Varsity's Choice

Dance for curves

by Vivien Li

Belly dance has become a popular pastime for Hong Kong women. Modern belly dance combines the features of jazz and hip hop, with steps and movements being softer and gentler than the traditional dance, which was originated in the Middle East.

Connie Hong San, director of Amico Studio, which offers belly dance classes, said the dance was a combination of exercise and entertainment. It can make the muscles firm and help develop beautiful curves of the body, Hong said.

Pasha Umer, an instructor with almost six years' experience in teaching belly dance, said if people could overcome their shyness and throw themselves into practising, they would enjoy the feminine activity.

"It is different from doing exercises in a gym," she said. People can do belly dance by themselves as there is no need of a partner, and it is easier for beginners to catch up comparing with Latin dance, she added.

An office lady in Central, Wong Wan-yee, said she practised belly dance because she was especially fat in the waist. Belly dance is not so difficult, after all, said Venus Tam Mo-ching, who attends the belly dance class once a week. "It is easy as long as you follow what the instructor does," Tam said.

Amico Studio is located on 2/F-4/F, 167- 169 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai.

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