Where: Corpus Christi Caller Times
When: April
23, 2004
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Workshop by Cleopatra's Daughters includes history of the form, instruction on the moves
By Diane S. Morales, Caller-Times
April 23, 2004
Corpus Christi, it's OK, at least for a belly dancing workshop.
The university's Middle Eastern Dance Club performance troupe, Cleopatra's Daughters, will teach an introductory workshop on the art of belly dance today at the Glasscock Fitness and Wellness Center on campus.
Faculty and staff interest in belly dance as a stress reliever sparked the club to offer a workshop for everyone. Four student members of the troupe will open the workshop with a performance, complete with costumes and information on the history of belly dance.
Maxie Beyer, secretary-treasurer of the Middle Eastern Dance Club, who will help lead the workshop, says the benefits of belly dancing go beyond the physical. "It helps build self-esteem. It also helps women understand their bodies and appreciate what they have."
Budding belly dancers will learn basic moves and break into small groups for more specialized instruction on using zills or "finger cymbals" and veils. Students will also learn elegant hand movements from instructors who inherited the art from their native India.
Dressing comfortably is a must for shimmying and shaking like Shakira. Participants might find it easier to dance barefoot and girls can wear long flowing, skirts to avoid focusing on their dance steps. Bare bellies and jeweled navels are optional.