Letica Supple
'I started dancing at Bellydance Amethyst in mid-2010, after being persuaded by a friend who is also a student there. I fell in love with the dance and the way the studio teaches, and am now addicted!
When I started, I begrudgingly went along for a free trial week, and was completely astonished at how much I fell in love with the dance. I signed up for one class per week for a term; then two classes per week. Then I found myself trawling props and costumes in my spare time. I started wondering how many hours I could dedicate to dancing without impacting too much on the rest of my life. It's fair to say that I'm a bit of an addict.
Throughout my childhood and young adulthood I was always involved in "dance" of some kind. I'd wanted to get back into it for so many years. It wasn't until I was 30 that I picked it up again, and it's been like coming home.
The format at Belly Dance Amethyst is one of inclusiveness and fun. You can take it as seriously as you want to. Nobody worries about appearances, everyone pitches in and helps everyone else. Belly dance helped me realise that women of all ages and sizes are sexy: because the dance itself makes them feel good. It's great exercise, it's challenging, it's beautiful, and it's fun. Although it sounds horribly cliched, it's true: going to class feels like you're among family.
As a dancer, I love the way Myra and the other girls teach. Technique is drilled without you realising you're drilling, choreographies are taught with infectious enthusiasm. The format is one of discussion and questioning. As you progress, so does teaching technique change to match a more advanced perspective. You are given responsibility and respect as a dancer in your own right, and dancers of all abilities rise to meet this, each in her own way.
If you're not sure whether it's for you, do what I did: pick up a free trial class and get a taste of what's to come. Chances are you'll never look back. Letica Supple .'
Joanne Kent
'I started belly dancing classes in 1997 because of the music, and I have never stopped shimmying since. I started with Belly Dance Amethyst at the start of this year and was immediately made to feel very welcome into a happy and close group of ladies. Belly dance is beautiful, very old, hard work, joyful and creative; my life revolves around it, with constant practice, learning about its history and variations, developing new choreographies, watching other belly dancers, going to classes, doing performances and making costumes.'
Karen Niarchos
'It’s never to late to start belly dancing but I wish I had taken it up earlier as it has improved so many aspects of my life.
I started dancing with Myra when I was 53 and it has always been a joy to attend classes.
Under her kind and expert guidance my dancing and fitness have improved steadily over the past few years. I love dancing in a group and have made wonderful friendships with women who share the same joy.
Belly dancing is intoxicating and addictive. But unlike other addictions it is actually good for you.'
Christine Ross
'Until 6 years ago I really didn’t know anything about belly dancing. I also didn’t know something was missing from my life.
Like most women I have always enjoyed an opportunity to dance and have fun. Dancing at Belly Dance Amethyst has provided an opportunity to further my knowledge of the art of belly dance in a friendly and supportive environment. With Myra’s ever present guidance I am becoming a more confident person and dancer. My fellow classmates are kind and their encouragement always sincere, their generosity of spirit boundless.
Thanks to the ongoing support of my belly dance friends I have found what was missing in my life
Girls really do know how to have fun! Come and join us...'
Janine Rowe
' I, Janine Rowe, have been belly dancing with Mira as my teacher for over 10 years now. I have also been at Belly Dance Amethyst since its conception and have thoroughly enjoyed all of my classes.
The atmosphere is relaxed and fun and all class participants are welcoming and caring. Mira is a very patient teacher and ensures an understanding of what is being taught. She chooses her choreographies carefully to fulfil the needs of the various levels of capability and stimulates interest and excitement in us all.
Mira is passionate and inspirational about belly dancing and it shows in everything she does at Belly Dance Amethyst.' |
