BELLY DANCE with ELAINE

Contrary to common Western perception belly dancing is not a titilating dance of seduction performed by women for men.

In the Arab world belly dance is primarily a dance by women for women, handed down from mother to daughter and danced for their own pleasure. Whenever there is a celebration (perhaps a wedding, or birthday) dance is usually on the menu. The women and girls will dance informally together, maybe taking their solo turn in the centre of the circle, and the emphasis will not be on the technical skill of the dancer but on her enjoyment of the dance and a celebration of her sensuality.

We also have the oriental cabaret dancer who will show her skills as an art form in the theatre, night-club or at weddings, dressed in a spectacular, sparkly, costume, sometimes with a full orchestra. In addition there are folkloric and gypsy dancers who dress in traditional costume, illustrating regional and community dances of their country in groups, pairs or solo.

I must also say that this dance is not exclusively reserved for women, there are many men who enjoy and perform the dance.

As far as exercise is concerned the dance is low impact and involves stretching, strengthening and developing the muscles, especially those in the abdomen and thorax and developing good posture (if you stand using the correct posture it can make you look instantly taller and slimmer). The dance can be as vigorous or gentle as you want to make it, so it is suitable for all age groups and physical abilities. Middle Eastern dance is a 'muscle dance' as opposed to a Western style 'step dance'. Muscle groups are often used in isolation, so you might be moving one part of your body while keeping the rest of it as still as possible. Learning to control separate parts of the body like this requires a reasonable amount of concentration, so we are exercising the mind as well as the body.

In my classes I like to teach the technique of the movements, gradually adding new moves, week by week as well as teaching choreography so that students will understand how these movements can be joined together to form a dance. But of equal importance, I try to encourage students to feel the music and have fun. Middle Eastern music (and dance) has very different timing to that of the West and can seem 'strange' to the western ear. There is quite an art to interpreting and understanding the rhythms, solo instrumentation and phrasing. Each phrase is like a sentence and to create an interesting story the sentences of the dance must illustrate the music and fit together in a poetic way. Listening to what the music is saying, individuality and developing your own style is what is needed here.

My aim is to teach different arabic styles, for instance Oriental (raqs sharqi), Baladi (the earthy dance of country people), cabaret, folkloric, veil work as well as giving information about the history and culture of the dance and music.

Belly Dancing can be practised by students of any size or shape, it celebrates sensuality, strength and power and encourages participants to have a positive body image and to gain self confidence in a supportive environment.

Above all BELLY DANCING IS FUN.


CLASSES

ELAINE

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