Belly dancing classes offer fitness and fun in Jaffrey

Rhythmic music fills the air of the Jaffrey Recreation Department building, augmented by the chiming of bangles from hip scarves, as instructor Elisa Fitzgerald leads a class through the basics of belly dancing.

Fitzgerald teaches a weekly belly dancing fitness class at the Jaffrey Recreation Department, and said it’s a great way to get people moving while working their legs, glutes, core and arms, all while having fun. Students can sign up for a month’s worth of classes, with the next three-month block starting in October.

“I think some people are intimidated, but I have a variety of students, and everyone can do it,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald is an experienced dancer; she’s been involved in various types of dance since she was a child living in Indonesia. Belly dance is a relatively new part of her repertoire; she discovered it a few years ago. She is now involved in a Massachusetts-based belly dance troupe.

While belly dance has different varieties from different cultures, Fitzgerald said she mainly dances a fusion style.

“I like the challenge of it, I like the music, and I like the sparkly things,” said Fitzgerald, about what drew her to the art form.

Her fitness class teaches the basics, with some simple choreography, Fitzgerald said.

And, for students, it’s a fun way to exercise — and a little unexpected.

“My sister and I played 20 questions — I told her, ‘You’ll never guess what class I’m taking,'” joked Ellen Westheimer of Cambridge, Mass., who attends the class weekly.

Westheimer said she had zero experience with belly dancing coming into the class, describing herself as “incredibly not coordinated,” but said it’s been fun, and Fitzgerald, a patient teacher, has spent time with her after class, working on skills.

Amy Evans of Sharon said she joined with her work friend Karen Roberts of Peterborough, based on this principle: “Gym memberships are boring; classes are fun.”

“I’m not one to go by myself, so I said, ‘I’ll go if you go,’ and she didn’t hesitate. Which, I’m glad she didn’t, because I’ve had a lot of fun,” said Evans. Evans grew up with Greek dancing, but said this is her first experience with belly dance.

“It’s been fun learning the different routines, and we have a great choreographer over here,” Evans said. “Even when our hands and our feet aren’t coordinating, she encourages us and tells us we’re doing great.”

Roberts said she’d tried Zumba before, and belly dancing seemed fun. She said she now looks forward to the class every week.

“You wouldn’t think your body would move a certain way, but it does. It doesn’t matter your fitness level, body size, age — anyone can do it,” Roberts said.

“You find muscles you didn’t know you had,” Evans added.

Fitzgerald said the classes provide gentle, low-impact exercise that provides cardio and muscle activation, and improves posture, balance and flexibility. It is recommended for adults over age 18.

Class participants are asked to bring non-slip socks or dance shoes, plus a water bottle, and to wear comfortable clothing. Dancers don’t have to show their bellies.

The next set of classes begins Oct. 3, and will be held every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. The class is open to up to eight students at a time. Cost is $30 per month for Jaffrey residents or $35 for nonresidents. People who sign up for three months get a discount. Residents can register at jaffrey.recdesk.com.