Move
over salsa.
It’s time to
take a break cha-cha-cha. The waltz can take its last bow. Delhi’s hip and
the happening have found a new and sexier way to tone those curves and shake
their booty – they are making a beeline for belly dancing classes, quite
the fad in the city these
days.
The dance form, which has
won over Paris Hilton, Shakira, Christina Augilera, Jennifer Aniston, Gauri
Khan, Mallika Sherawat etc. is now wowing Delhi women. Aamir Ahmed from a famous
dance studio in the city says, “It is becoming fashionable now and many
people want to learn belly dancing.
Not only is it an interesting
form of dance, but it is also a fun way of keeping fit. Shakira and Christina
have especially helped to make this dance trendy.” And what is the age
group of women who want to learn belly dance? “We get people from all age
groups. Girls in their teens to women in their 40s are interested in learning
it. Men are still shy about joining these dance classes but they make great
instructors.”
But is it
the exercise it involves or love for dance that is drawing people to belly dance
classes? Answers Meher Malik, who has been teaching this dance for two years
now, “When I began my classes, I just had two students. Today, there are
over a hundred because people are much more aware of this dance form. Some come
to lose weight while others come to seriously learn it. In fact, one hour of
dancing is equivalent to 40 crunches. This is a slightly tough dance so only
serious and interested candidates join.”
Singer Shibani Kashyap has
learnt belly dancing. She says, “I love this dance, it is not tough at
all. I thought it would take a while before I learn it properly but it took me
just 3 to 4 months to learn this. It’s a great stress buster and I will
recommend it to
everyone.”
Model
Amanpreet Wahi, meanwhile, has picked it from foreign pop stars. She says,
“I practice belly dancing on my own in front of the mirror and I have
learnt many steps. But if given a chance I would love to learn it professionally
from a trained dancer.”
And with the summer vacations
approaching, there is a rush of youngsters to joining in. Says Shruti Sinha, a
16-year-old, “While my friends are learning salsa or jazz, I decided to do
something different. After the belly dancing classes, I will have something
different to show off.”
With innumerable dance
shows on television, interest in dance forms is already at an all-time high.
Priyanka Kapoor, a DU student, reveals, “Belly dancing has always
fascinated me. It is so cool too with so many Hollywood actresses practicing it!
I have been attending these classes for two months and I stand apart on the
dance floor. All my friends want to learn my moves too!” Now, isn’t
it belly hot?