Belly Dancing for All Ages

While I was packing away my recording equipment, Jillina said something I wish I'd got on tape (or minidisc as it is these days).

She said that Belly Dancing was wonderful exercise for all ages because it is so low impact and, unlike other dance styles such as ballet, you can start at any age and still excel in it. She said she loves taking classes and seeing women there from teens to their 90s - all enjoying themselves and getting a good workout.

Mardi Love backed up some of what Jillina said. She told me she had been a dance-kid-dropout (you know, someone who is sent to dance classes as a kid but hates going and eventually persuades their parents to let them give up). It wasn't until she was in her early 20s that she saw belly dancing and it really captured her imagination. Now, in ballet, tap or jazz it would be virtually impossible to start training in your 20s and become good enough to perform as a professional, but as Mardi proves it is not the same for belly dancing.

Lisa x

Bellydance Superstars Part II

I had a fantastic night at the Bellydance Superstars last night. The show was an eclectic mix of styles - not just belly dancing styles, but also included ballet, Latin American, Flamenco, Polynesian, Hip Hop... I also had the opportunity to conduct an audio interview with the chief choreographer and one of the performers, Jillina.

I'll be talking more about various aspects of the show in future posts but in the meantime, here is a picture of me with American Tribal Belly Dancer Mardi Love.



Lisa x