SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?
D
ance is probably the oldest nonverbal communication
- even bees do it as part of their mating ritual. Before
the production of written languages, dance was used
to pass stories from one generation to the next and has
underpinned rituals since the birth of civilisation. We put on our
flats and tried out a few local classes.
Egyptian dancing
Egyptian styles were all over the spring/summer catwalks,
we loved Cavalli’s harem pants and Eley Kishimoto’s bright
statement jewellery. Us mere mortals are following suit as
the wonders of ancient Egypt sashay off the catwalk into our
fitness regimes.
Hilary Thacker is a professional Egyptian style dancer performing
in the UK and the Middle East. She runs regular classes throughout
the city as well as private tuition and workshops designed to get
you in the rhythm. Often referred to as belly dancing, Hilary’s
techniques originated in Middle Eastern society, not as a form of
seduction (as is largely believed) but as a fusion of frantic dancing
as a means of celebration. Recently the popularity of Egyptian
dancing has soared due to the influence of artists like Beyonce
and Shakira, who mixes belly dancing with hip hop, but Thacker’s
style is more traditional: “We incorporate all sides of the dance,
Egyptian dancing
the fitness and spiritual side as well as the sensual aspect. Some
Recently the popularity of Egyptian dancing has soared due
to the influence of artists like Beyonce and Shakira, who
mixes belly dancing with hip hop
women come because it improves fitness
and relaxation and others enjoy the social
aspects,” she says. Thacker also owns
Hilary’s Bazaar on George IV Bridge which
sells suitably sequined clothing. Costumes
aren’t compulsory for her classes, but go
on, you know you want to…
www.hilarysbazaar.com
Capoeira
You’ve maybe sampled a Caipirinha,
Brazil’s national cocktail, but have
you heard of Capoeira? Originating as
Capoeira
a rebellious marshal art in the back
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