In her 30s, Anne Beal wanted to like her body more.  She wanted to become more self-confident. She wanted … belly dancing.

Seven years after she took her first lesson, Beal is now a performer and instructor, teaching other women how to feel comfortable in their own bodies and express themselves in dance. It’s a turn of events that surprised even Beal.   

Name: Anne “Anabee” Beal

Age: 39

Town: Poland

Married/single/relationship: Married

Job: Owner of Bee’s Pet Boarding and belly dance instructor

Pet boarding and … belly dancing? Yes, I know, a unique combination! I always had a dream of opening my own pet boarding business. I had spent many years volunteering to help with stray animals and really wanted to follow my love for our four-legged friends. Bee’s has been open for the past eight years and I feel lucky to be doing my “dream job.” And being my own boss allows me the time to work on my hobbies, one of which is a newfound love of Middle Eastern dance, aka raqs beledi. (FYI, my other hobbies: college radio DJ for over 20 years at WMPG in Portland; I host a weekly music video show on the local public access channel; and freelance producer/editor for local video production.)

How did you get into belly dancing? I knew nothing about the dance, but I wanted to try and find a way to have more self confidence, and to learn to like my belly more. So seven years ago I found my teacher, Jeanne Handy, online and after the first class I was hooked. For someone with NO dance experience and in my 30s it came as a huge surprise.

Where did you get your belly dancing training? I still take weekly classes with Jeanne ‘Jamileh’ Handy in Brunswick. She also teaches in the Portland area.

Any performances coming up? I host a monthly Middle Eastern Dance night at Holly’s Own Deli and Restaurant in Auburn — showcasing a variety of dancers and local musicians. And I also have new classes starting in Lewiston on July 1.

What’s the best performance you’ve ever done? While I was dancing with the band Okbari, at one of their performances at the wine bar Blue, in Portland. Must have been about three or four years ago — and the energy from the crowd that night just made me feel like a real performer/entertainer. It was an overwhelming feeling.

What makes a good performance? Just having fun and being able to communicate the true meaning of the dance to the audience.

What’s good belly dancing music? There’s so much, both traditional and more modern pop style. For some great examples: www.okbari.org or www.turbotabla.com

In your experience, who can be a good belly dancer? ALL WOMEN — no matter your age or size, the dance is all about community/family and sharing your life story with others.

Do you do any other dancing? No … unless you count a mosh pit “dancing.”

Who do you look up to as a dancer? All my belly-sisters who help share the art form with their friends and family — and my teacher Jeanne Handy, she’s amazing!

What’s the best part about belly dancing? It’s awoken something in me that I never knew was there. The history behind the dance is beautiful and sacred, and has given me a way to express myself that I’m still surprised about!

What’s the worst? Having people confuse the dance with a Burlesque show. They are two completely different worlds.

Hip jingles, yea or nay? YEA!

Showing your belly button, yea or nay? No rule says you have to … but YEA!

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