James Strecker: You do and have done so much in your life so, before we talk about all the parts that make up Brenda Bell Wellness –and Brenda Bell herself- please tell us about your fascinating life as a Middle Eastern dancer. How did someone who used to hang around Rochdale end up as a starring dancer in a posh Cairo hotel?
Brenda Bell: I had been introduced to the dance by attending a class during a trip to Maui, Hawaii of all places! The music was so rhythmic, the movements were so entrancing and it excited my existing passion for anything eastern. I believe it struck a karmic chord deep within in my subconscious mind.
“In 1976 or ’77 I was living in Vancouver B.C. and was walking down Broadway and passed a Greek restaurant where a belly dance event was going on. I stood in the doorway to watch a gala evening showcasing several professional local dancers. It was my very first time seeing professional belly dancing and I was thrilled
“I set off to take lessons with as many good local dancers as I could find, practicing for at least two hours every day. I was determined, and seemed to be pushed by this uncontrollable karmic force. My last teacher in Vancouver was the well-known Farideh. After six months of passionate practice, I started to perform in local Greek restaurants, likely stepping on the toes of local dancers. I feel sorry about that.
“But soon I was off to London, England. I found myself dancing at a Greek bouzouki club called Cleopatra, and then running off afterwards to the more prestigious Arab night clubs to study the Egyptian dancers. I ended up auditioning at the famous Il Nile Club.
“Just imagine, I was a young hippie dancer from B.C. Canada sporting an Afghani dress and arms full of silver bangles in a big, fancy, over-the-top night club full of wealthy gulf Arabs wearing long white thobs. There was an elaborately lit, raised stage with a full Egyptian orchestra, and the program consisted of at least four solo dancers, two singers, and a comedian. The program went on until the wee hours of the morning. Dancers wearing elaborate long evening gowns while sitting with the patrons between shows, when performing they donned racy costumes that exposed more than my modest full skirts and harem pants. They had sequins and rhinestones instead of tinkling little coins and chains. I became disillusioned, and declined the offer to stay and work because I was intimidated by the reality of the Arab clubs. Many dancers had a second job.
”I went back to Vancouver, but could not find the cultural stimulation nor the live music I craved. Once you’ve heard the nai (Arab flute) live, it creeps under your skin and you can’t forget that feeling, not to mention one, two or three tablas and other percussion instruments coming together to make your heart race in a way that nothing else can. So I moved to Montreal, and started dancing with live bands in Arabic clubs, weddings and private parties, even dancing in a feature film being made there at the time called “Your Ticket is No Longer Valid” starring Richard Harris.
“I made some good money and was invited by some Moroccan friends to Morocco. In Morocco I was introduced to a woman named Mania, who owned a nightclub and restaurant in Agadir. I danced there for a couple of months. It was a wonderful experience, as I was keen to learn about Moroccan folkloric dancing. I travelled all over Morocco and soaked it all in.
“Returning to Canada, I moved to Toronto, where I started dancing in a small place named Cleopatra! There were musicians and I believe that is where you first saw me perform. I was quickly in demand for concerts for visiting Arab singers, local and out of town weddings, cultural events and festivals. I also did many television appearances. I was teaching regular dance classes and have taught many women who went on to become successful performers and teachers.
Eventually, Egyptian friends encouraged me to go and dance in Egypt, and in 1982 I did, staying as a guest of their families in Cairo until I found myself a job. The Egyptian music and dance styles had become my favourite.
JS: Cairo must have been a quite a cultural leap for you, so I wonder what adjustments you had to make to survive and thrive.
BB: I didn’t find Cairo to be a major cultural impact on me because I already had quite a bit of experience in previous years from travelling and working with people of different middle eastern cultures. I was familiar with the varied traditions, customs, music, food, dress, language, dance, film stars and performing artists.
Professionally, I had to change my performance presentation. I had to give the Egyptians what they wanted to see. I dropped the ethnic looking costumes and became more glamorous and I couldn’t do my floor work unless I had a candelabra on my head.
Personally, I had to adjust to limited freedom of independence. As a woman, I had always to be escorted by someone. I had a relative freedom in the ability to take private taxi service that would wait for me while shopping and then return me to my home. Of course, I paid for this service, and it was well worth it because my alternative would be to share a taxi picking people up like a bus if they happened to be going the same route. It could get very crammed in a Fiat on a sweltering hot day with no AC, especially if these were Egyptian men smelling of fresh garlic! Then there was the city bus. Just imagine the previous description amplified by fifty and throw a few women in and they all have to bear the occasional grab when there is standing room only.
