City January 14, 2013 8:57 AM

Breath of Bellydance

Breath of Bellydance
Have you noticed that there are more and more events taking place in Buffalo that feature performances by belly dancers? This past year I saw dancers at Music is Art, The Witches Ball, The Kootsie Ball... belly dancing is certainly becoming a mainstay of the event scene in Buffalo. Ten year ago you would be lucky to catch a belly dance act, and the only place that that might possibly happen would be at a local Indian restaurant. Even that was unusual however. These days belly dance classes abound, and professional and amateur dancers can be found at myriad events, including outdoor festivals such as the Elmwood Festival of the Arts.

Where as years ago, the art of belly dancing was considered an exotic routine that was reserved for a select passionate few, today the world of belly dancing has opened up to anyone who might find it appealing. Even traditional dance and yoga studios are getting into the act. Starting February 5 at 7:30pm Maia Alexandra will be teaching a mixed level belly dance class at Buffalo Yoga called Breath of Bellydance. Every Tuesday students will be able to learn a series of movements with drills and light combinations in a spacious and welcoming environment. If you've been looking to fulfill that New Year's fitness resolution, belly dancing will make it fun while keeping you fit. 

This is a an ALL LEVELS and ongoing class; no experience is necessary. More advanced dancers will be given extra challenges and layers. Please wear clothing that is comfortable to move in, and bring something to tie around your hips. Classes are $10 for pre-paid punch cards, or $15 for drop ins. Enter through the main door on the far right, take the elevator to the fourth floor, and follow the signs to suite 418, Buffalo Yoga. 

Buffalo Yoga - Facebook
Breath of Bellydance Classes - Facebook event
Tri-Main Center Suite 418, 
2495 Main St, Buffalo, NY

View image

Comments

Leave a comment

I think belly dancing is in full swing in bedrooms all over WNY. Who can resist the silky smooth contours of the female torso.

Score: 0 ( 2 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

:::giggidy:::

Score: -1 ( 1 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

I've been running professional video for bellydance festivals and shows in Buffalo and across the US for the past 5 years (15 years if you count Canada).. and those who are unfamiliar would be amazed by the diversity in styles just within this dance form alone... whether it's American Cabaret (Am Cab), Tribal, ATS, Burlesque (yes.. there's "Burlesque Bellydance"), Steampunk, or any of the other many formats... really neat stuff!

The other thing that has struck me since first learning of bellydance at Cathy Skora's studio years ago as how *beautiful* it is for the participants.. I witnessed a really lovely energy between the women in Cathy's class that gave me instant appreciation. Of course, now I know that it's not just for women, and the classes are open-minded enough to welcome all body types, ages, shapes and abilities... yay!!! :-)

I had the pleasure of experiencing my first Belly Dance class at "Breath of Bellydance" last Tuesday, and had a *blast*. Maia worked muscles I haven't accessed in YEARS, there was laughter, a bit of sweat, and everyone participated to their own abilities.. definitely NOT intimidating even for a newby GUY like myself. (I'll admit, as a guy I was very cautious when asked "how does that feel to you" [working on belly rolls], when I replied "it feels SEXY!"... I mean.. it did feel that way, but I didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable!)

At the end, my reply was "I'll see" when one of the girls asked me "are you coming back next week?".. to which she replied, "No -- you WILL be back.. .Riiiight?" BG

Anyone thinking of trying bellydance, I *highly* recommend training with Maia. :-) She's an extremely knowledgeable, lovely, talented, award-winning performer -- who also happens to teach super-fun classes by simply being her goofy, fun, unintimidating self.

See y'all there? :-)

(PS to the writer if the short article... you're absolutely right! Buffalo is lucky to have *many* wonderful classes and dancers all around town.. something for everyone!!)

Score: 0 ( 0 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

Leave a comment