Those who have known me for a longer time, know that I’m not very restricted when it comes to music. Not specific genre or instrument, not even performer. All the music that touches something inside of me, is the music I listen and I like. There’s only one exception. Because my hips don’t lie. Shakira.

Ever since I saw the MTV Unplugged on tv, I guess it was on February 2000, I have been a fan of Shakira’s. I heard something that made my blood run faster and want to move and dance. It’s not only the catchy melodies and rythm, it’s something that felt right. I don’t care about rising eyebrows or weird looks from people when they find out about my favorite artist. If I feel connection, it’s my business.

You see, I have always had this thing with my dancing. As a teenager I felt ashamed because when I dance, I like to move my hips, not my shoulders or whole body, like most people in here. I was built in that way, and it is different from all the friends around me. It took years to accept, that there’s this fire inside of me, that doesn’t perfectly fit into this cold region. I love the sun, I love latin music, I love belly dancing, I love spicy food.

For all this conflict I have experienced, I want to encourage people to find their own way of expressing their creativity. You can find a great pleasure from expressing feelings by dancing, singing or playing instruments, by any art form of painting, drawing or crafting, writing out the emotions… Which ever feels right. Because it’s your way. Don’t mind what people might say. It is your way.

with swinging hips

Joana