I have many stories about infringement of my privacy, even when working and having to view what should be private in public places. This type of behaviour made me nervous, paranoid and depressed.
JS: You have always been a spiritual person, it is obvious, and I wonder how you, especially as a woman, resolved that aspect of yourself to life in the entertainment world.
BB: This is a question that could take a while to answer, so I’ll keep it brief. Egypt is a Muslim country. I was a Dancer. I learned quickly not to engage in conversations regarding politics or religion, period. I was there to be recognized and respected as a dance artist and I tried to keep good company. A dancer is not viewed as a spiritual being but as a sensual icon.
I did my own personal spiritual practice in my home consisting of daily meditation, prayer and yoga asanas. I had a few expat friends who enjoyed having yoga lessons with me.
One of my dearest friends was an older woman, Mary, a Catholic and a relative of a friend in Canada. Mary was married to a Muslim and they had 4 adult children who were raised as Muslims. Mary was the daughter of immigrant Italian/English parents. She was like a mother to me and I would celebrate our Christian holidays with her and her Christian relatives. I would sometimes go to very old Catholic churches with Mary, mostly to see the beautiful art. These places were quickly being destroyed.
JS: Why did you give up a prestigious gig in Cairo, one that many would desire, and return to life in Canada?
BB: The life of a performing artist in Egypt is not the same as it is in Canada, especially for dancers. I could try for a lifetime to have people look at me as a respectable woman, but this would only happen if I had married an Egyptian artist and we worked together outside of the nightclubs -like the work of Farida Fahmy and Mahmoud Reda,. They are well respected Egyptian dancers and choreographers, founders of the renowned Reda Troupe.
As a “Rakasa” – dancer- I could live the night club life, make lots of money and be very lonely outside of it, or marry another artist and still have to socialize in the artist circles. Lots of drinking, drugs, and late night partying.
Or I could marry a decent businessman and leave dancing, but then what would be the purpose of being in Egypt?
I was getting lonely, desperate for someone I could relate to in my reality. I wasn’t interested in the complexities of living in a Muslim country or marrying an Egyptian man, nor did I find fulfilment in the idea of entertaining people for much longer. I preferred to go home and resume my yogic studies and teach, and help people live healthier lives. Get married and have a family.
Dancing is all about the ego “Look at me”, while my spiritual beliefs are about going inward and learning to deflate this egoic self and find my true nature. I believed that I would find more fulfilment in serving others rather than entertaining them. I felt that I had done what I came to do, I didn’t have anything more to prove.
JS: Okay, I know the term belly dancer does not sit well with you, so please distinguish between the kind of dance you have done and what is called belly dancing.
BB: I used to prefer describing myself as a “Middle East dance artist.” It wasn’t just about the “belly dance” since I was also trying to learn about regional folklore dance. I often used a folkloric theme for the second part of my show. Egypt has a wide variety of dance styles outside of the typical belly dance, which are very beautiful and often include a male counterpart.
JS: It seems, at least to me, that everyone nowadays calls themselves a belly dancer and caters to a popular North American stereotype of what is actually a very sensual, nuanced, and aesthetically rich form of dance. I am sure you have thoughts on the matter, so what are they?
BB: This is exactly why I chose to perform within the Arabic communities. For me, my dance is like a language. Most non-Arabs don’t know what they are looking at. They see something nice and can enjoy it to a certain degree but they never get the whole story. It’s kind of like watching a foreign film without the subtitles.
When I perform for Arab audiences I engage with them, we go on a little journey together for a short while, me expressing the emotions of the music and the words of the song though the dance, using typical gestures that they can relate to.
Because I understand the culture I was very popular. I didn’t need to impress them with a 1,000 different athletic moves, I just needed to use the right movements with the right rhythm at the right time. And there is this very special way of being sensual without being overtly sexual that I find most foreign dancers can’t grasp.
JS: What was it like having your own dance company in Toronto?
BB: It was a lot of work, because at that time I was a single mother of a very young daughter. I had my other work as well, teaching yoga and being a shiatsu therapist as well as teaching and performing dance. I was stretched so thin. I really couldn’t give it my 100% because my daughter should have been getting that.
