made dance not only an exercise or artistic outlet for me; it is a truly spiritual experience.

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Kimberly Hanson   ~Supriya~  (Winter Haven, Florida)

Enlightenment dance has become part of who I am, not just something that I do.   I began my journey with Enlightenment dance and it's talented, gorgeous and inspirational creator Hozuhni, a little over a year ago.  My journey is still in it's infancy and I am looking forward to a lifelong trip in which I will grow.   If I had to describe what Enlightenment dance means to me in just three words, those words would be; Health, Fun and Empowerment.

I knew I was dying.  Okay, I wasn't going to drop dead right away, but there were signs.  Elevated blood pressure, a persistent cough, constant fatigue, gripping muscle spasms, overwhelming feelings of stress and irritability.  I felt much older than I was and not only was my health declining, but I felt miserable inside too.

 The day I met Hozuhni, I did so timidly.  I was ashamed of my weight, my body, myself.  I covered the center of my shame, my tummy strategically in layers of clothing.  I pulled my skirt up high almost to my nipple line and then on top of that I added a long shirt which I cinched in with a thick scarf tied well above my waistline. I folded my arms in front of my tummy, and I was ready to begin my first belly dance lesson!

 Learning to dance with Hozuhni  has helped me to slowly strip away those protective layers.  Not just the outer layers of clothing, but the inner layers of negative thinking, self doubt and shame.   I have a newly found sense of self acceptance. Hozuhni has a special gift for helping others to heal through dance.  Sure, I do not yet have the body I would like to have, but I have learned to be more grateful for the body that I do have.

 I am learning to love my tummy!   I am so happy that my body is allowing me to learn to dance.  I am thrilled that I have the opportunity to share in that dance with other females who are so supportive, non-judgmental and truly "sisters in dance".  s a group, this "sisterhood" is a positive move towards the empowerment of women, while learning to be comfortable with femininity.   Enlightenment dance has given me tremendously improved mental and physical health.  It is so much fun!  

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 Sylvia Partain    Amyrillis (Winter Haven, Florida) 

Aging is not graceful, unless of course, you determine that it will be.  I was once a dancer, and I choreographed and taught dance and drill teams for fifteen years.  Then I took a different course in my career and I retired from dance, never giving a thought to "use it or lose it."   

Twenty years later, at age 60, I lost my tenacity for working out, so I again looked at dance as an exercise that would make that hour pass with a helluva lot more fun.  But my knees were now gone, my body wouldn't follow directions, and balance had disappeared completely.  I now used the rail going upstairs and a step-at-a-time coming down. 

I timidly signed up for Hozuhni's belly dance class and immediately became infatuated with the teacher's enthusiasm.  There were others younger and older, and everyone was friendly.  Hozuhni introduced a whole new world of mind and body and I looked forward to each Monday night.  After nine months of fun exercise embedded with inspiration and creativity, I noticed the strength I had gained in the muscles surrounding my knees.  Going up and down stairs--no problem.  Balance--it's beginning to return.  Creativity--it's a new me! 

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 Kristi "Auralynne" (Winter Haven, FL) 

I started Enlightenment Dancing on a whim over a year ago. Since then, it has become my world. The dance itself is compelling enough, but Hozuhni makes it so much fun. She has so much enthusiasm, so much life energy, and I can tell she really loves all of her students.

Without her I know the close bond between all the people in the class wouldn't be possible. We're all just like sisters. Speaking of sisters, my sister (and my best friend) Andrea belly dances with me. We do nearly everything together, so it is natural for us to be partners in belly dance. She shares my passion for dance, as well as being emotionally in tune to me, making our movements flow together much easier.

I would still love belly dancing without Andrea, but she adds that extra spark to make it my (and our) passion for life. Isn't that what we all want in life anyway, to never be alone? I know I never will be thanks to all my sisters in Enlightenment Dance.  

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Andrea  "Cassandra" (Winter Haven, FL)

I have been with the Enlightenment Dancers for a little over 1 year. I have enjoyed it all the way. To me, Enlightenment Dance means a place where I can go and be myself, where I can be free and not care what anyone thinks.

