From Deseret News archives:
Belly dancers love the fun, challenge
Class through UVSC is 'really good workout'
A trio of teachers from Lincoln Academy in Pleasant Grove are going to perform at the elementary school once they master the basic skills.
Beth Higginbotham is already planning to take belly dancing to the next level.
"I have two reasons for taking this class," said Higginbotham. "I knew it'd be a really good workout, and it's kinda controversial so it's fun."
The women are part of a class taught through Utah Valley State College's Continuing Education program. While it may look daunting, "anybody can do it," said Linda Amann, one of the belly-dancing students.
And the women in the class all have different reasons for doing it.
"It gives me a chance to wear that fringed skirt," said Stephanie EauClaire.
"I've always wanted to take belly dancing," said Emily Normandeau.
"I'm the one who got us involved," said Gail D'Haenens, "and I'm glad because it's been so much fun."
EauClaire, Normandeau and D'Haenens are third- and fourth-grade teachers at Lincoln Academy who say their fellow teachers and students are being supportive.
"A parent even gave us some stuff (for costumes)," said D'Haenens.
Michelle Werner of Saratoga Springs has been surprised at how hard some of the skills are to learn.
"Some parts really come naturally and certain parts are really hard like the isolation of certain body parts," she said.
Araylia Taylor teaches the class. Born of an Armenian mother living in Provo, Taylor looks every inch the belly dancer.
She's dark-eyed, olive-skinned and light on her feet. Her movements are supple and sure.
"Follow your hands with your eyes," she instructed as she demonstrated wrist rolls, snake arms, ribbon arms and finger fans. "The audience will go where your eyes go."
She emphasizes keeping the posture tight in strict dance position so the back doesn't get tired or injured while bringing the feet up and rolling the shoulders back.
Fluid, beautiful motions are key.
The chin is up.
The tummy is tucked. The bottom is pulled in. Abdominal muscles do the work.
The knees are bent.
"The more bent the knee, the more range you have," she said, using her hips to write the alphabet in the air.
Participants in the class come prepared for work in bare feet and sweat pants.
They do stretches. They work on balance and practice unfamiliar moves until they come naturally.
With Indian melodies in the background, they circle the feet, point and flex. They get their hips moving and practice push-pull motions.
In a few weeks, they'll perform in a recital for friends and family.
Are they worried about public scrutiny?
Peggy, who didn't want to give her last name, said, "A little."
E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com