But, for the time the ladies and I were doing it, we had a lot of fun. I felt that I taught them a lot about costuming, choreography and putting a good show together as a group and how to engage the audience.
JS: How does it feel to actually dance the way you do? To this spectator it is sensual, sexy, elegant, subtle, and a very personal expression. Is it?
BB: Yes, it is all that and I feel that it is a safe place to express all of what it means to be a woman. It’s a divine feminine energy that should be respected, that is why I get annoyed with women that exploit the sexual aspect of this dance. There is vulgar sexuality and then there is tasteful sensuality. There is a time and audience for both, I suppose. It’s up to each woman to represent herself the way she wants. But having said that, I believe that we are representing a culture, so we need to keep that in mind if we want to be true to the artistic aspect of this dance.
I love my dance, I feel very close to myself when I dance In the past sometimes I didn’t want to share myself with the audience because of depression , but I had to because I was on contract. But most of those times, when I felt like hiding, once I had finished my performance I usually felt better. The energy moved, I got out of my head full of thoughts and emotions and a connection to the creative Self was made which brought me into the present moment where joy and happiness exist. I forgot my issues.
JS: How does a dancer’s body pay in damage for a dancer’s art?
BB: Hahaha! You’re just asking that because you know how much damage my body has sustained! Let’s put it this way, the harder the dancer works the body, the more a dancer demands from it , the more injuries we sustain and if it isn’t injuries then it is osteo arthritis in the future from over use. Some mid-east dancers don’t make the same crazy demands that I made so they don’t suffer as much as someone like me. But if we keep dancing and change our method as time moves on we can stay healthier than if we just stopped altogether.
Adopting other forms of complimentary exercise such as yoga, Tai chi, Feldenkrais, swimming or light weights can help to balance the body, increasing circulation of blood and energy, relieving stiffness and correcting alignment.
JS: Let’s talk about Yoga, which you have practiced and taught for decades. When and why did you first study it, why do you teach it now as part of Brenda Bell Wellness, and how does it fit into your life?
BB: I started with yoga when I was a kid, I used to watch my mother practicing and she’d tell me to leave her alone, since it was a quiet time for herself amidst looking after a family of 5 kids.
I’d go to my room and copy what she did. When I was in my later teens, I read “Yoga, Youth and Reincarnation” by Jess Stearn, and this opened my mind to what yoga was really all about. I then took it more seriously and found my own teachers, who were many. Returning to Canada after Cairo Egypt, I decided to take a formal teachers training course and graduated in 1987. I haven’t stopped teaching since.
I then moved on to study Shiatsu therapy and this opened a whole new approach to practicing yoga for me -I don’t practice Shiatsu now, but I have moved on to Reiki. Because the course included in-depth anatomy, pathology and physiology, I found myself combining the two practices as an effective therapy.
Yoga is a major part of my personal life and it keeps me focused, pain free, and healthy in body and mind. For me, yoga isn’t just about the body, it is a science of the mind and a spiritual adventure. I share this knowledge with people who are open to it.
I teach different aspects of yoga during workplace wellness seminars according to the needs of the clients. If they want a simple general yoga workshop, I can do that, or I can focus on a particular topic such as back pain, stress management or carpal tunnel. I often offer some simple yogic techniques during informational seminars, depending on the topic being discussed.
JS: You are a Zen Shiatsu master, so what kind of attitude or philosophy does that require and what do you actually do?
BB: I was lucky to have studied with some very good Japanese teachers. Much like yoga the philosophy shares with us that we are not simple physical beings.
It is a holistic approach to well-being which emphasizes balance. The focus is on the complex energy systems that move through us, how to feel them and identify imbalances and what we can do to help create balance. This is why I became very passionate about it, finding that it wasn’t unlike the philosophy I was already living
JS: Your life has taken you into study in of many other areas of physical, mental and spiritual growth, especially from China. Please help us to understand each one.
BB: This is a question that requires a lengthy answer. I’ll simplify it by saying that all my practices involve creating balance in all aspects of human existence. It’s all about energy, even thought has energy. What we eat, how we live, move and think. We need a healthy body to have a healthy mind, and a healthy mind to create a healthy body, I’m talking about balance and no extremes one way or the other. Only then can we start to realize and understand that there is more to us than what we think we are. The teachings invite us to live in the present moment; there is a lot of power in the present moment.
