Belly dancing is one of the oldest social dances in the world, and has a bit of controversy to its origins. Some dance enthusiasts claim that it traces to ancient Egyptian times, while others argue that it spawns from a religious or birthing dance of unknown origins.
Either way, it thrives in the present, and can be learned in the Group Fitness Aerobics room in the SAC on Tuesdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Fridays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Professor Cynthia Gibas of Bioinformatics Computer Science leads the class.
Gibas has been learning the art of belly dance for nine years, and enjoys it as her hobby. She started with the classical Raqs Sharqi, known as Egyptian belly dance, and then pursued tribal and modern styles. During her vacation times, she enjoys going to belly dance workshops.
Gibas teaches what is known as Group Improvisational Tribal Style, which was invented by American belly dancers. It centers on the participation of a group, but has solos performed by individual dancers.
For instance: during the class, as a group of four, we moved in a circle, then one individual would step out, the group would proceed to form a diamond shape, and then that individual would lead the other dancers – comparable to the game Simon Says.
“There are about 27 standard combinations in Tribal Style. Each one has a cue so that you can do lead and follow dancing,” said Gibas.
As to the benefits of this class, Gibas said, “Belly dance strengthens your core muscles and helps with muscle tone, especially in your abdominal muscles and arms. It is good for flexibility and body awareness. It’s also a pretty good low-impact aerobic workout once we get past the warm-up.”
This semester, students Karen Braddy and Nishthaya Soukhanouvong have attended almost every Tuesday and Friday. Improving and enjoying the art of belly dance, Braddy and Soukhanouvong listened and performed the instructions intently, yet kept it lighthearted with the occasional smile.
I liked the fact that Gibas used many metaphors to describe certain movements. At one point, she compared the way your fingers should be positioned, saying that they should be as if you were scrapping the sides of a cake batter bowl. Now, who can’t remember that hand form as a kid? I’m sure most of us were pros.
For one thing, you will not need your shoes. The movements are mainly stationary or only go in a small box formation. It’s unlikely that anyone will step on your toes, but as a newbie you might trip over your own feet until you get the hang of it after a couple of classes.
A quick note; the schedule of classes is tentative, and may change in the spring 2009 semester. To find out more information, visit: Rec Services
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