Revive your exercise routine with some fancy footwork in one of these three styles
Belly-Dancing
Good For: Any woman who’s feeling a little sexy — or who wants to feel that way. “Someone might think she is not extroverted,” says Amira Mor, a longtime teacher and performer, “but through belly dancing she will find out that she is.” Belly dancing might initially feel awkward for women who are uncomfortable baring their bodies, but Mor attests that many of her students quickly get over their shyness. “Many people never want to reveal their bellies, but within a few classes you see a change and they allow themselves to wear bright colors and be sensual.”
Bad For: Fashion fans on a budget. “It’s addictive — I’m warning you!” Mor says, laughing. And she’s not talking about just the dance classes. “If you come to my class, we are all addicted to costumes right now. I don’t care how old a person is. We are all in it like little girls.” Items that might run up your budget — or steal space in your closet — include skirts, colorful hip scarves, veils, shoes, and finger cymbals.
How to Get Started/What to Look For: Mor notes that many gyms and dance centers now offer belly-dancing classes. If they don’t, you can always request one. Make sure your prospective teacher has several years of experience and some fitness certifications, such as CPR, under her hip scarf. Mor sells her own instructional videos on her website, www.amiramor.com. She can also help prospective dancers find classes across the country (contact her through the site).
