Audience members explored the world of self-empowerment through American belly dancer Shareen el Safy at the Oxnard College Literature, Arts and Lecture series on Oct. 28.

As the editor-in-chief of “Habibi Magazine” and having performed her famous belly dancing in more than sixty major cities on five continents, el Safy has captured the public’s eye, establishing personal empowerment and alternate methods of happiness through the art of belly dancing.

As a journalist, el Safy went to several night clubs during her first visit to Egypt and became fascinated by the way Egyptian and Arabian dancers were performing.

“When I saw them on stage performing, it was like I was in a trance,” said el Safy. “The way they danced, they told me their unique culture. I knew I had found my desire, my ultimate career in life, and that was to be a dancer.”

She met legendary dancer Nagwa Fouad and was interested in learning the dance techniques Fouad and the other performers had at the nightclubs.

After the visit, el Safy began studying the history of Egyptian belly dancing and learned many interesting facts.

“Egyptian people look at the content of their dancing and not for fame or glitter,” said el Safy. “They do not dance to motivate sexuality but think of dancing as a way of expressing one’s unique self.”

At the end of the presentation, el Safy showed some of her techniques in dancing.

“I was pleased with the show,” said 19-year-old Jessica Mendoza, an anthropology major.

“It was interesting learning about the history of belly dancing.”

The lecture also inspired others to try belly dancing.

“Being a fine arts major, dancing is one of my favorite things I like to do, but I’ve never tried Egyptian belly dancing before,” Charden Bries, 21. “It looks good, so I’ll give it a try.”