Spring Break
Bellydance classes an interesting destresser
RACHELLE HICKS
Issue date: 4/5/07 Section: Out & About
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Walking in to the Healing Arts Center on Prince Avenue, all the tensions of everyday life break off of the shoulders and fall to the floor.
Strapping on the traditional coin belt, anticipation sends chills up through the spine and more tension is shaken and crumbles as it hits the ground. Feeling a strong empowerment, every person in class gains a sense of trust, acceptance and comfort from the welcoming eyes of the fellow dancers.
Beginning the class by opening up the Nadis, which is the traditional Indian term for channels of energy that flow through the body, Angela "A'ttar" Mullis greets each woman in her class with a knowing smile and welcoming bow.
A'ttar tries to focus the class on traditional forms of ancient belly dance by creating positive vibes around the room and opening up the energetic circulatory system.
Being a former student of Karin Scott, A'ttar took over the Egyptian belly dancing classes at the Healing Arts Center when Scott took maternity leave.
Because Scott was the first person to begin belly dancing classes at the Center, A'ttar was shocked when Scott asked her to teach the class and felt very honored that she was chosen to carry on the positive energy to her fellow belly dancers. With a degree in health promotion and a passion for dance, she accepted the position with a full heart and eager spirit.
Historically, Egyptian belly dance is a dance for women by women. The dance originated in the Middle East and was brought to America in 1893 at Chicago's World Fair. Many people then thought it scandalous, but women were intrigued and have been practicing the art ever since.
Thinking about how the weekly class eases her senses, Sharon Bower is grateful to have such a warm group of fellow dancers who will respect her unconditionally.
"I appreciate my womanhood," Bower said.
Although belly dancing is mainly thought of as a woman's practice, men have been known to test the waters of this sensory invoking dance.
"I've had one guy take my class before," A'ttar said. "He wasn't in to it to gawk at the girls at all. He was very serious about it."
Contrary to modern assumptions, male belly dancers are not enthralled with their feminine side. Compared to the sensual undulations of women belly dancers, men practice this art to invoke strength, power and masculine passion in order to assume the role of protectors of women.
Invoking the Goddess (or God) within, experiencing the art of Egyptian belly dancing can leave a person feeling "empowered, awesome and loved," said Paige Tidwell, an intermediate belly dancer.
Whether practicing the dance to improve fitness or gain self confidence, the class is sure to promote self assurance and getting to know one's self which stimulates positive mental, physical and emotional health - thanks to the remedies of ancient Egyptian culture.
Strapping on the traditional coin belt, anticipation sends chills up through the spine and more tension is shaken and crumbles as it hits the ground. Feeling a strong empowerment, every person in class gains a sense of trust, acceptance and comfort from the welcoming eyes of the fellow dancers.
Beginning the class by opening up the Nadis, which is the traditional Indian term for channels of energy that flow through the body, Angela "A'ttar" Mullis greets each woman in her class with a knowing smile and welcoming bow.
A'ttar tries to focus the class on traditional forms of ancient belly dance by creating positive vibes around the room and opening up the energetic circulatory system.
Being a former student of Karin Scott, A'ttar took over the Egyptian belly dancing classes at the Healing Arts Center when Scott took maternity leave.
Because Scott was the first person to begin belly dancing classes at the Center, A'ttar was shocked when Scott asked her to teach the class and felt very honored that she was chosen to carry on the positive energy to her fellow belly dancers. With a degree in health promotion and a passion for dance, she accepted the position with a full heart and eager spirit.
Historically, Egyptian belly dance is a dance for women by women. The dance originated in the Middle East and was brought to America in 1893 at Chicago's World Fair. Many people then thought it scandalous, but women were intrigued and have been practicing the art ever since.
Thinking about how the weekly class eases her senses, Sharon Bower is grateful to have such a warm group of fellow dancers who will respect her unconditionally.
"I appreciate my womanhood," Bower said.
Although belly dancing is mainly thought of as a woman's practice, men have been known to test the waters of this sensory invoking dance.
"I've had one guy take my class before," A'ttar said. "He wasn't in to it to gawk at the girls at all. He was very serious about it."
Contrary to modern assumptions, male belly dancers are not enthralled with their feminine side. Compared to the sensual undulations of women belly dancers, men practice this art to invoke strength, power and masculine passion in order to assume the role of protectors of women.
Invoking the Goddess (or God) within, experiencing the art of Egyptian belly dancing can leave a person feeling "empowered, awesome and loved," said Paige Tidwell, an intermediate belly dancer.
Whether practicing the dance to improve fitness or gain self confidence, the class is sure to promote self assurance and getting to know one's self which stimulates positive mental, physical and emotional health - thanks to the remedies of ancient Egyptian culture.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Athens dancer
posted 4/05/07 @ 11:36 AM EST
Good story, but it's incomplete. At'tar is awesome, but I want to make sure the other teachers in town get their props, too. Fatina, formerly of Dance of the Fates, teaches both at the Healing Arts Centre and at the UGA Ramsey Center. (Continued…)
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