JS: You are also are a student of Vedanta philosophy, which includes the practice of meditation, and although I know that this philosophy is not easy to simplify without selling it short, would you care to give it a try?
BB: Advita Vedanta is the philosophy of “Non-dualism” That absolute Self within me is the same Self within us all. Vedanta teaches us ways to find the Self, all existence, knowledge and bliss.
JS: I’m going to quote a passage from your site and ask you to help us understand how all the things you do fit into one unique consciousness as a practicing healer. The passage is this: ‘Through years of international travel and cultural study, I became a certified fitness instructor, yoga instructor, yoga therapist, Zen Shiatsu master and Usui Reiki master. Healing myself, loved ones and clients with these dynamically interconnected practices has strengthened my faith in the body’s inherent ability to heal itself – aided by positive thinking, conscious choices of lifestyle, diet and natural therapies.’ Okay, you’re on, and we have lots of time.
BB: I simply practice what I teach and share. My life has had its share of storms and difficulties, depression and doubt. I have focused on the teachings, the present moment, learnt from my mistakes and I feel I am a testimony to it all. Below is a excerpt from my blog:
I am not my body, my body is a biodegradable vehicle that gets me around while I’m here in this lifetime.
I am not my mind, my mind is just a bundle of thoughts which are wrapped around a feeling of “I” wrongly associated with my body. The mind is a tool for relating to the world. Yes, I know that is a hard one to swallow, but when you start to study the science of yoga and the vedanta philosophy, it all starts to make sense.
My body is the first temple of the creator, I am aware of that and I cannot ignore this fact. It gives me a sense of great respect for this creation my body, as well as all else that is part of creation.
So if I can figure out the basics of how this bio vehicle works, then I can take better care of it and it will serve me well until it is time to give it up. I will have a better quality of life with limited restrictions. Remember I love to be free, and along with good health comes happiness. Happiness is only present when we are not feeling pain. Unless, of course, you have reached Nirvikalpa samadhi and are living with knowing the Absolute Self and then you can override the physical discomfort.
Happiness is what all humans seek. Of course many of us think we are going to find it outside of ourselves and that is what big business is all about. Many people truly believe they are happy with their “Stuff”, but would be in agony if they had to give it up. There is a point to where money and stuff can present us with a temporary “Fix,” but it most certainly will not bring us into real and lasting happiness.
When I was a young adult I started to take a great interest in other systems of natural health and healthing, I discovered that the secret to good health was prevention. You learn this in all eastern philosophies. Even in martial arts, one can be a great fighter, but it is wisest to avoid confrontation and maintain harmony. That is the goal, that is the true secret for a happy life as a human. Harmony, balance, integration of all that makes us what and who we are.
When we establish a good balance, we can live in peace and be happy, physically, mentally and spiritually. We can remove restrictions and enjoy all that life has to offer us if we choose.
I often say that most people take better care of their cars than their own bodies. Seriously, it’s true.
I was taught through yoga that we start with the body, exercise, breathing and then diet. Then gradually the mind starts to become more clear. We feed the mind with right knowledge, and we start to see things differently, we start to understand what this whole journey is all about. We don’t take anything at face value, we ask questions that have to satisfy our intellect, and therefore the practice goes deeper than the body. We start to understand who and what we are with unshakable “Knowing”.
Balance is the key. Moderation in any aspect of living, whether it is exercise, diet, work or relaxation. Self education is important, not blind following.
I believe in learning how to become responsible for our health, learning preventative measures as well as curative. It can be done one step at a time, and we just need to have the desire to know ourselves as a complete human being and to respect that knowledge.
I’m not discounting the medical field at all, it has it’s place in our lives, but it sure would take a load off our healthcare system if more of us made this effort to improve our personal wellness.
It’s very liberating to be able to help oneself and to have some control in our lives. There are so many ways in which we can help ourselves.
Good health is a blessing and I feel that it is important to honor that and express gratitude in ways that feel right to us as individuals. We also need a good dose of compassion for ourselves in order to accept our shortcomings and develop self love. This will splash over and outward to others who come into our field of awareness and they will benefit from our examples.
I like to believe that I am setting a good example by living what I teach. I also believe that I am blessed and guided by a force that is greater than my individual mind and personal desires.
