Exhausted by video games and kid movies, I’m taking a stand and searching for events that I can enjoy as well: Winter and I are going to belly dance. Although I’m not looking forward to baring my beer gut in public, belly dancing will provide a physical activity that’s not as difficult nor as embarrasing as playing Dance Dance Revolution at the Dream Machine.
Maine Belly Dance offers a “Mother & Daughter Belly Dance” workshop taught by Jamileh, a highly respected dancer and instructor within the belly dancing community. She teaches more than technique; Jamileh focuses on the history and cultural implications of the art of belly dancing and promotes respect for and appreciation of all body sizes. Winter and I will not only learn a new style of dance, we’ll learn a little history, and no one will laugh at my Dunlaps Disease (the unsightly and unfortunate disease that results when your belly dun-laps over your belt). Actually, it might be encouraging to have a little bit of the Dunlaps. I’m supposed to roll my rolls, right?
Maine Belly Dance instructors teach and perform authentic Arabic belly dancing. The workshop is March 25 from 1-2:30 p.m. at Full Circle Synergy, 500 Forest Avenue in Portland. The cost for a couple is $25 with 100 percent of proceeds going to local organizations that celebrate women. For information on on-going classes, workshops and performances, call 773-2966 or visit