Origins:
The Open University belly dancing club began in 2008 and was set up to promote the art of belly dancing
within the Open University Community. The club offers a variety of lessons at various levels and is open to all.
Belly dancing has been a recognised art form for thousands of years. The origins of this dance form are actively
debated among dance enthusiasts, especially given the limited academic research on the topic. Much of the research
in this area has been done by the dancers themselves. Many dancers subscribe to one or more of the following theories
regarding the origins of belly dance:
It originated in India, traveling to Uzbekistan through the slave trade.
It emanates from indigenous dancers of ancient Upper Egypt.
It descends from a religious dance once practiced by temple priestesses.
It formed part of traditional birthing practices in the region(s) of origin.
It spread from the migrations of Romany people and related groups.
The type of dancing taught at the OU is the Egyptian style.
Belly dancing is a great way to get in shape. A single belly dance session works hundreds of muscles, burns calories
and can help reduce stress; an hour of belly dancing can burn as much as four hundred calories. It is suitable for all
ages and body types. The dance can be as physically challenging
as the dancer or student chooses. Most belly dance styles teach the ability to move and relax various muscles or muscle groups
independently, encouraging strength and flexibility of both muscles and joints. For example, dancing with a veil can help to
build strength in the upper-body, arms and shoulders; most movements work the abdominal muscles, especially the camel,
tummy-flutters and stomach rolls; the long muscles of the back are strengthen by both percussive movements such, as
hip kicks / drops, and by fluid movements such as hip circles, figure-eights and camels. Belly dancing not only strengthens,
tones and tightens the body, but also improves flexibility and posture. It focusses on balance and centering the body which
plays an important role in the balance of mind, body and spirit in various strands of Eastern medicine, complementary therapies
and physical therapy.
The OUBDC also seeks to promote the music and culture of the belly dance and to this end , runs regular workshops and events to
promote these elements. One such recent event included a workshop by the well known Tabla player Guy Schalom. Guy not only provided
music for the dancers and their teachers, but also led a session on rhythm and dance.
The club is run by volunteers supported by 2 professional belly dance teachers. New committee members are always welcome.
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News
November 2009: We would like to welcome Karen Leggett and Tehnaz Crook as our new Secretary and Events Officer.
September 2009:
We are sad to announce that our Secretary, Sew Lan Hamilton, is standing down fro the post because of work commitments. We would like to thank Sew Lan for the work she put into setting up the club.
April 2009:
Welcome to our new webpage. Here you can learn more about the people who run your club and your teachers. You can check class details,
access our blog and read about upcoming events. This site is still being perfected, so please be patient. If you notice any errors,
broken links, spelling mistakes etc, please contact the webmaster
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