The rising popularity of bellydancing for fitness has prompted the Jack Purcell Recreation Association to offer a new class for “intensive” immersion in the activity.
The association, which is a volunteer partner of the Jack Purcell Community Centre off Elgin Street, already offers several forms of alternative exercise.
Instructor Lois Brake, who teaches a Bollywood and bellydance fusion class, says the association was looking for something to add to the lineup.
Because Brake’s current class has been very popular, she suggested adding a new class as a way to introduce different features of bellydance to the Centretown community, says Eleanor Sawyer, the association's president.
According to Brake, the class will focus on a different aspect of bellydance each week, from dancing with canes and veils to learning to express oneself with dance. She says she expects “Bellydance Intensive,” to start Jan. 24 and encourage walk-ins who want to learn more about the dance.
Bellydance, which originated in the Middle East, is now performed worldwide, though different cultures use unique styles and sometimes creatively distinctive props.
The dance, which often involves moving the hips while keeping the rest of the body still, can be technically challenging as well as physically demanding.
The “intensive” class, which costs $85 to join, will explore one aspect of dance every week.
Brake says that bellydance can open people up to options outside traditional fitness.
“It’s great that it’s possible to have fun while working out.”