Sale, Promos, Events: Bellyfest 2009

BELLYFEST 2009 IS COMING!

by Zane Ronquillo

Any belly dancer worth her Kohl eyeliner intimately knows the magic that happens every time women put on hip scarves and start dancing. Is it the happy tinkling of coins and beads when the hips gyrate? Or the colorful and flowing costumes that, whether gaily or gaudily accented, unapologetically emphasize feminine curves? On a deeper level, could it be the recognition and expression of one’s inner goddess? Or maybe it is just the strong bond of sisterhood that comes from sharing an ancient art form with roots in nearly every continent?

For whatever reason, belly dance has been experiencing a resurgence these past years, with more and more women finding their feminine magic through shimmies, head slides, snake arms and a whole lot more.

There are plenty of rewards in belly dancing. Apart from the emotional and spiritual satisfaction that comes from learning to love and work with your body, it is also an effective exercise. Belly dance can burn up to 400 calories an hour and is excellent at helping tone problem areas like the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and arms—all while having fun!

With its impact on health and well-being, belly dancing has also gained a foothold in the Philippines, with the best gyms now incorporating such classes.

“I am happy that bellydance brings women together, and I believe that in order to enjoy being a belly dancer, we need to showcase our talents, and the Bellyfest is a good avenue for this ” says belly dance teacher Jill Ngo-Crisologo, directress of Peak Performance.

Peak Performance is the dance studio that annually organizes BellyFest, a whole-day dance concert featuring various belly dance styles performed by the country’s top belly dance teachers, talents and enthusiasts.

The studio is already accepting students who would like to perform as recitalists of BellyFest 2009. It will be held at the Glorietta Activity Center on May 31, Sunday.

Anyone can be a part of BellyFest 2009 and experience the rewards of belly dancing. If the past two festivals are any indication, belly dance can be enjoyed by women of all ages, shapes and sizes. Even kids and senior citizens have shared the joy and excitement of the BellyFest stage.

Interested participants and sponsors may contact Peak at 413-3466 or 091..., or e-mail Jill Ngo-Crisologo . Tickets available at the Peak Performance Studio, 2/F McGwen Building, 12 Don A. Roces Avenue, Q.C. or call for reservations.