Belly dancing on campus
Ksenia Smith
Issue date: 11/9/09 Section: Features
Media Credit: Ksenia SmithThe next Belly Dancing class session at the UIC Rec. Center starts next spring.
Last Wednesday evening, a group of 11 young women attended a beginner's belly dancing class at UIC's Student Recreational Facility. Lily Simmons, a UIC Senior majoring in psychology, teaches the class in a basic step-by-step manner, providing an effective alternative to traditional exercise methods.
"The obvious benefit of belly dancing is that it's low-impact, but also burns calories using muscles many people have never used," says Simmons. This makes it an effective workout for those who simply do not enjoy exercise or have limitations due to weight or other physical ailments.
During class, Simmons taught four basic movements, mostly utilizing the hip and abdominal area. Though they seemed fairly easy, by the end of class, some students could feel their muscles aching. Also, unlike the monotony of the elliptical or the stair climber, for example, the class was so interesting that most did not pay attention to the time.
Because belly dancing caters to the woman's body, it is an ideal workout for young women. "I think the biggest benefit of belly dancing is that it boosts self-esteem. It is inclusive. There is no weight, height, age or skill requirement. You really cannot do this wrong because it just comes naturally," says Simmons.
While running on a treadmill in the middle of a large gym can be intimidating, inside a small room surrounded by women of all shapes and sizes, insecurities are less of an issues. "It's great to be able to dance and not feel like you are being judged," says Hailey Steuber, one of the students.
At first, many of the students were hesitant to relax and follow Simmons' instructions. For a few, it was understandably difficult to belly dance because of its somewhat suggestive nature. However, "belly dancing is not sexual," Simmons tells the class. "It is all up to the dancer. Nevertheless, it does make women more comfortable with their own bodies."
As more students came to this realization, they became less reserved and were able to have fun. Simmons' encouraging attitude was also helpful. She never makes anyone feel uncomfortable, nor does she criticize people's mistakes. Her teaching style creates a positive and friendly environment.
Simmons likes to tell her students that she began her belly dancing career by taking a class similar to the one she is currently teaching. Having nine years of experience with the dance form, Simmons feels thankful for the opportunity to be able to teach. "I love showing people that there is something they can be good at too," she says.
Last semester, Simmons had a select group of students from her belly dance class perform at the Cultural Fest at UIC. Though most of the students had no previous dance experience, with Simmons' guidance, they were able to successfully learn the necessary choreography and perform in front of a large group of people.
Though registration is now closed for this semester, the next belly dance session begins in the spring. Running in six-week increments, the class costs $38 for students, $48 for gym members and $62 for non-members. For more information, contact the Student Recreational Facility.
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"The obvious benefit of belly dancing is that it's low-impact, but also burns calories using muscles many people have never used," says Simmons. This makes it an effective workout for those who simply do not enjoy exercise or have limitations due to weight or other physical ailments.
During class, Simmons taught four basic movements, mostly utilizing the hip and abdominal area. Though they seemed fairly easy, by the end of class, some students could feel their muscles aching. Also, unlike the monotony of the elliptical or the stair climber, for example, the class was so interesting that most did not pay attention to the time.
Because belly dancing caters to the woman's body, it is an ideal workout for young women. "I think the biggest benefit of belly dancing is that it boosts self-esteem. It is inclusive. There is no weight, height, age or skill requirement. You really cannot do this wrong because it just comes naturally," says Simmons.
While running on a treadmill in the middle of a large gym can be intimidating, inside a small room surrounded by women of all shapes and sizes, insecurities are less of an issues. "It's great to be able to dance and not feel like you are being judged," says Hailey Steuber, one of the students.
At first, many of the students were hesitant to relax and follow Simmons' instructions. For a few, it was understandably difficult to belly dance because of its somewhat suggestive nature. However, "belly dancing is not sexual," Simmons tells the class. "It is all up to the dancer. Nevertheless, it does make women more comfortable with their own bodies."
As more students came to this realization, they became less reserved and were able to have fun. Simmons' encouraging attitude was also helpful. She never makes anyone feel uncomfortable, nor does she criticize people's mistakes. Her teaching style creates a positive and friendly environment.
Simmons likes to tell her students that she began her belly dancing career by taking a class similar to the one she is currently teaching. Having nine years of experience with the dance form, Simmons feels thankful for the opportunity to be able to teach. "I love showing people that there is something they can be good at too," she says.
Last semester, Simmons had a select group of students from her belly dance class perform at the Cultural Fest at UIC. Though most of the students had no previous dance experience, with Simmons' guidance, they were able to successfully learn the necessary choreography and perform in front of a large group of people.
Though registration is now closed for this semester, the next belly dance session begins in the spring. Running in six-week increments, the class costs $38 for students, $48 for gym members and $62 for non-members. For more information, contact the Student Recreational Facility.
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