I could keep on going here, but I think I’ve given you a little bit of “Why” I do what I do.
JS: I’ve been blown away from the several Reiki sessions I’ve had with you, rarely so profoundly relaxed was I, so please explain what goes on in me during a session. Is it good for you too?
BB: I’m happy to know that you have enjoyed your experiences. Yes, it is good for me.
Reiki brings us both into the “Now.” I aim to help my clients let go of thoughts and feelings and go into state of deep relaxation. We are made of energy and our thoughts are energy, so it is important for me as a practitioner to empty my mind of thoughts that aren’t related to the Reiki session. Intention is a powerful force, my intention is for the highest good of the receiver. I pray for the total well being of the receiver and I pray for guidance.
I like to leave myself open to the life force energy to flow freely through me like a channel, unobstructed by my own stuff. I usually keep my mind focused on a healing mantra or phrase that affirms the presence of healing light. This sets up a positive vibration on the mental and spiritual level.
As the receiver relaxes, space is created in body and mind. This creative life force energy is received into the cells of the body. Naturally all cells of the body are programmed to perform a function, and the life force energy is cosmic intelligence and reminds the cells of their natural function. When space is created it helps the body’s energies move properly, bringing in more to areas that are depleted and moving it out of areas that have excess, therefore creating a balance.
When the receiver’s mind is silent this procedure is more effective.
JS: You have lived a unique life that has involved a sensual art form in two sexist cultures and a number of spiritual practices that are very subtle and deep in a North American culture that often thrives on the lowest common denominator. How have you survived when the world wants to destroy itself?
BB: I don’t focus on destruction or on the negative. I choose to focus on productivity and positivity. I try to live in the present and all that is good in my present. I focus on keeping myself healthy and how I can help others be healthy and happy. I believe this is a way to improve society in general. I am not ignorant to what is going on in the world, and I make my own small contributions when I can. And really it isn’t the world wanting to destroy itself, it’s the ignorance of humans that is destroying the natural balance. If each of us makes an effort to find balance in our own lives we can make a collective effort towards the greater good.
JS: What are your dreams and plans for Brenda Bell Wellness? I believe that, among other things, you intend to bring healing to the corporate world, so what does that mean?
BB: I have noticed that many of my clients who work in offices and schools or other jobs that involve being exposed to large groups of people and little fresh air, are often ill. They suffer from frequent viruses, or work related aches, pains, stress disorders and diet issues. I have found myself offering free counselling for many of these problems and I have noticed that the information I have given has been very helpful if they follow my suggestions.
Workplace wellness is a very hot topic right now because companies want to maintain a higher productivity level and it is in their interest to lower benefit costs. I’m actually more concerned with helping people understand that they are not victims of circumstance. There is much we can do for ourselves if we choose to make an effort one small change at a time. I like to believe that it is self empowerment that takes place.
If a company has more people who are self-empowered that could be a very positive and powerful energy towards financial success.
JS: What do North Americans misunderstand about wellness?
BB: Prevention. I believe that we need to educate ourselves and take responsibility for our individual health. We have many different lifestyle options, diet, exercise, and natural holistic therapies. There is so much we can do for ourselves, if we only make some effort, and not rely on the medical system entirely. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in allopathic medicine when needed, but I also believe that a healthy lifestyle is the best prevention.
JS: You are obviously a sincere student of life and a dedicated and responsible teacher in areas where too many, who in truth are unqualified, exploit others. How does that feel, to be serious and dedicated among charlatans? What happens when alleged healers become celebrities and what do you think of the gullible who idolize them?
BB: I think if we are sincere in our search for truth then it will be revealed to us eventually. I am not a blind follower. There needs to be logic behind the method. The more we educate ourselves the better our choices will be.
I don’t place myself above anyone else, I am simply grateful if I am able to help someone. People only accept and receive what they are ready for at the time.
JS: Overall, how’s life going?
BB: Life is always full of challenges. My life is not different from any other human, but perhaps my way of meeting my challenges is different than most. I turn my challenges into lessons. And then there are surprises and small wonders. In the big picture, I have nothing to complain about, I am ever grateful for my blessings.
JS: How do people get in contact with you?
BB: It’s simple. People can contact me at contact me at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brenda-Bell-Wellness/701983636512323