Saturday 29 January 2011

Shimmy!!

On Wednesday night I did my first bellydance class and I've got to say, I think I could get hooked! I'd been at home all day and dragging myself out in the dark was tough, but I knew there was a chance I'd discover something special in Anerley...

A friendly crowd of ladies had also braved the cold. There was a real mix of ages, all shapes and sizes and thankfully, not a bare midriff in sight! We started with a gentle warm-up sitting on mats then moved on to some basic moves and by the end of the class, we were putting them all together in a short routine. Beginners' nerves quickly gave way and we were soon shakin' our collective booty and shimmying like mad!

The gorgeous Colette is an inspiration: if belly dancing can give you a waist like that - I'm in!  All I need now is one of those coin scarf thingies for that satisfying jingle jangle....

Everyone was on a bit of a high by the end of the class and seemed keen to come back next week. I hope they do – I think this could be a great way to have a laugh and make some new local friends. Can't wait for next Wednesday!

Wednesday 26 January 2011

Feel the fear and bellydance anyway!

Amira Bellydance – South East London

Another new year has begun and I'm even more curvaceous than I was last time! However, I have vowed not to join a gym and spend a fortune in return for the privilege of daily non-attendance guilt; this year I'm going to try something I might actually enjoy...

So....tonight I'll be doing my first bellydance class. Yes – it does sound a bit scary, but I've been assured by the teacher, Colette (AKA Amira) that I don't have to get my belly out, so I'm going to take the plunge and  put last season's 'harem' trousers to their proper use... I might even get my leg warmers out, dammit!

The website describes bellydance as “a sensual celebration of the goddess within”. Now, I reckon she's buried pretty deep, but if shaking my stuff for an hour could coax her out of her shell to join the party, I reckon it's worth a try!

Right then, I'm off to celebrate my inner goddess. If you fancy celebrating yours, check out Amirabellydance.net and I'll see you there!

The London Girl x