Written by Sue Spalding from the Brecon Volunteer Bureau:
"I've wanted to learn how to 'belly dance' since I was a teenager but it took me until the age of 54 to have the courage to do it!
After taking the first plunge and signing up for lessons at our local Guildhall, there was no looking back. Jangling hip scarves, jewelled bodices, coined anklets and necklaces, plus floaty skirts and veils all started creeping into my normally quite boring wardrobe.
I have now been attending classes on a weekly basis for about a year, plus I practice my own routines in the privacy of my own living-room (it tends to worry the dog).
I thoroughly enjoy the dancing and personally find it a natural extension of how I would normally dance given half the chance. The ladies that attend the sessions are all ages, shapes, sizes and from different backgrounds. Apart from learning a traditional skill, we also attend regional dance parties and workshops and have opportunities to perform for other groups.
You may be wondering where the volunteering fits into all this exotic fun and games? Since last Christmas, I have been invited to perform at a fund-raising evening for a local environmental group, performed at Theatr Brycheiniog for Welsh Refugee Week and also run a children's workshop for the annual 'Picnic on the Prom' family event. It's a great excuse to get dressed up and show off in public and it's amazing how many charitable groups welcome a belly-dancer as a 'crowd puller'!
I'd thoroughly recommend this form of dance to ladies everywhere. You use muscles you never knew you had; it's reputed to be good for back problems,it's quite aerobic, helps keep you trim, makes you feel young, and looks quite sexy!"
Written by Sue Spalding from Brecon Volunteer Bureau
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Claire Morgan, Brecon
Sue now runs classes with another lady,Hilda in Brecon every Wednesday evening 6.30pm-8pm at Bishop Bevan Hall (near the Co-op). I originally started bellydancing in the same class as Sue & Hilda about 4.5 years ago, but haven't been able to go their class for a while. You should all go along. Bellydancing is great fun & I wouldn't disagree with a single comment already made on here about it!
Sun Feb 15 19:33:44 2009
Marina from Richmond
Hi there,I teach fusion classes for adults in Richmond TW9 and we have a segment of belly dancing. Even the most sceptical ones enjoyed doing it! I also teach kids Yoga classes and we have a segment on belly dancing and gypsy dancing (as a warm up). Girls loves it. Highly recommend.
Tue Nov 4 09:18:59 2008
Huw Parsons, Brecon
Great news that Sue is starting up classes and workshops again. Just look at all these comments posted here, what a recommendation!
Fri Feb 29 11:46:54 2008
Morwenna Grey
There seems to be a lot of people in Aberystwythj interested in Belly dancing classes or meeting up with people who have experience. I have no experience but know of a few more people who would be interested. Can anyone help?
Mon Dec 24 14:16:31 2007
Kath Berney- Ystradgynlais
I have been belly dancing for 10 years- wonderful for the pelvic muscles; dressing up is fab. Lots of classes in this area- the oldest person I have seen dancing is 84 years old ! A wonderful lady.
Tue Dec 18 11:53:14 2007
Kirstie from Brecon
Just want to know if there are any classes being held in Brecon at present as would love to have a go.
Thu Nov 29 09:27:59 2007
Amelia
Hi I'm 14 and started going to belly dancing classes 2 years ago and their great so I advise it to anyone!
Wed Nov 7 09:32:53 2007
Martyna from Aberystwyth
How there could not be any classes in Aberystwyth.
Sun Sep 23 09:35:59 2007
Megan, Aberystwyth
I'm also looking for belly dancing classes in or near Aberystwyth. Does anyone know of any? My daughter does the 'Tribal style' at St. Andrews and it's quite impressive!
Sun Apr 8 10:20:25 2007
Karen from Essex
Does anyone know where you can buy a childrens belly dancing costume on the internet, or in Essex.
Fri Mar 2 10:07:18 2007
Esperanza Gil, Aberystwyth
Hello Aber girls. I've been bellydancing for 4 years and although there are no classes we could meet up to dance together and see what we could learn from each other? just a thought.