I feel like we are all sisters there. Dancing would not be the same if it was taught by someone other than Hozuhni. I love her to death, and would never trade her out for anyone else. She is a wonderful teacher and a friend as well. I love going to lessons with my older sister, Kristi.

It is nice to have someone to be there with me from the start, and who I can share my similar opinions with. There are some things in my life that I might change if given the chance to do them over again, but with Enlightenment Dance, I would not change a thing.  

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Anna Baildon, "Anninha"  (England)

All that was on the notice were the words 'Belly dance class', Hozuhni's telephone number, and an illustration of a woman's veiled face, her eyes looking straight into mine! I went to my first class with Hozuhni with some trepidation - I felt divided between my embryonic interest in the dance and my fear of the unknown. I couldn't see myself doing this dance, as it was so radically different to the dance forms that I knew. But after that first class I was hooked!

A few months later Hozuhni moved to the USA, and Angela Renton and I continued running the group. When Hozuhni first moved away we were so sad, we couldn't see how we'd continue. More than four years down the line, Angela is still running the group, performing, and going to workshops and performances.

My regular teacher now is Karine Butchart, and I attend as many workshops and performances as possible. I am interested in a wide range of styles from North Africa and the Middle East, but my favourite is Egyptian baladi, especially when the music has lots of accordion. I have a substantial performance record, including haflahs, community events,  theatrical productions and my sister's wedding! I do occasional teaching, and I write for my local dance magazine.

I make most of my costumes and enjoy this as another creative aspect of the dance. I read around the subject and the more I read, the more it fascinates me. All this has grown from Hozuhni's boundless enthusiasm encouraging me to develop my initial interest so that it has blossomed into a fundamental part of my life. I can't imagine not having this part of me for the rest of my life. The dance has moved, inspired and challenged me on many levels, and has led me to some of my best friends. I look forward to where it will take me, and where I can take it, in the future!

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Elizabeth Hessami - (Orlando, FL)

I LOVE the Enlightenment Dance classes. I have taken a few beginners classes, but this is the only class where I have felt I am really making progress. In other classes I have found that they are either way too advanced for a true beginner, or too slow with the same moves repeated every week. Hozuhni's class is the perfect balance! I also love the intro section of the class. I was in one class for 16 weeks and knew nothing about the teacher or the other students! I love learning a little about the other student's each week. I look forward all week to attending class which is over an hour's drive from my house! Middle East Dance/Belly Dance is much more to me than just exercise. It is an expression of joy through movement that I have not experienced anywhere else. I truly feel transported as I dance and am thrilled to finally be learning the language of the dance with each new movement I learn.

I cannot say enough about Hozuhni. Since I was 11 and saw my first bellydancer in Morocco perform I have wanted to bellydance. Being tall and having a post-c-section tummy I am perhaps not the ideal candidate, but thought I would give Hozuhni's class a try. Last night I was shimmying around my living room feeling like a million bucks!! At one previous class I was told that "if I could not do a belly roll, well, I could not bellydance". Hozuhni has allowed me to realize that bellydance is so much more than one particular movement. It is an expression of joy, my joy! I would say to anyone, if you can do one course in Middle Eastern dance-make sure it is Hozuhni's. Some people may be great dancers, other people are great teachers; but to find someone who is a great dancer and a great teacher is so rare. Hozuhni is both!!!!

 

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Alexia (Orlando, FL)

When I first began studying Enlightenment Dance I was 15 years old. My first class was gypsy dance and I fell in love with the way my teacher Hozuhni made dance class so fun and easy to learn. Her excitement and passion for dancing came through in class and made everyone want to learn. Unlike those boring strict ballet classes that I had taken before I felt like I was growing as a person and as a dancer while I was taking enlightenment dance classes.

