Dancers Views
I genuinely love to belly dance. I have fabulous trouble restraining a sneaky shoulder shimmy or halting my hips from smiling side to side whilst describing this dance's abundant attractions.
Sana teaches what is wonderful and fascinating about becoming a belly dancer so that there is a meaningful understanding behind our pride when we divulge that we are belly dancers rather than solely performers of belly dance. Our classes are an array of uplifting, energetic, soul-searching and tranquil moments together in spirits and dance. It is wholeheartedly endearing to be one amongst a world of Phoenician Dancers.
And I love it !!
I came alone to my first Arabic Belly Dancing class without telling family or close friends. I thought it sounded fun and hoped that dancing would offer some light relief at a time when the weight of the world was pressing down.
What I discovered was something much more than fun and exercise. From the first moment, I was welcomed into a large circle of friends who share a few hours of pure enjoyment every week. You learn the dances by watching and there is much laughter and encouragement. Now a year on, I would say that Belly Dancing brings with it a special gift of freedom through music, movement and colour. I have loosened up and lightened my spirit.
The smile on my face is now real.
To reduce my risk of osteoporosis, I needed to do a weight bearing activity on a regular basis. I tried jogging and keep fit but found them boring. I needed an activity which was fun and where keeping fit was secondary, so I chose Arabic Belly Dancing.
Sana holds a number of weekly classes and these are as diverse as the ladies who participate. A friendly, non-competitive atmosphere makes it OK to make mistakes and we all have a laugh at the activities which take us out of our comfort zone.
Learning Arabic Dance is a confidence building course. As you become more competent with your dance moves, you learn to let go and express yourself. You become comfortable with yourself and your body, this reflects in other aspects of your life. As your confidence increases, you take opportunities that you once rejected
And this increases your confidence further.
I first started to go to Arabic Dancing (belly dancing), as a form of exercise. My job is a computer clerk, so I sit at a VDU for most of the day and was starting to get a stiff back.
I have previously tried going to a gym, then aerobic classes (when I was in my twenty's), aqua classes (in summer mostly) and then exercises for the 40+, but found them boring and impersonal. The Arabic dance classes are not just dance class but also an interesting social and cultural experience.
Sana (our teacher) wants to share not only the Lebanese way of dancing but also the cultural and meanings of the dances and songs. She taught us some Arabic language, Arabic/Lebanese cooking and some of us went with her on a tour to Lebanon last year for a week.
We also do fund raising and performances for different charities.
It does not matter what age, ability or shape you are, everyone comes to enjoy themselves, meet and mix with other people.
When I first discovered Arabic Dancing (belly dancing) I was going through a very bad period of my life. I was very depressed and unhappy with myself and my life in general, especially with my body image. I felt I was a big fat blob. I saw a notice on a window about the classes and decided to give it a go. I was far too conscious to go alone, so I managed to convince a friend to go with me.
That night was the first time I had laughed in weeks! I was not made to feel like the 'newbie' who knew nothing and moved with as much grace as a baby elephant, but was made to feel welcome and given encouragement all the way. The women were so friendly and the class was light hearted and FUN. That night my life changed, I had found something that I never even knew was missing from my life and I fell in love with the dance. The next week I took my daughter with me and she too was smitten.
Through doing Arabic Dance I have gained confidence and I walk taller than I used to. I know I am still carrying a few extra pounds in weight around with me but now I don't care!!
I accept my body for what it is and I love the way it moves.
Every woman is beautiful regardless of shape or size and that includes me.
I started Arabic Belly Dancing about four years ago. I was extremely shy and nervous at the beginning and always wanted to hide at the back, but that did not last long!
Everyone, particularly our teacher (Sana) were very helpful, friendly and kind.
It was not long before I was learning a dance all the way through. A good thing is we learn something new every lesson and we also find time to repeat the old ones. (Sana wants to make sure that we do not forget any of the dances we have learnt). We, none of us take ourselves too seriously, but we do try to work hard at learning the dances.
The dances themselves vary a lot, some are very fast, furious, full of energy and fun, others are slow, peaceful, and very beautiful. The music is always exciting. The old traditional dances tell a story which Sana explains to us, all adding interest and explaining a culture very different to ours.
The dance is an excellent form of exercise without the boredom or pain of a gym. It is so enjoyable and fun. It does not feel like exercise but of course we are using new muscles and becoming more flexible with each class. It is definitely not boring.
The outfits we wear are flattering and very feminine to any shape or size. We are all individuals and have our own style. You could spend a lot of money on something very elaborate or pick up something beautiful and inexpensive at a charity shop. When we first started Sana told us to bring two things, a sarong sized veil and a garden cane sized from floor to hip. We dance in flat shoes or bare feet. It is not long before you are bitten by the bug and want a professional hip band. (I love mine and the sound it makes when I dance).
I am part of a large group of women(more the 70 members), we are all different ages, shapes and sizes but all are friendly and generous of spirit. All our performances are for charity, fundraising or entertaining groups such as senior citizens, women centres, schools, festivals and various activities in the community etc�We all have the feeling that we are part of something that feels good!!
There's lots more to it than I have written but you will have to come to our classes and see for yourself. I am sure, like me you will be eternally grateful that you did.
My life is richer and fuller. My confidence has grown immensely. In fact I am a different person.
Thank heavens for Sana, my little Arabic Belly Dance teacher with the big heart.
It all started when a group of my friends from Astley Village Nursery were taking part in Belly Dancing. Judith, Sangeetha, Linda, Elaine and Pauline. They all said "you should come along". So new year 2003 I decided to give it a go. Well I fell for it straight away. It was such fun. I enjoyed the stretching moves and hip shakes.
Sana the teacher makes you feel welcome the minute you see her. She is a star in Chorley.
Belly dancing, there is more to it than you think. The history, Lebanese food, parties and the social side. If you do read this don't just sit back, come along and join us at Astley Village Community centre every Tuesday from 0730 - 0900pm.
When I first started dancing my mum had just been to Egypt. She brought back a coin belt which really came handy. Then moving on to buy a veil and a stick for dancing. I progressed after about 3 months, then I decided to buy a belly dance outfit. I was made up with my new navy outfit, full of sequins and a floaty skirt. Over the last couple of years I have performed in few events which I have enjoyed and I hope to carry on.
Belly Dancing has made me more flexible, confident and has given me the chance to meet lots of new people from near and far.
I will have great pleasure in wearing the new Phoenician Dancers vests and T-shirts which are now available.
Keep on Belly Dancing
