Belly-dancing provides exotic way to get fit

May 1, 2005

BOB MARTINSON/Frontiersman reporter

PALMER - They come to have fun and stay fit, but belly dancers teaching at a fitness center in Palmer take their practice seriously and put on an entertaining performance at the same time, blending sinuous moves with stretching and bending, similar to yoga.

"It's a fabulous workout. It is good for lower back pain, and the isolation movement of the hips helps your abs, your shoulders and your entire body get a workout," said Joanna Lee of Palmer-based Sisters of Essence, a business that is now collaborating with Peak Fitness in offering Meyva tribal belly-dancing classes.

Meyva tribal belly dance fuses flamenco, traditional Indian dance, Persian folk dance and other dances from the Middle East.

"It is distinguished by the music, the costuming, the improvisation and some choreography," said Marissa Harris, who has taken over the Palmer classes while instructor Britney Sheflin is out of town. The classes are taught in Palmer, Anchorage and Girdwood.

The group wanted to teach something out of the ordinary.

"Britney Sheflin researched the different styles of belly dancing, because as a troupe we wanted to find our own kind of style to use and when we did, we blossomed from that point," Lee said.

Besides the performance troupe, which performs in costume for all kinds of small- and large-scale events choreographed to music, there are many students who just come to learn and exercise.

Classes are open to different age groups, with a special four-week class for mothers and daughters and classes for those older than 50.

Lee contacted Peak Fitness about sharing its mirrored dance studio because she wanted her business to stay within the Palmer community at a place that was more affordable.

"It actually allows us to partner with an interesting business in Palmer that is also into mind, body and fitness," said Stephanie Allen, marketing and public relations director for Peak Fitness.

Now together, the businesses thrive.

Lee said the "Sisters" have been involved with belly dancing for about five years now.

Classes at Peak Fitness meet Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., but more classes are being planned for Saturdays, beginning at 1 p.m., to be scheduled soon.

Inquiries for class availability may be made through Peak Fitness, 746-3305, or people may call Joanna Lee, 745-1178, for more information.

For inquiries about any classes in Girdwood, Anchorage or Palmer, contact Marissa Harris at (907) 952-2103.