Crystal Simmons: Tell me about yourself.
Heather Trabing: Well, I teach kickboxing and belly dancing at 24 Hour Fitness, and I’m a reporter for the Spanish TV station A Viva La Noche. I’m studying environmental science and I’m of Colombian, Australian and British descent.
Simmons: Wow, how did you get into belly dancing?
Trabing: I started less than a year ago. My mom bought me some cheap belly dancing videos at Ross and I just picked it up by watching. And, I was raised to learn salsa and merengue, so I already knew how to shake my hips.
Simmons: Did you dance before that?
Trabing: I was on the dance team in high school for three years. We won first place two years in a row. I was never a dancer before that, so I just naturally picked it up along the way.
Simmons: So how did you start teaching belly dancing?
Trabing: I just applied for the job and tried out and I got it. I’m a natural teacher – even if I don’t know much about a subject I can still explain it.
Simmons: So, what do you report on?
Trabing: Recently, I reported on the Pre-Latin Grammys and the group La Factoria. They’re pretty popular in the Spanish community.
Simmons: Where did you learn Spanish?
Trabing: My mom’s Colombian, so I learned from her.
Simmons: What do you do in your free time?
Trabing: I do belly dancing shows. Also, I love reading medieval fantasy. My favorite series is Sword of Truth. I’m excited because CW made a TV series called Legend of Seeker based on Sword of Truth. Next semester I’m traveling by train to visit a friend in Virginia. I love traveling by train because I get to see Longview, Chicago and Washington DC on my way to Virginia – all for the price of one plane ticket.
Simmons: So, what do you do for the environment?
Trabing: I try to conserve at home. I try not to use a lot of plastic bags. I recycle paper, glass and aluminum cans. The main thing is I try to use less.
Simmons: OK, tell something interesting about yourself.
Trabing: I’m into astrology and Chinese astrology. My grandma got me into it.
Simmons: What’s your sign?
Trabing: I’m Aquarius. I was born Feb. 16, 1988, which is the exact day that the Chinese horoscope sign changes from rabbit to dragon.
Simmons: What does that mean?
Trabing: On any given day, I can be quiet and secluded or spontaneous and outlandish.
Simmons: What are your other interests?
Trabing: I’m into alternative medicine and holistic healing. I believe the main part of a diet should be whole foods. I’m actually gluten free.
