Ludlow | Archive | 2001 | September | 26
From the archive, first published Wednesday 26th Sep 2001.
IF the thought of hectic workouts or lifting weights sends you running for the biscuit tin, there's an altogether more relaxing way to get fit which might be just what you are looking for. Belly dancing is a unique form of fitness for women which is both sensuous and dignified, and great fun into the bargain.
As a dance form, belly dancing has been around for centuries. It is thought to have originated in the Indian subcontinent and, subsequently, been introduced to Russia, Eastern Europe, and Egypt by the gipsies who migrated across Asia. It has really taken off in the West in the last 10 years and has quietly overtaken aerobics and traditional keep fit as a popular route to fitness.
Tina Hobin was a dancer in the early 1970s when she discovered belly dancing and became hooked. She was the first person to become a teacher in the UK and had made numerous TV appearances, including a recent documentary, as well as running her popular classes in London and Oxford.
Now that Tina has moved to Mamble, near Tenbury Wells, she is gaining a whole new group of enthusiasts in and around north Herefordshire and south Shropshire. She will be running a new class in Mamble Village Hall this autumn and has recently gained accreditation for teacher training, to train other dancers to become teachers.
Thanks to films and the media, many people have, perhaps, got the wrong idea about belly dancing. Even the popular view of the scanty two-piece costume is outmoded. Belly dancers today wear full length, one-piece, Egyptian costume with the midriff covered, in accordance with Islamic fundamentalist rules. With the addition of a beaded belt or hip scarf, it is both beautiful and comfortable. The traditional Balladi dresses from Egypt are available, but Tina encourages most beginners to have a go at making their own costume.
"It is relatively simple to adapt an old evening gown, and sew on coins or beads," said Tina, "and it is all part of the therapeutic value of the dance."
The movements of belly dancing are based on the natural structure of the body. The rhythmic swaying improves balance, strengthens and tones muscles, and increases energy levels in a relaxed, gently way. Because it does not exert any unnecessary stresses and strains, it is an excellent form of exercise for anyone suffering from a bad back, for example. In fact, it is widely supported by many medical and orthopaedic practitioners. Practising those hip rotations, drops and lifts, pelvic tilts, and shimmies, is great for loosening stiff joints and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Consequently, belly dancing has been shown to be beneficial for sufferers of a variety of health problems from heart disease, or hip replacements, to the early stages of arthritis or endometriosis, as well as a number of other abdominal and gynaecological problems such as IBS.
It is known as the oldest form of childbirth preparation in the world and many of Tina's pupils dance their way right through pregnancy and dance right back afterwards with baby in tow.
Many people are deterred from keep fit because they are overweight but, according to Tina, larger ladies should have confidence in their abilities because belly dancing is one form of exercise where it can be an advantage to the big.
"In Egypt size is a sign of prosperity and swaying can be more sensuous if you are larger," says Tina, ``age and disability are no bar either.''
Tina teaches youngsters from the age of three and her oldest pupil is 81 years. She has had success teaching blind and deaf dancers.
Tina Hobin will be starting a new season of classes in Mamble Village Hall on Tuesday, October 9, at 7pm, and in Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Worcester, on Wednesday, October 10. The weekly, one-hour classes are designed to be friendly and enjoyable. It is possible to learn the basic movements in a few weeks, but there is no pressure. Everyone learns at their own pace and Tina gives individual attention where needed.
Self-consciousness soon goes out of the window when you start belly dancing, which is perhaps why it has joined outdoor pursuits and adventure weekends as one of the latest techniques for corporate bonding. Tina is also available to give talks and presentations to schools and clubs. To find out more telephone Tina Hobin on 01299 832515.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008