Belly dancers in the Abergavenny-based Topaz Tribal group take their influence from all over the world. EMILY CLARK finds out more about the costumes and classes

BELLY dancing is on the up in the UK, as instructors and performing groups charm us with their music and moves.

The roots of belly dancing run deep in cultures around the world, from the Middle East to Turkey and Egypt, and the art is now so popular that several international belly dancing festivals are now held in Britain.

Belly dancing professionals did became popular in British clubs from the 1960s, but the trend lost momentum. But nowadays, belly dancing is booming as gyms and fitness clubs offer the activity as a fun and exotic way to exercise.

In the UK there are more than 130 belly dancing teachers currently offering classes in a number of centres, according to bellydancing.org.uk

There are several teachers in South Wales too – one of them is Wendy Hughes, based in Abergavenny.

Ms Hughes is a fully qualified Gypsy Caravan Tribal Belly instructor and leader of a performing group called Topaz Tribal who specialise in tribal belly dancing.

Topaz Tribal practice and perform in South Wales with recent performances including Tredegar House Folk Festival earlier this month.

Tribal belly dancing, as opposed to other forms of the activity, was developed in Portland, Oregon, in the 1980s by Paulette Rees-Denis.

Tribal belly dancing is a community-based dance and is open to anyone, regardless of size or age. Topaz Tribal group learn a format of moves and combinations, dancing together in a circle of women using the structure of the music as cues.

Ms Hughes said: “It's a traditional style of belly dance with influences from around the globe - Spanish, Turkish, Tunisian, Egyptian and African. It's earthy, it's grounded, it's eclectic, unique and it's fun.”

There are currently eight belly dancers in Topaz Tribal, and they welcome new members who want to practise and perform with them.

There’s no limit on age in belly dancing classes either. Ms Hughes herself is 60, and the oldest lady in her Monmouth class is 84, whilst the youngest person in her Abergavenny-based dance troupe is in her 20s.

And Ms Hughes is convinced of the many health and mental benefits of the activity. She said: “Belly dancing is for people from all walks of life - there are no boundaries. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do. It gives you more confidence.

“It’s fun and fitness, bringing women together to develop confidence by improving core stability and inner strength. It’s an holistic fitness thing – it’s addictive, to be honest.”

She added: “The number one thing is posture. It’s the greatest thing we can improve ourselves by doing very little.

“Stand correctly, aligning everything from your feet up, keeping your knees soft and slightly bent. Tuck in your pelvis and squeeze the lower abs. Keep your body relaxed but strong, lift out your rib cage, relax your shoulders and keep a nice tall posture.”

Ms Hughes, a retired psychiatric nurse, came to focus on belly dancing after sustaining an injury at work to her neck and shoulder. Before her injury, she took part in various exercise classes but continued only with belly dancing because it was very similar to her physiotherapy exercises.

She said: “Now I’m completely free of pain. I consider myself back to normal, which I never ever thought I would.”

For others who she teaches, Ms Hughes said: “I’ve heard so many ladies get back to me about how much better they feel, it helps general aches and pains. One lady in the troupe has had both hips replaced. She joined 18 months ago and says how much freer she feels in her hips.”

The unique and colourful costumes are made by Ms Hughes and a fellow dancer who are the troupe’s seamstresses. They upcycle, recycle and use charity shop fabric to make their costumes.

One part of the costume is called a ‘choli’ , traditionally worn by Hindu women in India, which they resourcefully upcycle from patterned leggings.

The other components of their belly dancing costume are pantaloons, two skirts, a shawl, a tasselled or Turkish belt with coins, a heavily decorated brassiere, a Ghawazee vest, as well as turbans, hair decorations, jewellery and make up.

Revealing your belly is not compulsory – some belly dancers wear a body vest too.

Their fashion inspiration draws from many cultures. Ms Hughes said: “We don’t stick to one particular style – it’s a mix, and that reflects in our dance.”

Topaz Tribal have performed in various Abergavenny Town Council events, a charity dinner and Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival.

Topaz Tribal also do demonstrations and held a 'have a go' session for the Women's Institute. Ms Hughes said: “They very much enjoy the femininity and grace of this dance and the costumes go down a storm when they learn we make most of our own.”

The troupe also love to use their dancing to support local and further afield events.

Ms Hughes is also teaching at the Celebrating Dance festival of bellydance in Torquay this year.

Her beginner class is held every Wednesday from 7.30pm until 8.30pm. It costs £5 and is held in Abergavenny Community Centre.

She also runs a class in Monmouth and Builth Wells.

For more information, visit www.topaztribalbellydance.co.uk