Share

Belly-dancing for beginners

I've interviewed belly-dancers for Health24; I've written about the history and benefits of belly-dancing, but I've never actually got my belly out and jiggled it in a class full of strangers. Until now.

I was nervous as I entered my first class at Feminine Divine dance studio, but, phew, not a super-model in sight. First hurdle over. The second hurdle was just as easy: most of the women were casually dressed in gym trousers and t-shirts. My belly could retain its privacy.

It's not gentle
After that, though, it wasn't easy. Just the warm-ups had me panting and aching in places that had beforehand been in eternal slumber.

The first move I perfected (and I use that term loosely) is what I now know is a 'shimmy' and after that, I had what is probably the most fun I have had in ages (in spite of a few hiccups with the coin belt, which did some downward shimmying of its own).

The verdict
It was an amazing workout and every muscle tingled afterwards, although strangely enough, I felt relaxed at the same time.

The following day, despite fearing I would be in agony, I felt relatively fine, which goes to show the benefits of stretching after class.

So even though I had spent the majority of the day worrying about the embarrassment of being the class clown, I ended up thoroughly enjoying myself. I am really looking forward to the next class.

Cape Town: Feminine Divine Oriental Dance Studio
http://www.femininedivine.net
Phone: 021-712- 1913

Joburg: Charlotte of The Jewel of the Nile
www.bellydance.co.za

(Amy Henderson, Health24.com, January 2008)

Read more:
Belly dance for happy hips

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE