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THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - Malorie Rehm says belly dancing is in a woman's DNA.

"It's very natural to move the body in this way," said Rehm, just after the Feb. 10 beginning of a workshop she is instructing in Fort Smith.

Malorie Rehm is instructing a belly dancing workshop in Fort Smith. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Eight women showed up for the first class.

Belly dancing is good for the mind, body and spirit, just like other "healing art forms" such as yoga and martial arts, Rehm said.

"It brings a lot of joy and transformation to my life," she said, explaining it allows people to express their emotions and spirituality.

She added belly dancing is also beneficial for a person's fitness.

However, she said, "It's not about changing your shape. It's about loving who you are right now."

Marilyn Daigle, a pilot with Northwestern Air Lease Ltd., is one of the students at the workshop.

"I wanted some grace and beauty in my walk, instead of my pilot stomp," Daigle said with a laugh.

Lesley Paulette, a Fort Smith midwife, enjoyed the first class.

"It's fun," she said. "I'm looking forward to it."

Paulette said it is good to keep moving, and to be flexible and in shape.

Rehm, who is originally from Saskatchewan, has been belly dancing for a couple of years, since taking courses in British Columbia.

She has also belly danced while attending yoga schools in India and Thailand.

Rehm said belly dancing comes from the Middle East and goes back thousands of years.

"The name is actually the oriental dance," she said, adding belly dancing was popularized through Hollywood movies.

Rehm, who is related through her mother to the well-known Evans family of Fort Smith, arrived in town in mid-December and plans to leave in early April to go tree planting in B.C.

While in town, the 25-year-old has been teaching yoga and now belly dancing.

"I put the word out and there was an enthusiastic response," she said of the interest in the belly dancing workshop at Joan's Health and Fitness Club.

Rehm said there are a few more women who have signed up in addition to the eight at the opening session, and she may even offer a second workshop depending on the interest.

Participants range in age from their 30s to 50s, and Rehm said belly dancing is for all ages.

The workshop will take place twice a week for six weeks.

Rehm said, at the end of the workshop there may be a performance by the women.

"It's in discussion," she said, explaining that would depend on how many of the women would be comfortable dancing in public.