Bellydance tuition. Authentic Egyptian, Turkish and North African styles, both modern and traditional. Also fun fusion – setting eastern moves to western music!
Benefits of Bellydance
"Its Happy Hour without the alcohol!" (Student 2004)
Its a gentle, elegant and feminine form of exercise and an art in itself. It is very inclusive - women (and men) of all shapes and sizes and ages can do it without feeling self conscious. Size really doesnt matter! People often say it is harder than it looks and it works muscles they didnt know they had! It is based on isolating the different parts of the body with emphasis on the hips and torso.
It also helps build self confidence and a positive body image. Its glamorous and fun and forms many friendships. It is not competitive and we are very supportive of each other.
There is a growing network in South East Wales with over 70 classes running in the area, and many events - haflas happening all the time when different groups get together to perform and party!
Classes in torfaen were started by Rachel Jones when her own teacher in Cardiff emigrated. As a qualified teacher Rachel was able to approach Adult Education and we started a 16 week course in October 2002. The response was so great we had to run two groups back to back which evolved into the present club that still meets every Wednesday evening. There is a group of about 12 ladies which has been involved since the beginning and another 20 or so on the list who have been coming for several years. We always welcome a steady flow of new starters as well. The average attendance every week is about 15. We have a relaxed fun atmosphere where correct technique is taught along with choreographies in various styles from arabian pop to folk. (Including interpretation of western rock music!). Rachel also performs at various events and teaches classes in Abergavenny and Blaenavon She has taught in Cwmbran, Crumlin, Usk, Newport, Torquay and Cardigan.
A number of these students now perform with Rachel and one has started training to be a teacher with Rachel.
Another advantage is that students can get what they want out of the dancing - whether its just a couple of hours of exercise and fun with friends of a way of life, practising, learning and performing.
History - The West has always been fascinated by Oriental culture. This was heightened by the studies and paintings by orientalist artists of the 19th Century and the uncorseted (!) dances of Little Egypt at the Chicago World fair in 1893. More recently the "James Bond" image has influenced the West's (incorrect) perception of the sultry exotic dancer.
The term belly dance is belived to be a corruption of the word Beledi, which is an Egyptian Urban folk style.
It is a dance based on the style of mainly Egypt and Turkey but once you scatch the surface you find infinite variety of styles and dances from all over the Middle and Near East, Eastern Europe and North Africa. Styles include the sequinned cabaret style which is the popular image of the exotic belly dancer, influenced by hollywood, to earthy traditional farmers' folk dances using sticks where the dancers wear long dresses with a hip scarf and are completely covered up.
Another very popular style is American Tribal which is influenced by many styles and is usually improvised in groups (hence the name tribal).
Contrary to many misconceptions It is NOT entertainment for men. It can be cheeky or sensual but it is NOT sexual. It is a dance done by women for women, and has also been used to help with pregnancy and childbirth. Traditionally family and friends dance together at home or at weddings/ other family gatherings in its countries of origin, in much the same way as dance groups get together in this country.
It is hoped that as more and more people are exposed to this art form, the misunderstandings about it will dissipate and perhaps it is not too much to hope that it will contribute towards encouraging understanding of different cultures in a wider sense.
Rachel Jones May 2007