Why do you do this?
Because I like it. I also get to make crazy costumes with awesome fabric and rhinestones, how cool is that?
Why did you start belly dancing?
When I was five years old, I used to parade around the house wrapped in silk proclaiming I was a Middle Eastern dancer. This happened many times. I don’t recall having ever seen a Middle Eastern dancer until I was an adult, and my family didn’t have any of those old records with dancers on the cover, so I’m not sure where that came from. I had just decided that that was what I was in my imagination.
In 2000, I had a very bad car accident, and to get myself out of the house again I decided to start taking classes with a friend who was at a studio in DC. She backed out of the classes, but I stayed anyway. I ended up quitting a few months later because I thought I was terrible, and I had severe stage fright at the time.
In 2008, I was unable to train for races because of knee issues, so I started taking classes again. This time, I stuck with it.
You have stage fright? You don’t look like you have stage fright.
I do. I quit playing music because of stage fright. I couldn’t get through an audition. I have my habits and coping mechanisms now that make it easier, and I’m always happy to share them.
Why did you take the name Spiral?
When I was in art school, I became obsessed with fractals as a form of art that was based on math. Much of the artwork I did at that time revolved around ratios, and the golden spiral became kind of a symbol to me for the fusion of logic and beauty. When I decided to take a stage name, I chose Spiral as a reminder of that time in my life.
Where are you currently studying?
Lisa Zahiya has been my primary teacher for several years. I recently started studying with Lotus Niraja, who is an all around amazing lady, and she makes sure that my movements are strongly rooted in Middle Eastern dance tradition. I am also working through Suhalia’s level II curriculum, and try to glean wisdom from other teachers when I can. I am also studying Jazz regularly at Joy of Motion.
In short, everywhere. Studying is the best thing about this art form.
You train in martial arts too?
Yes, I practice Krav Maga. No, I can’t kill anyone with my thumbs, but it is extremely effective as self-defense, and I’ve been doing it for a very long time.
Will you come perform at my event?
First, please check out Samira Shuruk’s page on Belly Dance Rates by Region. Then, contact me.
I don’t do all-male parties or body tipping, so don’t ask.
Where do you get your costumes?
I make most of them. I have three I haven’t made, everything else comes from me.
How do you make your costumes?
With a lot of swearing and stress. I place all the rhinestones by hand, with a magnifying glass and tweezers. Hence, the stress.
What was that awesome song you played / danced to?
Check out “Set Credits” at the top of the page, and give those bands some money. They deserve it.