Belly-dancing class will celebrate women

This week Penn women can bare their bellies and learn traditional Middle Eastern dancing.

As part of Women’s Week, Ya’lla, Sigma Psi Zeta and Women in Leadership Series are hosting a Belly Dancing workshop on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Penn Women’s Center.

Ya’lla is Penn’s only Middle Eastern dance and drum troupe. The group’s uniqueness lies in “showcas[ing] the intimate relationship between music and how the dancer interprets it,” said Ya’lla president and Sigma Psi Zeta sister Elaine Kwon, a College sophmore.

“The event is really about celebrating women,” Kwon explained.

Contrary to what many people assume, belly dancing started as a spiritual activity that was passed on from mother to daughter to celebrate woman, her body and her ability to give birth, according to Kwon. “It gives a sense of belonging to the female psyche,” said added.

“Because of what it looks like most people misconstrue its purpose. But it has nothing to do with men,” Kwon added.

The event will consist of two parts. During the first half, participants will be introduced to the origin and background of belly dancing in order to understand why it can be enriching. Participants will also learn basic dance moves.

The second half will include a performance by some of the members of Ya’lla to give participants an example of someone who enjoys belly dancing.

The performance will end with freestyle and the women attending the workshop will have the opportunity to join Ya’lla and dance.

Kwon explained that “You realize it’s about sisterhood — a close-knit group of sisters learning how to dance, who you are and how to express that.”

“A friend in Ya’lla taught me some moves this summer. I love the way belly-dancing makes me feel-empowered and sexy,” said College sophomore Joy McKenzie, who plans to attend the event.

The event is free and open to all Penn women.

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