“We kick! But not like football players. We are dancers,'' Milla Tenorio tells the 12 women shimmying to the sound of rhythmic Arabic music, over the sound of the chink of coin-belts.
The women – Brazilian, Iranian, Arab, Russian, Indian and Kenyan – have become regulars at the twice-weekly belly dancing lessons, taught by Tenorio, an accomplished Brazilian belly dancer, who has travelled the Middle East, bringing her classically trained moves to the masses.
Before moving to the region four years ago, Tenorio worked in her native country for eight years where she managed her own school, teaching thousands of Brazilian students the exotic techniques of belly dancing, a centuries-old style that originated in the Middle East.
“Before, I used to dance the flamenco, but I just fell in love [with belly dancing] the way it makes a woman so attractive, sensual and feminine,'' she says, as her female students start trickling into the studio.
Tenorio approached the Shangri-La hotel to set up the class which was done after a long absence from teaching. “For the past three years I was only dancing and performing and I missed teaching,'' she says.
The classes, which take place in front of wall-to-wall mirrors, begin with a high-energy warm-up where the women try out their moves to the sounds of Arabic and Spanish music.
The warm-up follows with Tenorio showing the women a single movement that is then built up into a small routine that incorporates three or four moves.
Some newcomers like Tomescu Aliona pick up the moves effortlessly. “This is the first time in my life I've tried this but I've always loved it,'' she says.
Tenorio says every woman – regardless of age or experience – is welcome to her class.
“They really enjoy themselves and lose their inhibitions. This is the purpose – to make a discovery about themselves as women.''
Working it well
Belly dancing is designed for a woman's body, bone and muscle structure, with the core of the movements from the torso rather than the legs and feet.
The dance often isolates different parts of the body and weaves several independent movements together. Belly dancing is generally performed barefoot.
“It's a very good workout. You can work out all parts of the body,'' says Tenorio.
More info
- Classes every Sunday and Tuesday 6-7pm at the Shangri-La Hotel
- Dh40 per lesson
- Call 04-343 8888
Your comments
Go Milla go!!! Mabrouk my dear friend. I’m proud of you and your approach into this dance as ART, SPORT AND THERAPY - the opposite of what some dancers have been showing around. I wish you all the best and good luck!!!
Manoela, Lebanon
Posted: July 09, 2007, 20:58
I don’t agree with your statement that it makes a woman look good. It is the worst form of entertainment and the skinny girl dancing like a drunken horse is a thing to avoid. Besides, the UAE is an Islamic country.
Hamza, UAE - Sharjah
Posted: July 11, 2007, 18:47
I like to learn belly dancing. Even in the Philippines it’s really popular. I’m 30 years old and a little bit fat. I want to reduce my body size but at the same time I want to enjoy myself. I don’t want to do a boring exercise. Please tell me how I can join and enjoy the belly dancing lessons.
Maricel, UAE
Posted: July 11, 2007, 18:47
Greetings! I'm in Abu Dhabi and am interested in joining belly dancing. I've heard that there is one in the Sheraton? I am waiting for your info. Thanks.
Josefine, UAE
Posted: July 11, 2007, 18:47
Hi. Can anyone help with information on MORNING classes for belly dancing? I live in Dubai. Thanks.
Polly, UAE
Posted: July 11, 2007, 18:47
I live in Abu Dhabi and I'm interested to take belly dancing lessons. Do you know of any hotels that have belly dancing classes here in Abu Dhabi?
Anonymous, UAE
Posted: July 11, 2007, 18:47
