Belly dancers gain confidence with dance

Empowering, liberating and a boost to self-confidence are some phrases used to describe a unique form of dancing.

The Belly Dancing Club, a University of Wyoming RSO, meets from 7:30-9 p.m. on Mondays in Half Acre dance studio and 4-5 p.m. on Fridays in the fitness studio in Half Acre. Current secretary of the club Karen Aydinian teaches courses for those interested.

There are various styles and types of belly dancing. Aydinian knows the traditional Egyptian style of belly dancing. In addition to the Egyptian style, there are the American and Turkish styles, Aydinian said. Each type also has its own unique wardrobe, she said.

Aydinian said the club is a fun way to take a break from studying and is a good way to relax. Aydinian is a graduate student at UW studying geology.

The club performs in the International Talent Show, usually held in April, and members of the club join with the Wyoming African Student Association drumming to perform. The club also does charity events off campus, Aydinian said. Recently, members of the club performed at the Teaming Up For Tanzania reception.

Six members of the club usually show up to dance, Aydinian said. However, some classes have up to 15 people at a time. Classes and workshops about belly dancing are part of what the club does, Aydinian said.

The Belly Dancing Club members are excited for next semester when they have potential performances, Aydinian said. The International Talent Show is a time for the club to showcase its practice and dancing.

A common stereotype about belly dancing is the ties to stripping, Aydinian said.

“Belly dancing is a dance for women by women. It is usually done in private and is rarely performed in public,” Aydinian said.

It is drastically different than stripping. There is no relation between belly dancing and stripping, said Aydinian.

In terms of goals for the club, Aydinian hopes to see more women join. Two teachers recently graduated and Aydinian is the only teacher. She hopes to see the club expand with more teachers to teach more styles.

Clothing for belly dancing is unique to the style, Aydinian said. For practicing, women mostly wear basic workout and yoga clothes. For performances, the costumes can get “glitzy and extravagant” Aydinian said.

Each style of clothing is distinct. For example, the Turkish style has a lot of fringe. American clothing is glitzy and contains coins, derived from Vegas showgirls, Aydinian said.

Aydinian began belly dancing in Minnesota in 2005 doing her undergrad work. One day she went out and decided to give it a try. She ended up sticking with it.

“Belly dancing is certainly not easy, but it is easy to get into. It is very liberating and empowering for women. I encourage everyone out there to give it a try and try it at least once.” Aydinian said.