A different way to get fit

Lianne Cooper

18 July 2008

A BELLY dancing teacher has expanded her classes to cope with the demand from residents looking for an alternative way to get fit.
Since setting up belly dance classes a little over a year ago, Emma Wheate, from Webheath has had an influx of learners wanting to take up the skill, leading her to open a new class on Saturday mornings at Winyates Green Community Centre.
The 26-year-old started to learn the skill back in 2005 and opened her first class at Kingsley Sports Centre in March last year. It proved so successfully that she set up a Monday class at Webheath Village Hall in November as well as youth class, for 14 to 18-year-olds, at the same venue.
As well as working full time for Worcestershire County Council, Emma has also taken a teacher training course specifically for belly dancers, a first aid course and is fully insured.
Following on from the training course, Emma is looking to complete a diploma in 2009.
She said: "Belly dancing is such a great way to keep fit, and for women to come together, of all ages, sizes, abilities, and feel good about what they're doing.
"They also get to enjoy the freedom of dance, and learn the basics of middle eastern dance.
"I have people as young as 14 at my youth class, up to a woman in her 70's in the other classes, who loves to come and shimmy - it gives these women a bit of personal time for themselves, away from the kids, housework, jobs, and they all leave looking happy and relaxed."
Emma also organises Haflas, which are belly dance parities where women come together and dance the routines they learn in class and raise money for a chosen charity, with the most recent event taking place last Saturday (May 17) in Wales where £665 for raised for a respite home there for cancer patients.
A group of Emma's dancers are also booked to perform at the Webheath Village Hall fete and at the Green Fair Day at Arrow Valley Lake, both taking place this summer.
The new class at Winyates Green Community Centre runs between 10am and 11am.
For more information on classes call Emma on 07810 440877.

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