Belly dancing, one of the world’s oldest dances and a staple of the Memorial Union’s Workspace for over a decade, is beginning again Tuesday, said Letitia Kenemer, Workspace director and program coordinator for the Memorial Union.

“Belly dance has been very popular and has been something a lot of people want to try,” Kenemer said.

There are two classes offered in belly dance — a beginner and an intermediate class. The classes are taught by Lisa Rich McKelvey, also called Shiara, an employee at Information Technology services who teaches belly dance part time.

Shiara has been an enthusiast of belly dance for over 15 years.

As a college student, Shiara took her first dance class, ballroom dance, but wanted “a dance without a partner.” Then she found a belly dance class.

“Belly dance helps you get in touch with moving in a way you don’t usually move,” Shiara said. “It works many muscles, especially those in your arms and torso,” she said.

“Students come into class not knowing belly dance techniques, but it is amazing to see the progression they make,” Shiara said.

Nicole Hennen, senior in community and regional planning, and Maegan Oelmann, senior in animal ecology, both saw progress in their dancing abilities.

If students don’t feel as if they are ready to move on to the next level, they can take the class again, Hennen said.

“Shiara adds new elements to the class each semester,” she said.

The two courses are designed differently.

“The beginner class teaches students basic isolated movements such as snake arms, hip articulations, circles and figure eights,” Shiara said. “The intermediate class adds to the basic movements and focuses on exploring the different styles of belly dance. It is also repeatable.”

The different styles range from Turkish to Egyptian to Lebanese.

“The Egyptian style is very controlled with small movements and incorporates a lot of layering in movements,” Shiara said. “The Turkish style involves a lot of large movements. The Lebanese style is the middle ground and uses both space and movements.”

In addition, there are different folklore styles. There is also the American tribal style that blends the different styles of belly dance.

Belly dance is unique because all moves come from how the dancer interprets the music, Shiara said. The music already has the beats and style incorporated into it.

While belly dance is exotic itself, the costumes add to its intrigue. Costumes can be bought through online vendors from the U.S. or even from Egypt and Turkey, Shiara said.

The costumes, Olemann said, range in prices from $40 to hundreds of dollars.

For those who don’t want to spend as much money, it’s possible to buy fabric and make the costumes, Shiara said. Costumes include a blouse and skirt or harem pants.

“The Workspace has two sewing machines which are available to anyone taking the class,” Shiara said.

“For practice, students should wear what is comfortable,” Oelmann said. “Students usually wear yoga pants, T-shirt and a hip scarf with coins.”

Hennen and Oelmann agree the atmosphere of the class is enjoyable.

“Half of the reason I am still taking belly dance is because Shiara makes the class very laid-back, and she is a good at demonstrating and explaining,” Oelmann said.

Belly dancing classes

Classes start Tuesday and run for eight weeks. The cost for students is $65 for beginner and $52 for intermediate.

For more information on Shiara and the classes, go to www.shiara.com.

Health Benefits of Belly Dancing:

1. Improved posture and toning:

-Belly dancers use torsos more than ballet, modern or tap dancers.

-Works quadriceps, glutes and hamstrings constantly to maintain posture while dancing.

-Works joints and ligaments in lower back to improve posture.

-Tones arms and shoulders by performing snake arms, circles and lifts.

2. Weight loss:

-Belly dance can burn up to 300 calories per hour.

-Aids food in digestion by rolling the belly and swaying the torso.

3. Stress Reduction

-Stretches muscle groups to loosen and relax muscles.

-Increases blood flow.

4. Preparation for childbirth:

-Movements are a form of prenatal exercise to strengthen muscles for childbirth.

Source: http://www.atlantabellydance.com/ProspectiveStudents/ClassHealth.html