Photo and Story by Maggie VanFleet

Local business owner, Angie Never, participated in the inaugural Ohio Bellydance Festival in Newark, Ohio.

Never owns and operates the Sacred Shimmy Studio in Groveport. She teaches students “a sense of empowerment, an awareness of their bodies, and a glimpse of the diving within each one.”

“I got into the world of belly dance when I got a book from the library over 20 years ago. The woman in the book had the most beautiful eyeliner and I was drawn to it; after reading it, I just thought ‘man I just really want to do this’,” Never said.

The event was headed by Anastasia Kakias of Anastasia Bellydance Columbus, who was awarded $1,200 from the Greater Columbus Arts Council to make the festival happen.

“Anastasia worked extremely hard to make this whole weekend happen. Usually we have to drive out of state for these events, because Ohio has never had a belly dance festival. Hopefully this becomes an annual event,” Never said.

“If that happens, I’m likely to attend every time. It’s so wonderful to have a convention like this so close to home, rather than having to travel across the country to hang out with other dancers,” Never said.

The Sacred Shimmy Studio offers belly dance, with and without swords, and yoga classes. For more information visit www.sacredshimmystudio.com