“Why do Enchanted Darkness?”

This is posted of behalf of and with the permission of the author.

Saz'hrah or Sarah is the founder and director behind Enchanted Darkness, a yearly bennefit show for the Child Crisis Center of El Paso.

"Why did you decide to do Enchanted Darkness?"

A: "When I was 6 years old my sister and I were victims of child abuse by my step-mother. I unfortunately lost my sister to the abuse inflicted upon us. I knew as I grew older that I would never continue the cycle of abuse. As a teenager I began to speak to my peers about abuse and where to turn for help. This then led me down the path of helping victims and being an advocate for them in the court systems. When I became a parent myself I learned very quickly how easy it is to turn anger and frustration into physical and mental abuse against the children. I thankfully never have lashed out in anger towards my children. In my search for help as a parent I found there weren't many resources out there to help prevent abuse without finger pointing. So I continued to be an advocate.

I knew that I wanted to bring attention to a wonderful safe haven called the Child Crisis Center of El Paso. I am only one person with very few connections, so I started to look at what and where I am within the specific community I associate myself more with. That thinking pointed me towards the dance and arts community. I also know how hard it is for dancers to connect with the biggest names out today. So I decided (as a gothic dancer myself) to bring in the most influential names I know to our humble town and bring awareness to the Child Crisis Center.

It is a way for me to give to an organization that I believe wholeheartedly in. They don't judge, finger point or view parents in a negative way that reach out for help, and give a warm, comforting, loving place for those who have already been victims.

I know I am not the only one with a soft spot for children, and I know I am not the only one that appreciates good performance art. So I bridge the two together and came up with Enchanted Darkness."

Q: "What exactly is gothic, industrial, dark fusion and experimental belly dance?"

A: The best way for me to answer that is to direct you to the Gothic Belly dance Resource at http://www.gothicbellydance.com/. That should be able to answer all of your questions regarding that.

Q: "Is gothic belly dance appropriate for children?"

A: Yes it is. Reading a little more about gothic belly dance at http://www.gothicbellydance.com/ you will find that it is appropriate for every viewer. And if you are still a bit unsure about what gothic belly dance is then come to the show and you will be quite enlightened. Please do keep in mind what you may or may not want your children or yourself to see. Some pieces performed are of an alternative nature. So please make your decisions accordingly. If you think there might be something you wish your young ones not to see then please refrain from bringing them. Please also keep an open mind and remind your self that this is "experimental performance art" and should be viewed as such.