From private investigator to Dance Alchemist
Sarah Ann. Saz to the Tribe. Dance Alchemist, Holistic Embodiment & Sound Practitioner, and the reason half of Suffolk now knows what a gong bath is.
It started with hating the gym
In Saz's own words:
"I used to be a private investigator, having moved to a town where I didn't know anyone, gained a few extra curves & hated the gym."
So she danced instead. Twelve-plus years later, that first wiggle has become the Bumba Tribe: weekly classes in Ipswich and Felixstowe, gong baths in candlelit halls, silent raves on the beach, and care home sessions that turn lounges into dance floors.
"When I'm dancing, I have the best relationship with myself." That's the whole philosophy. The rest is just brilliant music.
Early Bumba days. The grins haven't changed.
What's on the business card?
Saz has collected a few titles over the years. All genuine, most of them danced into existence.
Festival season. Yes, that is a snake. Her name checks out.
Camper van, gongs in the back
Summers mean festival and retreat season: the camper van gets loaded with gongs, costumes and headsets, and the Bumba magick goes travelling. Belly dance rooted in Egyptian Raqs Baladi with American Tribal influences, burlesque with a wink, and gong journeys under canvas.
Back home in Ipswich, the Sarapy Space on Bramford Road is where the one-to-one sound sessions happen, and the Tribe keeps dancing all year round with Saz and the Bumba team.
The Feminine Arts
Saz is a featured contributor to The Feminine Arts: Demystifying Manifestation, Intuition and Intention by Lynette Allen, sharing her story alongside women from around the world. In her words, her royalties are donated to the Bali Street Mums Project.
"Let's glow with the flow! x" Saz's sign-off, every single time
Come say hi in person
The best introduction is a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday morning class. Drop in for £7.50 and see what the wiggling is all about.