In IndOriental® dance style we have an integrated and respectful point of view about the fusion of Indian “mother” dances and their connection with Belly dance and Tribal dance. That is how we develop the specific contents and nuances that are part of our movement code.
Elizabeth medina
Dancer
In IndOriental® dance style we have an integrated and respectful point of view about the fusion of Indian “mother” dances and their connection with Belly dance and Tribal dance. That is how we develop the specific contents and nuances that are part of our movement code.
Elizabeth medina
Dancer
You can learn more about Elizabeth Medina and her team here. It all started with a journey to India while she was studying Contemporary Dance Pedagogy Specialist Studies at the dance conservatory.
Elizabeth Medina
I have worked and studied with the Sarabanda Company, and its artistic director from Cuba, Marianela Peña, focusing on Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and Samba dances. Many years ago I enrolled in Dance Pedagogy Studies, my major was Contemporary Dance, at the Dance Conservatory of Alicante. Currently I am still studying this dance form with a professional dancer Inma Manresa, with whom I am happy to have the opportunity to perform. At the same time, I began a four year-long professional training in Arabic Dance (Egyptian Farida Fahmi Style), classical and folkloric, rhythms and Arabic music analysis for professionals, at the Escuela de Danzas Árabes, run by the Tunisian Master Narjess Montasser.
IndOriental® is a dance style created by Elizabeth Medina. The defining elements of this dance form are characteristic of her artistic expression. This style is based on different characteristics generated and derived from the Indian Classical and Folkloric “Mother Dances” and their connection with Oriental Dances and Tribal Belly dance.
Should we talk?
Hello, I am Elizabeth Medina, IndOriental® dancer, and the person who endorses this website. I am going to introduce myself by taking a glance to the past. I will try to sum up how I met my passion and profession.
As far back as I can remember, I remember myself dancing. I have some very funny photos standing on the tables at family and friends reunions, dancing to the clapping of their hands, or while we were listening to “Lambada” (I’m afraid it was my childhood soundtrack).
When I was only four years old I began studying ballet. After four years I left ballet behind (it obviously wasn’t for me) and I started practicing taekwando and buguei. After several years of very intense martial arts training, one day I was suggested to join a “Ballet de Moros y Cristianos”. For those who do not know what this is, the “Moros y Cristianos” is a National Tourist Interest festival in my hometown Crevillent and in many other places in the Valencian Community. They “relate” the epic battles between the two peoples during the Catholic Monarchs period.
I danced as a “beginner” with the “Security Dance” Ballet for about five years. Afterwards I came across (or maybe the opposite) the Sarabanda company, and started a new path with Afro Brazilian Dances and the Samba. I even played in a drum ensemble formed only by women called Oshun for a long time. Studying the complexity of Orishas and its steps, I spent another five years with them as a professional dancer.
Due to some very unfortunate issues in my personal life, my life made a U-turn. Once more, I found my guiding light in my cousin Inma Manresa, and I enrolled in the Dance Conservatory of Alicante in order to study Contemporary Dance Pedagogy. To sum up, while studying, we planned a trip to India. And that is where Odissi dance found me.
The “Causalities” that happen in India, or as it is said there “Saab Kuch Milega” (everything is possible). I fell in love instantly with this dance form and its complex technique, the subtlety of its movements, the strength and skill required in order to be able to isolate the movements, the hard working training…from that day till today, once again the universe gave me an opportunity of learning and loving dance, no doubt, a passion that moves my Life. I still enjoy India, its peoples, traditions, dances, scents… Currently I work as an IndOriental® professional dancer and I’m still studying (don’t ever want to stop!). I attend contemporary and tribal dance regular classes, and train Odissi and Yoga. Fortunately, I have the opportunity to study with my dear teacher Miriam Peretz, as well as with the other pillar of my little temple, Colleena Shakti. Together with them, there are some other very important persons. One of them I have already mentioned several times, for being my guiding light and my role model, Inma Manresa. Thanks to all the women who continue inspiring and loving me… I love you too. I am an enthusiastic traveler, tribal adornment lover, I love animals… and I love discovering countries, things, places, people and myself again and again.
Thank you for reading me and giving me the opportunity to write about me. It was a real challenge.