3:37 p.m. "My co-worker turns to me and asks, what do you think it was?" "Sounded like a mortar on the other side of the camp, I reply." Mortars, rockets and car bombs, never did I dream I would spend so much time in a place to be able to discern between each.

My name is Jennifer, I am 31 and I am currently on my second tour to Baghdad, Iraq. I am a Contractor working for the Department of Defense. To put it simply, we build up Military Bases for the Coalition Forces. Our main goal is to take care of the troops, providing adequate living quarters, meals and MWR (morale, welfare and recreation). We do as much as we can to make it more comfortable for the troops while they are here!

I have always been a fan of dancing no matter what it was, I started belly dancing 12 years ago. I know that belly dancing can be a very sensual dance, but I was ready to peel away that outer layer to let the real me bloom.

I happened upon AOED's website in mid 2006. The philosophy behind what I read was tremendously comforting, just by reading it; I was ecstatic about taking a class!

My first class….I was so nervous! As I walked in and met the other women who were taking the class with me, I realized they were just as nervous as I was. I believe that once we all chatted, we started to become more at ease being there. There is a feeling of camaraderie that kicks in instantly. Our instructor was awesome, thorough and very supportive. My second class was just as equally fulfilling and fun. It’s amazing what a boost of self confidence is gained by taking these classes; each class leaving you more aware of yourself. Walking away from these incredible classes leave you with a better sense of well being, I cannot imagine one woman walking away from a class not feeling more in touch with herself mentally or physically. Also, who could leave a class not feeling sexier?

My goals for this next year are to keep practicing, (thank goodness my husband is here with me!), attend classes on my R&R’s when possible and to focus on becoming an instructor by 2008 and opening my own dance studio. I would love to be able to make a positive impact in a woman’s life like AOED has done for me!

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My Exotic Journey began in March of 2006.  I decided to try the Signature Workshop at a dance studio in Alexandria, and I was pretty apprehensive about what to expect from the experience.  Jackie was teaching a full class, but she immediately put us at ease with her words that we were everyday women looking to explore exotic dance moves and self expression.  Initially I was looking to have fun and a few laughs.  In the back of my mind, I hoped that it would help me get comfortable with the idea of expressing myself sensually with someone other than my husband, as I had recently made the decision to leave my best friend and partner of ten years.  And, I was terrified about the idea of dating and the thought of being intimate with anyone else.

After some coaching from Jackie and some hoots and hollers from the other ladies in class, I loosened up and had a great time dancing.  Afterwards, I wanted to sign up for that workshop again and others!  Jackie mentioned that AOED is always looking for instructors, so I chatted with her after the workshop about that opportunity.  I was newly inspired and really wanted to guide other women on a similar adventure.  Not only did I feel more confident, I felt uniquely empowered by allowing myself to dance sensually.  And, I watched other women in the class evolve as well, while having a great time.

Feeling comfortable in my skin has been a challenge all of my life.  As a young dancer I was very body conscious and was diligent in perfecting my ballet technique.  I began to physically develop and seemed to get curvy as the other ballerinas got taller.  I became increasingly self-conscious and eventually left the ballet company.  Because my workout regimen was drastically reduced, I quickly developed a weight problem, which became a source of unhappiness for several years.  Through an intense commitment to a lifestyle of diet and exercise, I was able to lose a total of 90 pounds.  But I struggled to maintain a healthy perspective.  At one point I was hospitalized for an electrolyte imbalance and extreme dehydration, and was considered too thin.  Now, I have much more self awareness and confidence, my AOED experience was a great support.

Michelle

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