Forget pole dancing. Belly dancing's back in exciting ways
In what could be Auckland's newest female fitness fad, an Eastern Bays dance teacher is merging belly dancing with aerobic-style fitness.
Iphigenie Amoutzias teaches belly dancing at Tamaki Recreation Centre - though she's in the process of moving her classes to a dance studio in St Johns.
She's now about to start up a new fitness programme, Pulse8, which to begin with will run on Saturdays.
Popular overseas, Pulse8 uses belly dancing steps, but there is more emphasis on fitness than there would be in traditional belly dancing, says Iphigenie.
Originating in the Middle East, belly dancing takes many forms, says Iphigenie, and is influenced by many different dance styles.
"It's about your true self coming out, and stepping out of your nine to five job. It calms you down, like meditation for the body, which helps you express yourself as a woman.''
Iphigenie is the only instructor in New Zealand qualified to teach the programme. She says she recently tried the classes on her regular belly dance students, who enjoyed the change of pace.
Meridee Walter, who's been belly dancing for about two years, says she liked the more aerobic style.
"You're strengthening muscles in a different way, and it's in a fun and laid-back environment,'' she says.
"It's a feminine form of exercise, and it puts you in a positive frame of mind.''
- by AUT journalism student Samantha Graham
For info: www.thedanceoasis.com or call 021 354 243.
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