Belly Dancing-Shake Your Shimmy!

A negative aspect of modern life is that we don't take enough exercise to help our bodies stay fit and healthy. Computers, cars and other modern conveniences result in long periods of inactivity - muscles that don't get used much become "flabby" and our general health begins to suffer. Well the answer for the ladies of Thringstone was to enrol in a Belly Dancing class, which is part of a countywide initiative - Active Together – which is managed by Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport.

Denise Abbott is one of the regular attendees who was initially ‘dragged along’ by her daughter, but now freely admits that this is ‘the best hour of her week’. “I didn’t know what to expect at first, and I was quite nervous to begin with, but that feeling quickly disappeared, and now it is the highlight of my week. I injured my shoulder last year, which required surgery, but the Belly Dancing really helps with my mobility, its great fun and you don’t have to be perfect!”

Sarah Goodlad is the Belly Dancing instructor and she was introduced to this novel form of exercise whilst looking for ways to improve the strength in her back, almost five years ago. “I love the way belly dancing gives you a gentle cardiovascular work-out whilst also transforming your body shape, but you hardly notice as you are having so much fun. The ladies attend these classes with boundless energy and enthusiasm, irrespective of ability and mobility levels – our ultimate aim is to get as much enjoyment as possible, from our hour together”.

Denise, a sprightly 61 years young, plans to carry on with the belly dancing classes, alongside her other Active Together class; ‘Showtime Dance’. I really would like to encourage other women to take part, it’s not about being good, it’s about enjoying your-self and socialising with new people”.

The class takes place every Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm at the Brass House Albert Road Coalville. For more information please contact Sarah Richardson Goodlad at sayuri_bdss@live.com