Bouncing boobs and shaking bums!

There were quite a few apprehensive faces which met Joanna Dowey, our local belly dancing guru. It was time to start shaking our bits and bobs!

Joanna put us all at ease by giving us some beautiful coloured scarves to play with, there was an array of colours swirling around and Joanna gave us a demo to start.  Joanna told us a bit about herself and how she got started and explained about the history of belly dancing with different methods originating from Morocco, Turkey, the Gulf States and Iraq.  She explained that it was good for our inner organs (and burning our beloved cake off too – we’re glad we didn’t tuck in beforehand to Gemma’s lovely cakes or there would have been trouble!)

There were different props used including veils which show the mystery of the East and sticks which give it a martial arts feel.  We were then allowed to give it go!  Let’s just say we’re glad no one was recording it, it was a sight to be seen!  There were grapevines, cowgirl swings, swirls and energetic hand movements! We belly rolled to Shakira and finished with some lovely banana and chocolate loaf, blueberry loaf and lemon cupcakes from Gemma – yum!

A big welcome to our friends Pat and Edna from Stoneclough WI for joining in with the fun and discussing the annual resolution for more midwives. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

To find out how you can have a go at belly dancing visit www.northernbellycompany.com