Belly dancing is a big hit
Classes continue to remain popular in Rankin Inlet
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
RANKIN INLET
Another successful eight-week session of fitness and health through the art of belly dancing wrapped-up recently in Rankin Inlet.
The Lovely Lady Ellie, left, and student Ingride Lowe share a happy moment together during a recent eight-week class on fitness and health in Rankin Inlet. - photo courtesy of Lynette Didur |
The sessions, run by Lynette Didur, who goes by her training instructor and performance name of the Lovely Lady Elle, arrived in Rankin in 2013 and began offering dance fitness classes in September of that year.
Didur said she has enjoyed offering the classes in Rankin.
She said after her daughter was born, she set up another Spring into Fitness belly dance class to see if there was any interest.
"I had a lot of people ask and encourage me to get a class running again," said Didur.
"It's something different and unique and, being low to medium impact, it's very accessible to a broad scope of students."
The class quickly proved itself a success, averaging eight-to-12 students per night, with a top attendance peak of 26 students in one class.
Didur said news got around on how much fun she made learning during her unique classes.
She said people were talking about how the classes were a challenge for both muscles and memory.
"I would give demonstrations and challenges for the weekly topic, encourage practice at home, and bring-in props to try, such as finger cymbals and veils.
"I had both males and females join the classes, and they all worked equally hard at the technique and exercises.
"It is always great to see my students concentrating so hard.
"Nobody is looking at me because they are all busy with the challenges and layering, or strengthening routines I teach".
Didur said, for her, belly dance is a highly disciplined art form.
She said some isolations could take someone years to learn until they reach the point of proper mind-body connection, and it requires extensive daily practice.
"There is a lot of crossover that requires students to educate themselves in multidisciplinary fields, including general fitness training, modern jazz and contemporary dance.
"I encourage my students to be patient with their practice because everybody is different, and they respond uniquely to learning, especially something new."
Didur said with the ever-changing audience for both fitness classes and performances, an artist must keep relevant and up-to-date while staying true to their essence.
She said the fitness aspect comes from a well-trained instructor who understands body mechanics, and is knowledgeable in running technique drills, proper warmups and cool downs, while always putting student safety first.
"The performer's job is to tell the story of the music, which requires study of Middle Eastern rhythms not commonly found in Western society, musicality and musical nuance.
"I'm a strong advocate of wellness, fitness, and being a positive role model, as well as fitness being for everyone, regardless of gender, body type or age.
"Performance is not, and that's OK, because we start building our strength and stamina, learn the history and culture, and go from there.
"Don't let stereotypes or inhibitions hold you back from taking a class. Just drop by. You'll never know until you try mine!"
