Belly dance class Norfolk, top instructor comes from Norwich to teach sensual Egyptian dance moves at Wereham village hall

Wereham village hall is hosting a top Egyptian belly dance instructor for a class that promises to deliver all the moves.

Company Dance Egyptian’s experienced instructor Kay is coming over from Norwich to bring a little Eastern promise to West Norfolk.

Karen Everitt, community engagement and venue manager for Wereham village hall said:"Although most people have heard of belly dancing they might not immediately associate Egyptian Dance with this term,Egyptian dance can help to increase core muscle strength with overall flexibility and suppleness coming from the movements of the hips, spine, hand and arms.

"It’s a low-impact form of exercise as your feet don’t normally leave the floor, so it’s suitable for ladies of any age, shape and size - and you don’t need to expose your belly or indeed any part of your body if you don’t wish to, just wear clothes that are comfortable to dance in. Jingly'hip belts will be available to borrow from instructor if you wish."

These classes, which will run for four weeks are suitable for absolute beginners, and those of all fitness levels. You can sign up for the taster class which will be on Thursday, May 26, from 11.30am-1pm, by contacting kay@danceegyptian.co.uk. The price is £15 and booking is essential.

After the taster session, which is not compulsory, the course will take place between 11.30am-1pm on June 9 and 23 and July7 and 21 costing £60.

The captivating melodies and the earthy rhythms of Egyptian and Middle Eastern music, graceful, elegant movements and powerful hip movements combine to create a hypnotic dance experience.

The term belly dance is a translation of the French term "danse du ventre" - which was in the Victorian era, a generation that held a fascination with everything different.

In Arabic, the dance is known as Raqs Sharqi (Eastern Dance) or Raqs Baladi (Country Dance) - social dancing in the Middle East is ‘baladi’ (the dance of the country) and often passed down from mother to daughter.

However, this traditional form of dancing has also been elevated to a highly technical art form by top professional performers all over the world.