BRATTLEBORO — SEEDs (self-esteem, empowerment, and education through dance) is coming to Brattleboro. This program blends mentorship and tribal style belly dance with the goal of empowering young women.
SEEDs is an internationally recognized and award winning belly dance and mentorship program originally created 15 years ago in Santa Fe, N.M., by professional belly dancer and life coach Myra Krein.
With dozens of SEEDs satellite programs now running across the United States and beyond, the Brattleboro SEEDs program will work to present youth with instruction in tribal style belly dancing, along with programming that promotes self-discovery and self-actualization, provides high-level mentorship, and prepares young women for independence.
Brattleboro SEEDs will accept 10 young women (15-to-19-years-old) in the local community for 8 weeks of after-school classes, two hours each, one time per week. They will be taught the elements of American Tribal Style dance - a rich, diverse, artistic dance form that spans the regions of India, the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain.
Classes will be held on Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., starting on Oct. 13 at SoBo Studio.
Each session will be split in half between dance, and talking circles and journal writing. Topics include body image, nutrition, consent, and healthy relationships.
In this 8-week session, one community presenter will cover a topic that is of particular interest to the girls. Entrance into the program does not depend on demonstrated talent, standard of beauty, race, sexuality, or ability to pay the fees.
Cost to attend the program is $120, which includes 8 weeks of classes, a hip scarf, a journal, and other supplies. There are two full scholarships available, and additional funding is available for those who might need more moderate support. To apply for a scholarship, interested parties should contact Kelsey Eaton at [email protected]. For more information, visit BrattleboroSEEDs.weebly.com.