Belly Dance Academy of Nayima Hassan: Amber does a bit of shimmying in the Adelaide City region of South Australia
There's something a little incongruous about what goes on inside a 150-year-old former Methodist church in Franklin Street in the city. Inside, the pews have given way to Egyptian Pharaohs and instead of organ music the lofty space is now filled with the traditional sounds of the Middle East and groups of colourful devotees of the exotic art of belly dancing.
Welcome to the Belly Dance Academy of Nayima Hassan where you're never to young to learn this exotic and elegant form of dance. As instructor Lisa take the youngsters through their paces, Academy principal, Nayima Hassan steps up the pace with a group of her regulars. The language here is all about Shimmying, Snake Arms, Big smiles, Head Slides, Wrist turns and ripples. One of the things you notice about these sessions is almost everyone is smiling - the enthusiasm is infectious.
Nayima's passion for Belly Dancing is no accident. Born and raised in suburban Burnside, like lots of young girls she began ballet at the age of six. Ice-skating came next and by the age of 12 she was State Champion. But her Egyptian heritage was strong - she was even named after Nayima Arkeff, the legendary Egyptian belly dancer and film star of the 1940s.
Nayima Hassan, Belly dance Academy: "Not a lot of people know this but my very first experience with belly dancing was at the Arts Centre here in Adelaide. I was actually performing in a flamenco dance show and one of the directors said we need an Arabian dancer to back up the magician so the principal pushed me into the role. I threw on a makeshift costume and started doing belly dancing. So my first experience was when I was about 19, with no lessons, in front of 400 people at the Art Centre."
So began a dancing career that's taken her around the world as an acclaimed performer and instructor.
Nayima Hassan: "There are no limitations and that's the beauty of this dance - you don't have to be a certain cardio level, a certain fitness level. That can slowly build as you working through the classes and going through the techniques. But what attracts people to this dance is I believe it's the exotic appeal of the Middle East, and Arabia. It's not just that you get a general fitness class, which I think is absolutely fabulous by the way, but it's fitness with this exotic finesse. The two combined just makes students and ladies fall in love with this dance art the way I have."
The Belly Dance Academy of Nayima Hassan is at 240 Franklin Street in the city. There are regular lessons for kids as young as 4 through to adult classes of all ages. The new term begins in July - book now for an early bird special. Nayima can also arrange performances at special functions. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
Belly Dance Academy of Nayima Hassan
240 Franklin St
Adelaide
Ph 8410 1240Published 14th June 2009
