Over the years the question "Where are you from?" is one I have had to answer a thousand times for different reasons. Many assume that if one is a belly dancer, she (or he) must have some exotic origin. Ironically enough, the majority of the Belly Dancers in North America are not Middle Eastern (which is where the dance form is from). There are many political and religious reasons as to why Belly Dancers are rarely Middle Eastern in origin, but it has become common and accepted world wide that Belly Dancers are women (and men) of many different backgrounds. I think that personally people generally ask about my heritage because of the setting they see me in (i.e.: a Greek restaurant) and or because of my rather...well let's say...striking nose!!!

Now, on to my origins. My father came to Canada in his mid twenties from Legnano, Italy in search of what I believe most foreigners are in search of coming here, and that is greater opportunity. Legnano is in Northern Italy as is the history of my father's family. My mother's family is Canadian of Scottish descent. I will elaborate a little on the culture of Northern Italy as few people know a great deal about this region, I will assume however that most Canadians are well informed on the culture of Scotland!!!

Northern Italians are not unlike Austrians. The climate and culture of Northern Italy is very different from that of Central and Southern Italy. Northern Italians tend to be taller and more fair with lighter hair and eyes. The cuisine is usually heavier than the rest of Italy (as it is a bit colder in the Northern part of the country) and some dishes are similar to Austrian and German fare. The Italian language has many different dialects and so Italian in Northern Italy is very different from that of Central and Southern Italy.

For me, my dancing has nothing really to do with my heritage. I have danced all my life and it is my greatest passion. The influence of the Italian culture however is what first got me interested in exploring Ethnic dance as opposed to just classical dance.

Hope you have found this informative...and now you know the origins of my rather striking nose (OK, it's just big!)!!!

Tascheleia