Belly Dancing Lessons in Toledo, Ohio

With such television programs as Dancing with the Stars, America's Ballroom Challenge, and a whole host of hip-hop inspired films, dance is at the center of popular culture again. It is no wonder that belly dancing has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity for purposes of fun and fitness.

Belly dancing is a traditional form of Middle-Eastern dance, but it is also makes for a great workout. Best of all, most instructors will tell you, no experience is required.

Though dance classes are offered at various locations throughout northwest Ohio and southeastern Michigan, but tummy-twisting Toledoans know the best venues for belly dancing lessons are Aegela and The Place for Dance.

For those interested in traditional belly dancing lessons, wrap a scarf around your hips and head to Aegela - where women of all ages and sizes can stretch and tone their way to fitness, Egyptian style. Located at The Martin School, 10 S. Holland-Sylvania at Hill Avenue, Toledo, Aegela offers afternoon, evening and weekend classes.

Class descriptions on the website indicate new students start with an introduction to the basic movements of belly dance while returning students learn additional abdominal and upper limb combinations. Intermediate students shake things up with the choreographed use of veils and zills, or finger cymbals. With the instructor's permission, advanced students can take a class that allows them to further hone their skills with intricate combinations.

Those curious about contemporary belly dancing lessons should shimmy to The Place for Dance, a program whose philosophy is "Everybelly's Welcome!" The Place for Dance at Saxon Square at 6600 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania, Ohio, provides day and evening classes in various locations. In Michigan, The Place for Dance belly dance series has been offered at Bedford Dance Academy, Monroe County Community College, and Monroe Public Schools. In Ohio, the series has been offered at Washington Local Schools, Owens Community College and the Sylvania Dance Academy.

The Place for Dance invites women to try out the "BELLY-TINI," best defined on their website as an application of the ancient art of Middle Eastern dance to other music genres, and mixed with different world styles. The Belly Dance Tech sessions, parts 1 and 2, introduce fundamental movements with emphasis on stretching, toning and isolating muscle groups.

Students, who have learned the terminology from Belly Tech 1 and 2, can enroll in Belly Dance Choreography, which concentrates on presentation and the "mood" of the dance. Belly Dance Part 4 is a technically challenging extension of the choreography class. The Place for Dance also has prenatal "Expecting Bellies" belly dance classes.

The fee structure for belly dance lessons varies by provider. At Aegela, the cost of one lesson per week is about $80 for a ten-week session. However, instructors at Aegela offer classes at various locations throughout Toledo and surrounding areas, including the Performers School of Dance at Sylvania and the Ahava Spa, downtown. The sessions at At The Place For Dance are shorter, usually three to four weeks. The fees appear to be comparable, but it is best to consult with the website, The PlaceToledo.com.