What’s the sexiest part of the human body? Well, according to the latest trend in the entertainment industry, it’s the tummy.
As pop starlets like Britney Spears continue to flaunt their sexy midriffs, many are looking for a way to accentuate it.
The popular solution appears to be belly-dancing, the ancient Middle Eastern form of dance.
“Belly-dancing works every part of your body and that’s why it’s becoming so popular,” said Garnett Kepler, artistic director of the Lansing dance troupe Habibi Dancers.
The form of dance has become popular among music videos. Singer Shakira, R & B vocalist Truth Hurts and the late Aaliyah have all incorporated belly-dancing into their videos.
Kepler, who’s been teaching the art for 13 years, said Shakira has the moves down, but other artists are “wannabes.” But Kepler said the surge of popularity in the music industry has increased awareness.
“I teach classes every semester,” Kepler said. “I have about 96 students each session.”
The classes are held at the Foster Community Center, 200 N. Foster St. in Lansing. Kepler said the 96 students are broken up among four beginning classes, one interim class and one master class. But last year, she only had the demand for two beginning-level classes.
Belly-dancing has roots in India, Egypt and Turkey. But the moves are unique depending on the specific region.
Patrons at New Aladdin’s Restaurant, 300 Clippert St. in Lansing, are treated to a performance by belly dancer Melissa Boucher every Friday.
“I love belly-dancing because it’s a sensual movement,” Boucher said. “It’s also celebration between movement and music.
“I love to see it in the videos because it has a valuable history. Historically, women danced to prepare their body for birth and entertain each other.”
Restaurant patron Charles Fraser, a volunteer coach for MSU’s Olympic Lifting team, said he enjoyed the live entertainment.
“Any movement that works the whole body can be used as a form of exercise,” he said.
Kepler said belly-dancing does provide a full-body aerobic exercise, as well as strengthen the muscles. But she said it’s the ease at which anyone can pick up the art form that has helped it become so popular.
“Every woman can do it,” Kepler said. “It’s very gentle and enhances the body.”
Kepler said belly-dancing has become so popular that she has been asked to teach a class for MSU in the fall. The eight-week Beginning Middle Eastern Belly Dance class will be held at Kellogg Center.
Those interested in the hip-swaying, tummy-rolling, mystic dance can purchase countless fitness videos or take classes, but Kepler said it’s all about feeling the music.
“When you’re belly-dancing you’re suppose to become a reflection of the music,” Kepler said. “Your movement should go with the intensity of the sounds.”
