Belly dancing is child's play.
Zahirah Dance Studio-North has been performing and teaching the ancient art form for years, giving adults of the city a unique way to have a musical cardio workout, express themselves artistically, and have fun with a supportive group.
The group's primary dance leader Irina Doering couldn't help but wonder if kids would love to get in on the fun. Now youth participants are flocking to Zahirah like rushing a clown at a birthday party.
A new children's group starts up Thursday. It is for dancers aged 9-12, they can come from anywhere in the city or region, and no experience is necessary.
Doering has been testing the theory out on some kids at Peden Hill elementary school and the enthusiasm was so infectious that she expects the spaces in the new group will fill quickly.
"The current children's group has been a fantastic experience," she said. "They really got interested and involved, and they showed me how perfect belly dancing is for kids, because it has costumes and choreography they can understand, and it gets them active and building their confidence at the same time."
One of the school-based group's participants, 11-year-old Katie, said "belly dance is a very unique dance and it brings people together."
"You can express how you feel in belly dancing," added 11-year-old Penelope.
Jasmine, 10, said she had fun for more than one reason. "I get to wear beautiful outfits and it is very creative."
The new group open to all will have weekly sessions at Peden Hill.
"They will learn choreography, technique, posture, placing, balance, performance acumen, the courage to perform, and I am certain their personal confidence and self esteem will get a major boost out of this," said Doering, based on her experience with the 10- to 12-year olds in the school group.
"It was developed by women, for women," she said, although there is full inclusion of males in belly dancing as well. "This age is a pivotal development stage for children, and the opportunity to learn something so unique and positive and expressive is a good fit for them at this point in their life."
The first meeting of the new kids' belly dancing group is Thursday at 5 p.m. and will carry on each Thursday at that time. Cost is $75 to take part from now until the end of the school year.
Sign up for the course or get more information by calling Doering at 250-563-5300, or look them up on the Zahirah Dance Studio North page on Facebook.
