Jingle Jangle...

Hello ladies

It's been a tough week: humiliating auditions and domestic dramas have turned me into a P.J. wearing, ice-cream scoffing hermit! Despite this, I'm still looking forward to shaking my stuff at Amira Bellydance this week - there's just something about dancing that's good for the soul and I know I'm gonna feel better for it.

I used my coin hip scarf in class for the first time last week and it makes a huge difference. Girls – you've gotta get one! There's something very powerful about it and it helps to make those hip drops really sharp and sexy! Colette's got some lovely scarves for sale, so get one, and get jingling!

The routine we've been working on is really coming together now. I love how detailed the classes are; I really get the feeling that we're building a strong foundation rather than just rushing through the moves in an approximate way. Everyone's definitely starting to feel more confident and there's a real camaraderie growing in the group. In fact, I'm gonna suggest a post-class drink and natter soon...

I'm hoping I'll have the guts to give my fella the demonstration he's been demanding soon (wine may be needed...) – I've a feeling he's going to love Wednesday nights from now on!

The London Girl x

Shake That Thing!

This week, I've been finding out more about the history and benefits of belly dance. It turns out, it's far more than just good fun!

Belly dance has been proven to relieve back and joint pain, aid weight loss, reduce stress, boost self-esteem and is useful pre and post child birth! Well... you can't say fairer than that!

People all over the world are waking up to this great form of exercise, but it hasn't always been appreciated... The Victorians were shocked by these uncorseted women gyrating their hips and dancers were sometimes arrested and fined!

If you want to find out more about how belly dance has evolved, have a look at this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belly_dance

… and here's the most popular belly dance video on YouTube – this lady can seriously isolate those hips! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YamDoDK71Ds

I can't wait to get back into class – I've got myself a coin hip scarf now, so I'm gonna make some noise! See you there!

The London Girl x

You sexy thing...

This week's belly dance class was even better! Colette doesn't just teach you the moves; she's very good at demonstrating the “performance” element of belly dance: showing us how important eye contact with the audience is and just how much difference a turn of the head makes!

Like so many women, I've always struggled with a poor body image and weight issues and I think embracing belly dance could really help us to feel sexy and confident. It's sensual and feminine and all about accentuating womanly curves, but it also has a coyness and demureness to it that means it isn't too overt.

I also love the fact that I can feel my muscles working without having to jump around like a maniac, pouring with sweat – this has got to be the sexiest way to work out without a partner!

If you want to find out more about belly dance, have a look at http://www.shira.net/. It's an amazing site which covers the rich history and culture of the dance and has links to some really inspiring articles.

If you're interested in learning, have a look at http://www.amirabellydance.net/ and come along next term!

The London Girl x

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!

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