Italian Student

Pasquale Vartuli

I joined an Italian Class at HKCC in 2022 , for Saturdays, with my wife , Margie.
I was not a good student, even though we had an exceptional teacher.
My problem was that I still remembered – resented more like – when I was forced to attend Italian classes, on a Saturday, when I was still at school! When I retired form the workforce in Nov 2024, I decided to learn Italian, properly this time, so when the course was available on Wednesdays , I immediately enrolled , as I now could attend Wednesday classes .
I am hamstrung by the fact that my family, when I was growing up, only spoke the Calebrese dialect , which is not proper Italian.
I am now on my way to speak proper Italian, so that I can “tell off” my relatives and other nosey people in the village I was born in , in 1957 -Arena , in Calabri.

From student to teacher

Janet Meggitt

I started first as a student and loved the class. I discovered a dance style that was elegant, fun and great exercise. My confidence grew, and some of us performed at the Middle Eastern Dance Festival and numerous other performances. I developed a self belief and when I was dressed in my costume, I became another person.
When the teacher announced that she was leaving, she asked me to take over the class. Over time, I realised that I needed to follow my heart and and not try to emulate our former teacher. My confidence in teaching grew. I was a Primary School teacher at the time, however teaching adults is a completely different experience.
I encouraged my students to dress up for the class and invited a well known belly dancer to come which she did and brought with her beautiful coin scarves and other items which the women loved. HKCC was a life changer. I developed a love of everything Middle Eastern. Food, music, instruments and costumes. I have a beautiful collection of veils, coin scarves, jewellery and beautiful skirts.I LOVE sparkly clothes and sequins.
Years ago, when I fitter and younger I would perform at friend’s birthday parties and was also invited to dance at a fund raising evening.
I still have women approach me and ask if I am still teaching or dancing. I have reached my “use by date” although up until a month ago I would occasionally do a guest track at Zumba.
Belly dancing is a passion. I will be forever grateful to HKCC for instilling in me a love of dance.
I have many funny stories of my " belly dancing escapades. Maybe one day, I will write them all down
The photo which I have included was a promotional shot. As I was doing casual teaching at my local school, I asked if the photo would not show to much cleavage. As it turned out, it did and the photo which was a beautiful one was printed in The Hornsby Advocate.
Thank you HKCC for the opportunity you gave me to grow and change. May you continue to offer your amazing classes.