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*Unedited version
Published in The Ranch (June edition)
The Heritage Center has brought the exotic to Otay Ranch.
by J.D. Hawk
Diana Weisner, an Otay Ranch resident, teaches belly-dancing to a class of eager
women of all ages. While many are content watching TV in their Lazy Boy after a day's
work behind a desk, Weisner, and her class lose themselves in the ancient dancing
of this old tradition from around the world, wiggling and jiggling their hips to
to healthier life. Besides the obvious fun that brings smiles across their faces,
the members say belly dancing also has given them smaller waists, increased their
self-esteem and given them better sex lives!" You'll develop muscles you never
knew you had," said Paz Ovando, a devoted student.
After the greetings, the class begins innocently enough with stretching. "It
is very important to warm up like any other exercise class," Weisner said. Gradually,
the innocent stretching evolves to a lulling shoulder-rolling . Things then begin
to get interesting as the hands and arms begin to swirl in a semi-hypnotic sensual
sway. Finally, the belly and hips take on life, shaking and shimmering as if awakened
from their seditary existence, burning off the Oreo cookies, Doritos and strawberry
daiquiris consumed over the weekend. "You burn off many calories doing this,"
Weisner said. "It as good as any aerobics but without the jarring of jumping."
With the group now up to full capacity, a variety of improvisational choreographics
takes place. " We don't have a strict order of things. We can do what we want.
I have even invented some new moves myself," Weisner said but did not name the
moves.
The group follows Weisner's lead and moves around in circles, pausing from time to
time to emphasize one body part or another. Understanding that most of her class
are beginners, Weisner offers help to each individual pupil, quietly giving suggestions
as she circulates, switching roles back and forth from Mata Hari to empathetic friend.
The class moves to the CD music of Baila Habibi, an eclectic "blend of French,
Spanish, English, Arabic and who knows what else," said Weisner. But all the
songs do have the same Mediterranean rhythm, perfect for bodies in motion. Perhaps
the blending of cultures is no more evident than when Gloria Gaynor's "I will
Survive" is played but sung by a man in Spanish with a Middle Eastern spin.
Although many belly dance courses are taken with full attire, it is not required
here. The atmosphere at the Heritage Center is casual and participants don't need
to buy a Harem girl outfit to attend. Just as many of them are happy dancing in regular
exercise outfits, with a few of them wearing scarf-belts for inspiration. Since belly
dancing at this recreation center is offered at different times and for all age groups
from Preschool (3 to 5 yrs)and youth (6 to 12 yrs) to adult, costume dressing also
seemed to vary depending on the class. The toddlers, dressed by their doting mothers,
however, proved to be the most flamboyant in show.
Classes will soon be over but the plans for Summer session are already in effect.
"The first week in July we should be starting up again," Weisner said.
The students of Weisner all said that they plan to return for the next session and
are hoping more classes will be added. "We may or may not be adding one or two
additional classes," Weisner said.
Classes for adults are currently $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents. The
costs covers one class a week for the entire semester. Prices may change in July.
Contact J.D. Hawk |
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