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Exotic dance class opening in the town
It's as old as the pyramids, as mysterious as The Grand Bazaar.
But belly dancing is now being described as the new aerobics – twirling pole dancing out of the way in the battle of the bulge.
And a new class is about to begin in Wallgate's clubland, alongside the throbbing disco beat.
Wigan mum of one Sue Powell-Green has been a devotee for 12 years and a teacher of the ancient art for the past six – but never in Wigan.
Her dance troupe Rakkassah recently entertained enthusiastic audiences at the Wigan WOW festival.
And she is sure the chance to learn the exotic pastime in Wigan town
centre will take off.
Weekly classes are now available on Thursday afternoons at the The Coven, Wigan's alternative clothing boutique / vegetarian cafe, next to Harry's Bar (formerly The Clarence).
Sue, 42, said: "We had so many inquiries at WOW and I had been looking for suitable venues to bring this graceful and earthy dance form to Wigan, so when I learned that this place was looking for a belly dance teacher, I though it looks ideal.
"Belly dance is already proving a popular subject for talks and demonstrations to adult groups and I am already doing a full afternoon of belly dance at the Cedar Farm Galleries in Mawdesley at the end of the month.
"I also love sharing my knowledge through visits to primary schools, which gives the children the chance to interact with some of the history, drum rhythms and dance steps, complimenting the Key Stage 2 Ancient Egyptians topic.
"The children really enjoy these lively sessions and they have chance to play drums, tambourines and finger cymbals, try on the costumes and have a go at an easy, fun dance."
Mrs Powell-Green says that many Wigan people will have marvelled at the movements of belly dancers when on their holidays in Egypt, Turkey or Tunisia.
But they can now learn the "beautiful dance" much closer to home.
Originating in the Middle East and other Arabic-influenced regions many centuries ago, belly dance, more technically referred to as Raqs Sharqi, was popularised in Western countries in the late 1890s.
So it has a strong sense of history leading back beyond ancient Egypt.
Sue said: "People enjoy Arabic dance because it is great fun and highly expressive.
"It is low impact exercise, so it's suitable for all ages, and can be adapted to suit anyone."
For details, call Sue on 01257 450946.
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Weather for Wigan
Saturday 26 May 2012
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