Meet Gothic Belly Dancer Laura "Tempest" Schmidt & #Win a Belly Dance Hip Scarf

Last month, I revealed that my young adult novel, "Phantom" was accepted by Pagan Writers Press.  Since then, I have been hard at work with the publisher and my amazing editor, Rosa Sophia, getting this book polished up for publication in 2012. One of my favorite scenes in Phantom includes a belly dance routine. I can't say any more about that because I don't want to give away information about a pivotal scene in the story. But I can tell you a little about the amazing woman who inspired the scene. Her name is Laura "Tempest" Schimdt, and she is a world renown Gothic Belly Dancer.

I consider myself truly blessed to have not only met Tempest, but to have shared Sacred Space with her on a few occasions. About three years ago,  I was introduced to Tempest through my best friend and coven sister, Donna. She was taking her belly dance class at a local gym, and convinced me to come along.  Now, I am just about the most uncoordinated person in the world, and learning even the simplest steps was a challenge for me. But Tempest had the patience of an angel, and always took a few extra moments to try to help me get it right. I was only able to go to few classes before I got pregnant with my daughter and was on bed rest. By the time she was born, Tempest had moved, but those few classes were an experience I will never forget.



In addition to taking her class, I also attended a few professional  performances that Tempest arranged in our area. The class was fun, but was nothing compared to watching Tempest perform live. When she begins to move, its like she is magically transformed into the Goddess herself. Her movements are fluid and graceful. Her costumes (which she often designs herself) are enchanting. She has created her own version of Gothic Belly Dance that is elegant and breathtaking. It literally brought tears to my eyes. Even as a writer, I find it hard to express just how amazing it is to watch her perform.  Tempest is one of the most beautiful woman I have had the privilege to meet. It is a beauty that emanates from her soul and is transferred to the fluid movements of her body. All the wisdom of the ages is expressed in the poetic motions of her dance. She is a true artist.

If you would like to learn more about Tempest, you can visit her website, Darkly Dramatic. There you can find dozens of beautiful photos in her gallery. Both the costumes and the poses are stunning!  If you want to learn how to belly dance, she has several DVDs available for purchase. You can also check out Med Devi to purchase her own unique accessory and costume designs.

If you ever wanted to give belly dancing a try, here is your chance. I am going to give one lucky winner a tan belly dancing hip scarf similar to the one shown in the photo. This giveaway will end on 1/20/12 and is open to the US & Canada only.  You will be able to enter this giveaway at both the New Age Mama and  Author Laura DeLuca blogs. You only need to enter ONCE. Please do not  enter on both blogs. Winner will be notified via email and will have 48  hours to reply before another winner is chosen.




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