BELLY DANCING
Every Friday (8.00pm – 9.30pm)
Belly Dane is a Western term for traditional Arab dance genre known as raqs sharqi (literally “Oriental Dance”) or sometimes raqs baladi (literally “dance of the country” and so “folk dance”). It is also sometimes called “Middle Eastern Dance” or the “Arabic Dance” in the United States, “danse du ventre” or by Turkish term Ciftelli.
Native to the Middle East, now popular worldwide, belly dance takes many different regional forms, both in costume and dance style, indicating that distinctive dance moves may have been transported to these regions and incorporated with local dance styles.
Most of the basic steps and techniques used in belly dancing involve circular movement “drawn parellel to the floor by the hips s known as “hip circle”, or by the rib cage known as “chest circle”.
What are the benefits of belly dancing?
The benefits are both mental and physical. It provides good cardio-vascular workout and helps increase both flexibility and strength, focusing on the torso or “core muscles”, although it also builds leg strength. Many belly dance styles emphasize muscular isolations, teaching the ability to move various muscles or muscle groups independently. Veil work can also build arm, shoulder, and general upper-body strength, and playing the zils can build strength and independence of the fingers. It is suitable for all ages and body types, and can be physical as the participant chooses. The art form tones the arms, strengthens and tightens the abs and oblique’s, and improves flexibility. As a form of exercise, it can burn many calories as light jogging, swimming or riding a bike.
Belly dance is considered a non-impact, weight-bearing exercise, which is especially good for women, since it can reduce risk of osteoperosis. There is minimal stress of knees and feet. Besides this it also relieves menstrual problems and has been shown to be very useful during pregnancy and childbirth. It has enabled women to overcome self-esteem issues and increased their libido.
Date: Every Friday
Time: 8.00pm – 9.30pm
Energy Exchange:
RM 50 / month (4 Classes per calendar month)
RM 120 / 3 months (4 Classes per calendar month)
About Joan
Joan Teoh has been involved in belly dancing for the past 2 years. She was trained by International Performing Artiste, Instructor, and Choreographer, Sadie Marquardt, and Canadian Nath Keo. Joan Teoh has immensed passion in belly dancing and would like to share her expertise with others.
