Article By Bahijha:

Featured in the May/June 2006 issue of Belly Dance In New England.

History states that as old as the pyramids, Middle-Eastern dance continues the age old tradition of women meeting together to celebrate dance and community. One aspect of this dance played into Goddess worship on many levels was thought to be at its height in Ancient Egypt. Our ancient sisters in dance even used Serpents, which by some was thought to bring a greater connection with the Mother Goddess and help to affirm a females identity and fertility by strengthening the relationships of other women, seeking guidance into the after life and renewing a sense of grace, power, wisdom and sensuality.

As we travel ahead in time to recent years, there are still a populace of dancers who incorporate the Serpent into their performance for a multitude of reasons. There are those who dance with snakes for the primal fascination. And others who offer a tribute to mother earth through healing dance or Pagan rituals. One such descriptive term; an epithet "snake priestess", using the serpent as a source of spirituality, embodiment and insight threw the conscious journey.

For me, it is a simple pleasure, a fascination and a childhood passion! I have always been enthralled by the beauty, agility and strength of Snakes. It all began when I was very young playing in my back yard with my older sister. As it happens, a long and harmless looking Garter snake decided to skivvy across the back yard patio abutting our house. It practically scared my sister out of "her" skivvies! The mere horror coming out of my sisters lungs was piercing and scared me more than this hypnotizing creature which obviously was in fear of its own life due to my sisters reaction. My mother who came running down the porch stairs to see what the fuss was about and examining my sister for any cuts or bruises "after a scream like that you would have thought the sky had fallen on her."

My mothers realization to the actual cause of my sisters traumatic experience, was a calm and solemn one. Seeing the Snake and remaining very calm and relaxed, she took both my sister and I buy the hand and told us to remain still and quiet. "Watch" she said, it’s one of natures most sedentary creatures, they are more fearful of you and deserve their space and respect." And with that I watched in total amazement at how its body moved from a quick startling speed to a smooth relaxed wave like motion, slow and graceful yet powerful and beautiful. Just as we move more deeply into this art form, Snakes continue to influence us through the interconnectedness of all living things and can have powerful factors in our decisions and behaviors even today. So let your awareness drop into these essential serpentine energies - and allow them to dance you.

These magnificent animals have always been a great source of inspiration and learning for me. Not just in the skills made redundant by Middle-Eastern dancing, but going beyond so much more! I find peace, a tranquil solitude and a providential happiness when around my Snakes. They empower me - especially as I dance. I still enjoy observing the way their bodies move and mold to mine, feeling their strength and spending time with them. Again, when dancing and including my snakes into a performance It is much more than just a hobby. My dancing embodies a philosophy for living, I am not evoking the higher divine nor am I presenting them as worship for any matter. To me it is the utter enjoyment between human and animal. The excitement I exude to my audience when bringing the two together as a means naturalistic beauty and education. Everyone has a primary, totem animal that waits to be released through movement. Snakes are beautiful animals and can truly show you how to tap p owers in your dancing you never knew you had."

Now with this, I am not saying one should go in the back yard seeking a snake to call your own. As Docile as these animals are, in the wild they can still be very defensive! There are certain guidelines one must follow and understand before owning and caring for these animals. They are certainly not props and need to be treated with much respect and handled correctly. Especially if you are performing with one. Lets face it, not everyone is comfortable around snakes some cant even bear the mere sight of them with out posing some sort of anxiety! You as the dancer "must" be well educated on the anatomy, health, sex, breed and proper care of these animals before you decide to own let alone dance with one. Remember, "People ask questions", and if you are uncertain or unsure yourself about these animals, it will effect your performance as well as your credential as a serious artist.

When dancing with a snake you need to move slowly, sharp or sudden movements can frighten the snake or even make it fall. Respect the space of your audience during a performance as well as distance! As fearful as a spectator could be, they in return could pose stress on the animal resulting in an unpleasant nip upon your behalf. Snakes are living breathing animals, just as a dog or cat would, if the animal feels threatened, confused or disarrayed, it’s only response is to give you a clear warning! And truth be told, the bigger the animal the greater the bite. As serious as I take my dancing, I am also a realist and understand the true nature of snakes. To the newcomers of Middle-Eastern dance, Just the idea of dancing with a snake can be quite intriguing and desirable. But there is much more to be considered than just the thought of a future Snake performance.

Take the time to educate yourself. Search the web or read a book on the care it takes to maintain a healthy environment for them. Ask questions: Are you willing to share your home with such an animal as well as others who my be sharing the space. Are you capable in creating an appropriate feeding schedule, will you feed them live or frozen? Understand the difference between captured bred, oppose to natural bred. Be sure you can devote the time it takes in caring for snakes as well as creating the proper climate controlled housing these animals need. You can learn a great deal by observing and studying their behavioral patterns. Be open minded to the possibilities of being bitten or defecated on during a performance, This can happen!

If you can better your knowledge and shed any fears you may have of snakes, perhaps in time you yourself could find great joy in owning one. I personally own nine of these beautiful creatures, each with their own individuality and distinctive coloring and reaching lengths of 5 to 7 feet. Snakes do make wonderful pets but they are not for everyone. If fear is a constant issue, then perhaps by having a better understanding and sense of awareness, you will be one of the many who just come to watch and enjoy the added excitement that a snake dance can offer. It is human nature the fear many people hold over these misunderstood creatures, so to ease your mind, should you somehow confront a Snake on your next journey out on a walk, in a store or maybe even in your own back yard, remember, we are all Earth's creatures seeking love, understanding and the right to live in peace regardless of what or who we are.
Bahijha