|
Gypsy Phillips
Gypsy took her first belly dance class at an adult education class when her youngest son was only 6 months old. She needed to get some exercise and what better way to do it then by dance. She loved it and didn't want to stop. Gypsy was hoping to find more classes, but at that time there weren't many being offered near where she lived. So she started teaching friends and they were happy to learn what she had learned. Eventually she did find other classes and kept teaching. She hasn't stopped in over 45 years! Yes, her youngest son is now 45 and her other sons are now 55 and 57
Gypsy has taught at many places including recreation departments, senior centers, churches and for adult education. She has been teaching for the Assabet Valley After Dark program for over 25years. Gypsy's loves are her family, 3 grown boys, 5 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, her dog Luna ,her friends and her love of dance. She does swing dance every Sunday night, Contra dance and Ballroom dance whenever she can. She loves her Silver Moon Gypsy troupe - a "Senior" group of ladies who love to go out and perform for many health care facilities. Her troupe not only entertains for them but they also love seeing the enjoyment they bring to the residents. Gypsy is 86 years old and her motto is "keep it moving!" |
Norma
|
Alida
Alida was born and educated in Moscow. She worked in Saint Petersburg as a textile and fashion designer and studied to become a costume and set designer for theater and cinema. In the United States, she used her skills in costume design for theater, fine art, animation, printmaking and computer illustration. At 70, she found and fell in love with another kind of artistic expression: belly dancing. The soft and gracious movement works as a strengthening exercise, as well as relaxation, as the body finds the right way to do it. She finds this process very healing, bringing subsequent joy. Being in a group of similarly minded beautiful women, like in an old tribal circle of dancers, highlights the joy; and the healing powers that keep us young and vibrant become obvious. Alida feels we all become eager to show and to share it. Alida is now 86 years old.
|
Elaine
Elaine Savoy grew up in Newton, MA. She is now a resident of Millbury, MA. She attended MASS College of Art & Design and then went on to become a real estate investor. In her 40's, Elaine became an ice dancing competitor and became both a New England and an Eastern US champion. Later in her life she became interested in belly dancing and joined the Silver Moon Gypsies. It has been a fulfilling experience entertaining people in the community. Elaine is now 80 years old.
|
AnnaAnna is 70 years old. She used to be a silkscreen artist in NYC. She also was a competitive runner and studied ballet and jazz. She later was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Soon after that diagnosis she had a chance meeting with Gypsy Phillips in a thrift shop. Gypsy overheard a conversation between Anna and another customer about how she takes care of herself since her MS diagnosis. Gypsy chimed in and asked if Anna would like to take Belly Dancing. Anna attended one class and never turned back. She not only loves this form of dance she says it also calms the pain of her MS symptoms. Anna now is a proud member of the Silver Moon Gypsies. During our shows Anna does a solo and dedicates each of her performances to those with MS and any other disability. She prides herself in showing others not to dwell on the things you can't do, but rather on the things that you CAN. She is convinced that you actually might find out that new thing that you're doing might open up a whole new world!
|
|
