‘When they dance, they are young!’
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, 32-year-old Maggie has been belly dancing since she was two. ‘Every time I dance, I am a new person. If I'm sad, it makes me happy. Dancing is my life,’ she says.
In Egypt, Maggie was often asked to perform at parties, weddings and other events, but as belly dancing was not considered a respectable career, it was not open to her as a profession. Instead she became a social worker, but continued to dance at every opportunity.
Maggie and her sister Mariam were activists in Egypt during the recent revolution, and came to Australia on tourist visas in November 2012 before applying for asylum. While they were waiting for their claims to be processed, their aunt, who is a Brotherhood Community Care client, brought Maggie to watch the monthly Brotherhood’s Got Talent show. Staff and clients from the organisation perform at the monthly show, held at the Coolibah day centre for older people in Fitzroy, Melbourne. It was there that she met centre coordinator, Marica Cindric.
‘Belly dancing is a great form of exercise for older people, and it's so much fun!' says Marica, who invited Maggie to teach a weekly class at the Coolibah centre.
'I though my dreams had come true when I was offered this chance to teach belly dancing,' says Maggie, who has been running a weekly class for the Coolibah members ever since.
Many of the Coolibah members were stiff when they started. But week by week, their movements became more fluid. Most of them are elderly Chinese, and don't speak much English, but dance is a common language and their enjoyment is clear. 'When they dance, they are young!' says Mariam, Maggie's sister who assists with the teaching.
For many of the members, the weekly classes have become a highlight of the week. 'I'm happy – I look forward to it,' says Pat. 'It makes me have a better outlook on life, and I don't have to have medication for my stomach afterwards.' Selwyn agrees, demonstrating his moves as he speaks: 'It makes me feel good – I'm happy I'm learning the belly dance.'
The Coolibah belly dancers' first performance was at the Brotherhood's Got Talent show in November 2013. As well as the group performance, each performer got to strut their individual moves. Maggie says she couldn't imagine that they could perform like that. 'They were dancing from their hearts,' she says.
In late 2013, Maggie and Mariam were granted protection visas to remain in Australia, and Maggie's dream is to become a police officer. In the meantime, she will keep leading the Coolibah belly dancing group, and she and Marica have plans for the group to perform in other centres and agencies to inspire older people around Australia.