Learn to Belly Dance
Instructor: Angelina of Claribel's Raks Sharki Studio

What is belly dance?
Many experts say belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the mid-East. Probably the greatest misconception about belly dancing is that it is intended to entertain men.

Throughout history, this ritualized expression has usually been performed for other women, generally during fertility rites or parties preparing a young woman for marriage. In most cases, the presence of men is not permitted.

Belly dancing is natural to a woman's bone and muscle structure with movements emanating from the torso rather than in the legs and feet. The dance often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in sensuous patterns, weaving together the entire feminine form. Belly dancing is generally performed barefoot, thought by many to emphasize the intimate physical connection between the dancer, her expression, and Mother Earth.

Read more about the history of belly dancing from the source: BellyDance.org.

Why should I belly dance?
We all know and have seen that belly dancing is fun but few know of its numerous health benefits. The graceful motions of the belly dance are based on movements that come naturally to the human form. It utilizes different muscle groups in your body, working with the body instead of against it. Here are a few of the health benefits:

• Improved posture and muscle toning
• Weight loss and aids digestion
• Stress reduction

Ms Angelina
Claribel's Raks Sharki Studio

Angelina started to belly dance in 2002 and her passion for this expressive art form has grown stronger ever since. She has studied under many great Egyptian artists including Raqia Hassan, Dr. Mo Gedawwi, Mahmoud Reda, Yousry Shariff, Hossam & Serene Ramzy, Faten Salama, Momo Kadious, Mona El Said, Randa Kamel and Dina to name a few. In December 2007, Angelina completed the “Ah Lan Wa Sa Lan”, winter training course for teachers in Cairo, Egypt. She continues to fine-tune her dance under her teacher, Miss Claribel Ng.

Throughout her performing career, Angelina has been invited to perform on numerous major platforms including the Arabian Nights of Esplanade Dans Festival 2007 and the Singapore Lyric Opera Gala Dinner 2007, which was graced by the President of the Republic of Singapore. The latter was featured in high profile magazines such as Singapore Tatler and Harpers’ Bazaar.

Angelina has also been invited to conduct belly dance workshops in Singapore’s biggest performing arts center, the Esplanade, in the year 2006 to 2008.