Fri Feb 9 10:40:44 2007
Catherine Howard, Newport
I dance with a local performing group called Jawahir. We often support local (and not so local!) charities, and as Ann Wright says, the reception you get is always warm. We give classes to children and adults and it's amazing how quickly you get hooked! It's wonderful to see women turning up after a few lessons with a bit of belly peeping out and a jangly coin belt on...belly dancing really does promote your self esteem! It's FUN!
Wed Jan 10 09:28:43 2007
Karen Aberystwyth
I would also like to find out about any belly dancing lessons in Aberystwyth - does anybody know of any?
Mon Jan 8 11:49:08 2007
E Powell from Southampton
Please can someone put me in touch with someone who does belly dancing classes for children near Southampton. My daughter is desperate to go and was very disappointed when we found a place who advertised that they did classes and then said they had stopped doing them now. Please help.
Tue Sep 19 08:39:52 2006
Carol Hopkins, Brecon
Are there any bellydancing classes in brecon now?
Mon Sep 4 10:48:23 2006
Katie, Aberystwyth
I don't suppose anyone knows of any belly dancing classes in Aberystwyth or Aberystwyth Area (Walking distance from Aber as I have no car).
Mon Sep 4 10:31:11 2006
Jo Hayes from Bexhill
I've wanted to learn how to belly dance for ages but can't find any classes in England that aren't too expensive. I would absolutely love to join a class.
Mon Aug 14 09:57:37 2006
vivette mullaney
just started belly dancing and really enjoying it I am 52 and I always wanted to dance but never had the opportunity it is a gentle exercise so I find I can cope with it I thought I might be too old but there are ladies of all ages there so if you fancy it go for it
Sat Jul 22 09:20:09 2006
Martin Francis
I like Belly Dancing because it calms me and my anger boils to the surface far less often. Thank you Turkey for introducing this wonderful hobby into my life.
Tue May 30 13:38:57 2006
April Hogg, Southend, Essex
I do belly dancing, I am 53 and I love it. I've been dancing for about 3 years now. I've done one solo and a dance with my daughter. She is just learning at the moment. I go to all the haflas if I can get a lift.
Mon May 15 09:41:07 2006
Tzarina Pheonix,, West Wales
Belly Dancing is brill! This time last year I was semi- wheelchair bound, suffering (literally) with ME. Gradually I have been transformed so much so that I now dance with the local belly dancing group for charity. I haven't fully recovered from ME but my life is definately rosier thanks to belly dancing.Hopefully in the near future we will get paid work! One can live in hope!!
Mon Apr 3 21:37:42 2006
Joy from Brecon
I would love to join a class that teaches belly dancing, I am almost fifty and am a single mum to two young boys who run me ragged, I don't get out much but, would love to try this, not only would I get fit but would meet people and maybe get more confidence. Great website by the way!
Wed Feb 1 00:11:25 2006
Ann Wright
I started belly dancing 30 years ago. I am now 53. Belly dance helped me tremendously. In my early 20's I had clinical depression and Belly Dance pulled me out of it. When I got snowed in for months at a time Belly Dance aleviated the boredom. When I was very poor and a single mom in college it was something fun -and free to do. When crime got bad on the streets and walks were not safe I could still exercise and be fit in my home privately. I played zills and danced through all three pregnacies up to 6 mos. The 3rd I delivered in 1 hour 15 minuits, flat start to finish with no tears or problems. That child is now a gorgeous young lady. So Belly Dance is healthy and it is a real boost to anyone trying to overcome any unfortunate experience.We have stories -all of us. My mom was an alchoholic verbal abuser, so I had low self esteem as a teen. I don't have that anymore and it's largely due to learning promotion ,art, dance and costumeing.
The public is my best friend. Everybody treats you with warmth and appreciation. Belly dancers are liked everywhere by everybody. They are a great bunch of people . I've never had a bad experience belly danceing . Its been rewarding and it sustains you through whatever life throws at you. Art happens!
Wed Oct 26 03:00:47 2005
Saf Bird, Hay
Excellent that more and more people are enjoying this ancient dance form. Classes are being held all over Powys, including Brecon, Glasbury, Builth, Rhayader and Ystradgynlais.
Mon Oct 17 12:54:50 2005
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