It was also very fun because I got to make new friends in class, and it was always fun when my new friends would come over and we would just practice our dance moves. Enlightenment Dance isn't just a belly dancing class or a gypsy dancing class its much more. Its time you set aside to be that true diva you are!! To feel beautiful and to feel bliss. It is my favorite dance company of all time. I would recommend it to anyone looking to truly experience the bliss of dancing! My dreams and goals are to be an inspiration to others. To help people through dance. To show people the beauty in dance. To have fun and stay in shape through my dance. To be a great Enlightenment Dancer!!!

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Lourdes (Orlando, FL)

Hello dear Goddess,

Here is a little thought from me.

Just a personal note to let you know how much I admire you. In the little time that I've known you you have become an inspiration for me and I have learned a lot of my inner being. I am a little behind in the dancing but in the spiritual side you have done me a lot of good and I thank you from my heart. Like I expressed in the class I have my ups and downs but I have learned to turn my downs into ups thinking of things you say.

Thank you again.
You are a wonderful teacher, a great woman and thank
God a very good inspiration...

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Mychele (Orlando, FL)

"I love how Hozuhni engages all of the students working with the different skill levels as well as the different comfort levels. She really makes people feel comfortable and beautiful. Hozuhni does a wonderful job keeping the class flowing, staying on track, keeping it fun, challenging, but doable. She has a gift as a teacher.

I can't really say that I liked one thing more than another. One aspect that has truly inspired me in my own teaching and dancing is how open she is with what she is doing and the spiritual aspect that she brings into the dance. Hozuhni opens belly dancing up into a whole new realm, a place where everyone who wants can find a place to dance, whether it be to middle eastern rhythms, disco, house music, whatever.

Costumes, dance, expression, personality all come together in her classes. She brings out the best in people, even parts of themselves that they didn't know existed. Enlightenment Dance means to me finding new ways to express myself with movement using belly dance movements as my foundation. Being able to explore and express my inner goddess with encouragement, support and love of other dancers. Touching the divine within myself and setting her free with dance.
Hozuhni, you are a force of nature- air, fire, earth, water!

"Your goddess speaks when you move to the music of your soul"
Loving, vibrant, caring ~Mychele http://www.mychele.net/

 

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Walida (Winter Haven, FL)

I just wanted to tell you how much fun I had at class tonight! It was a hoot. I think we need to do that more often -- just hang out and dance our hearts out. I know Andrea was touched, and we will really miss her. I bet she will be back , though.

Did you feel a sense of pride tonight? You should. It was a testament to your influence on this world, Hozuhni. Your love, sense of being, encouragement, support and energy has been implanted in each one of those people there tonight. Do you realize your effect on the world? Sometimes we forget about that, and I forget to tell you how much I appreciate what you do.

In each and every class, and in each and every student, you instill peace, security and a sense of pride in one's self. What a wonderful patchwork of people you have created! The world is a much better place because of you.
I am blessed to have you as my friend. Wanted you to know that!

Chat with you later --- Walida

 

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Tysina  and daughter Chrysta (Winter Haven, FL)

On Monday August 30, 2007 my daughter and I attended class for the first time in months. The experience was like coming home from a very distant place. The sisterhood welcomed us home as if we had never been away. There was no uncomfortable awkwardness.

We dance several routines. Some we had danced before and some we were experiencing for the first time. We closed class with the "Star" dance. This is a dance we had closed with before, but it was never more meaningful for me than at this class. The dance was so appropriate. I felt as if I was reborn. It was like a soulful baptism into the world of enlightenment and dance. I felt humbled and grateful as I shared the experience with my fellow dancer.

As my daughter performed, I felt so proud of her and myself. To be able to share these experienced with my daughter is beyond my description. It brings me such joy and comfort to instill in my daughter a sense of self worth, beauty, and enlightenment. I am so grateful for our teacher and all of the fellow students. Each dancer shares themselves and teaches us something meaningful and worth while in every class.

I know that our dance class goes beyond so much more than dance. It is a way of life. Appreciation of who you are. A sense of awareness at the beauty in yourself and all beings. I learn and grow with every class. My closes friends have paid me complements on the improvements in my self esteem. Before I started class, I would never had dance in public because I was so self conscious. This class has forever changed me for the better.

My Gratitude and Admiration Always,  Tysina
 

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