Fun Way To Fitness

Illawarra Mercury

Friday October 14, 2005

By GAY MACKIE

BELLY dancing is wonderful exercise for girls and women of all ages and sizes.

And it's also lots of fun, a great stress reliever and a different way to keep fit.

Teacher Julie Abela, who opened her shop and studio Shimmy and Sheik Belly Dance Company in Corrimal a year ago, has students from the age of six to adults.

They include those who want to progress to performance level and those who come along just for the fun, laughter and friendships.

Ms Abela said belly dancing originated in the Middle East as a birth dance, and as a dance form performed by women for other women.

She said it was growing in popularity in Australia; with a number of dance studios now teaching it in the Illawarra.

It was not the sleazy type of dance often depicted in movies. However, it was both sensuous and exotic, and was beautifully enhanced by colourful costumes and veils.

"I run children's classes twice a week and the youngsters love it," Ms Abela said. "They learn very quickly and are really keen on the performance side but the majority of my students are there just for the fun.

"Quite a lot of them are business or professional women who tell me they come in stressed after a busy day but by the end of the class feel totally relaxed.

"Although we don't take ourselves too seriously and women come along for all sorts of reasons, there is always the option of performing at various events but no pressure to do so - it's up to each person."

No special clothing is needed for classes, just something loose and comfortable, while Ms Abela has lots of props for students to use.

The dance form helps keep the body and joints moving, which Ms Abela said was important as women aged.

"It's a good thing to keep in shape and the body moving and if going to the gym is not your thing, this is a really good exercise alternative which is great fun," she said.

The school teaches traditional and classical Egyptian-style belly dance, cabaret and folkloric, each of them quite different but equally enjoyable.

© 2005 Illawarra Mercury

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