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“While I dance I cannot judge, I cannot hate, I cannot separate myself from life. I can only be joyful and whole. That is why I dance.”
The name Geela means joy and that is exactly what she brings to her classes and her dancing. Pure joy! Audiences who have watched her dance will immediately be struck by her incredible stage presence. It envelopes the audience and draws them into her dancing within a few seconds of stepping on a stage. She has the ability to connect with an audience with ease and turn on the magic! That is the true power of a masterful performer.
Geela has literally grown up in theatres. “Most of my family members have been involved in the arts, whether expressing themselves on canvas or on a stage. From artists, to opera, to ballroom dancing to musical theatre, you will find us there. My grandparents were South African Ballroom champions in the 40/50s. My great aunt sang opera around the world and South Africa. Another branch of the family are artists. My mom was herself a showgirl and performed in many musical productions. I continued the tradition and started doing stage productions including pantomime, comedy, farce, musical theatre, and was even a member of cabaret group.” In the performing arts world she would be considered a “triple threat” being able to dance, sing and act.
Starting at the tender age of three with ballet, and having gone through the ranks she moved onto modern dance, then jazz (a favourite), to theatrical dancing (good old chorus line work), to touches of Spanish and tap and finally found herself doing belly dance. Geela has trained with some of the best belly dance teachers around the world, but it was her training in Egypt which she most enjoyed. “Being in the heart of where the dance is said to originate, was an awesome experience. It’s like stepping back threw the ages to the very essence of belly dance and womanhood. The dance reveals the hidden beauty within a woman which can sometimes only be unfolded through dance.”
Her’s classes are very entertaining – it’s the drama queen coming out! She connects with her students which allows them to just have some good old “me” time with other women and dance as if no one is watching them.
Being passionate about belly dance she transmits this to her students through motivation and an her exceptional teaching style. Her classes are infused with laughter, good vibes, positivity and encouragement. It’s almost addictive – in a good way of course!
Geela’s studio style is one of elegance and grace – with touches of humour and pizzazz! Her girls are renowned for working together as a perfect team and for their inspiring interpretation of the dance. Always beautifully turned out and very well rehearsed. Timing timing timing! The “Geela outfit” are indeed one of the best troupe and group performers currently in South Africa. Solo performers from her studio are beautiful and graceful and know how to connect with an audience and of course, dance!
“Dancing has always been in my blood. I guess it is something you are born to do. If you ignore your calling, you loose a huge piece of your soul”.
Her motto: Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another.
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