FL MORRIS / fmorris@staradvertiser.com
Donna Ilagan, left, Namahana Lota and Lorien Archambeault take part in the "Bellydance Technique, Drills and Combos" fitness class at Dream to Dance studio in Kakaako.
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Giltzy belts and sultry moves make belly dancing an enticing workout. The time flies by, but don’t let that fool you. The constant movement to lively music during the Shimmy Fitness class definitely works up a sweat. And at times, while doing shoulder isolations and arm movements, I felt like my limbs would fall off.
SHIMMY FITNESS
>> Where/when: Classes at several locations; see maliainhawaii.com Opens in a new tab
>> Cost: $15 per class, $50 for four lessons; free for first-timers
>> Info: 234-1006 |
The class, held at Dream to Dance studio on Auria Street, is done barefoot. A scarf, coin belt or sarong can be worn around the hips for decoration and to accent movements.
The "Malia in Hawaii" format blends an array of styles. It’s an all-body workout aimed at strengthening the core while slimming and sculpting the body. There’s lots of chest shimmies and butt-shaking, so it’s not a class where you can hide in the back. The action moves around the room, which means eventually you will be leading in the front.
The session begins with a yogalike stretch then belly-dance moves done in a low-impact aerobic style. The moves introduced include shoulder isolations and hip movements with an emphasis on keeping the hands and feet "looking pretty" at all times. Different dance combinations are incorporated into the choreography.
Tashia Shiraishi has been taking classes for about two years. "One of the benefits that I’ve definitely gained from Shimmy Fitness is using and isolating my muscles in ways that I can’t at the gym. I would rather do shoulder presses than do shoulder shimmies. You feel the burn."
Instructor Malia Delapenia is a professional belly-dance performer and choreographer. She said dance experience is not required to enjoy Shimmy Fitness classes. Some people come to learn about Middle Eastern culture, while others want to let loose and have fun, she said.
"I just hope to share the love I have for this art form," she said. "I hope to provide a welcoming environment where women can come let their hair down and explore their femininity and walk away feeling like an Arabian goddess."
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“Tryouts” features exercise and wellness classes and other fitness activities. Reach Nancy Arcayna at narcayna@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.
