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BY ANN LAMPARSKI
Times Correspondent | Monday, February 06, 2006 | No comments posted.
HOMEWOOD | The Middle Eastern art of belly dancing came to life at the Irwin Center.
Women of all ages, adorned partially in traditional belly dancing attire, shimmied in rhythmical dance moves during their belly dance session. Many participants said they were drawn to the dance due to a common desire to do something different and fun.
Carol Williams, of Flossmoor, heard about the class from a friend who suggested she try belly dancing after her local health club shut down.
"I was signed up for kick boxing when the club shut down," Williams said. "I decided on this class because it looks like great exercise. A lot of friends are getting into it. It helps work the lower body, like the stomach, abdomen and hips. That's what I'm looking for."
Greta Bell, of Flossmoor, has been belly dancing since the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District started offering the class three years ago.
"I love this class. It's fun hanging out with the other women," Bell said. "I have made a few friends since I started. You meet nice people along the way. I also wanted to get active. It's a good workout."
Dance instructor Na'ama Rose said the best way to get involved in the popular dance is to take classes to learn basic skills and to meet others who share the enjoyment.
"There's a whole world out there," Rose said. "Take classes and strengthen your skills. It's definitely an art form. There are lots of belly dances that use improvisation, but we tend to focus on choreography during class."
Rose described her beliefs in why this form is becoming more popular.
"I believe that our culture has become more comfortable with women expressing their sexuality and women are more comfortable with that expression as well," Rose said.
Each hallway passerby couldn't help but take a peek inside the dance room to catch a glimpse of the ladies as they gracefully flowed through numerous dance moves, using coin belts and Zills, or finger cymbals, to create an enchanting display of Middle Eastern charm.
Debbie Coughlin, of Homewood, started off in a workshop three years ago with Rose as the instructor and continued with it after the classes began.
"Anybody can do it," Coughlin said. "It's for all body types. That's why I enjoy it so much. It's very affirming for women."
Since the start of the class, Julie Hanes, the desk attendant at the center, said she has noticed the number of participants increasing.
"Yoga has made a comeback and I think that belly dancing falls under the same umbrella of a workout combined with fun," Hanes said.
Belly dancing classes
* Classes now are going on through March 13 at the Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave. in Homewood.
* The cost is $96 for residents, $144 for nonresidents.
* New classes start in April.
* For more information on future sessions, call (708) 957-0300.
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