CNN iReport

“Native to the Middle East, and now popular worldwide, belly dance takes many different regional forms, both in costume and dance style, indicating that distinctive dance moves may have been transported to these regions and incorporated with local dance styles.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belly_dance

Belly Dance is bringing together Southern California women of all ages and backgrounds. There are two women in particular that stand out: Diana Corpus and Jheri St. James.

To the unsuspecting eye Jheri and Diana have nothing in common.  They differ in age and cultural background.  However these two women are joined by the hip, literally.  They are an integral part of the Belly Dance community here in Southern California.  They teach, participate in, and help promote Belly Dance events.  They also share their passion and knowledge of the dance form by writing editorials and how to articles for http://BellyDancingDiva.com, an online belly dance magazine.

Diana is a female student at CSU Fullerton majoring in communications.  She is also a freelance stylist, photographer, writer, and belly dance instructor.  “Belly dance is a great passion for me”, she says. “I started belly dancing about 7 years ago. It has given me so much joy mentally, spiritually, and physically.”  She has conducted interviews with world recognized Belly Dancers and written resourceful how-to articles.  “Her articles have become a global sensation”, says Sepi, founder of http://BellyDancingDiva.com.

After performing and teaching for a few centuries, belly dancer Jheri St. James’ fingers are now shimmying across the keyboard of her laptop. Her undulating mind floats freely among the many topics this art form offers—dance technique, theory, humor, colors, performance issues, psychology and spirituality—offering up inspiration, laughter and wisdom to her readers.  “Jheri’s articles are incredibly resourceful and entertaining.  We are truly blessed to have her on our team”, says Sepi.  “We are also looking forward to her autobiography, which we know she is working on.”

To learn more about these women, read their articles, contact them, or to learn more about belly dance visit http://BellyDancingDiva.com.