Smash the stereotype: Our recruitment administrator is a belly dancer

Native to North Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, belly dancing is based on some of the oldest social dances in world history. Its popularity across the Western world is increasing and today’s modern Egyptian belly dance incorporates sound mix, orchestra and drum machine with lively vocals.

In fact, Egyptian belly dance was among the first styles to be witnessed by Westerners. During Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt, Napoleon’s troops encountered the Ghawazee tribe who made their living as professional entertainers and musicians.

The women engaged in prostitution on the side, and often had a street dedicated to their trade in the towns where they resided!

At first the French were repelled by their heavy jewelry and hair, and found their dancing “barbaric”, but were soon lured by the hypnotic nature of their movements…

We met Moyra Banks, a recruitment administrator at Badenoch & Clark to find out how she got involved.

LC: What got you started?
MB: Six years ago friends persuaded me to have a go. I thought it was just a bit of a laugh but soon realised that it wasn’t quite as simple as it first seemed. I worked hard at it and go frequently to Egypt to have lessons from the best in the world.

LC: What got you hooked?
MB: I loved it! It makes me feel fantastic. I loved that fact that it was totally absorbing and I loved that it was a great leveller – all sorts of people could give belly dancing a go and get enjoyment out of it. It’s more than dancing; it’s the music, the costumes and the culture too. It’s worlds away from an office job!

LC: Tell me more about the costumes…
MB: They’re gorgeous! I have my performing costumes made to order in Cairo and although they are not cheap, they are beautiful. Wardrobe malfunctions are a hazard of dancing so I’ve learnt that having made to measure is worth it.

LC: So what does it entail?
MB: Belly dance is a bit of a misleading name for it as all parts of the body are involved, and the most important body part is the hips. In the dance that I do, which is quite a theatrical dance, there’s a range of basic moves to learn - Shimmy, Figure of Eight, Hip Drops and Lifts, Circles, Spirals, Undulations, Manipulation of the Rib Cage, Head Glides, and Graceful Arms. It’s very expressive - a real celebration and expression of life and of being a woman. It also has quite a lot of ballet influences – for example we dance on our toes all the time, whereas Indian belly dancers would be on flat feet.

LC: It sounds exhausting. Is it good for you?
MB: Yes. There are real physical as well as psychological benefits. It’s low impact so the stress on joints is minimal but it’s great for flexibility, reducing stress and general body conditioning. As it works by isolating muscle groups especially around the abdomen, it’s great for core stability and good posture. Working the muscles of the arms, neck, shoulders and back gently massages away tension. It’s much more fun than being on a bike and can burn as many calories as jogging. It’s a good cardio-vascular work out. Try it – you’ll feel great afterwards.

LC: Who can do it?
MB: Everyone. Before I came to London, I used to teach about six classes a week in Edinburgh, including for the disabled and the elderly. I’ve done classes with women from 15 to 80 years old.It’s brilliant that it is so inclusive.

LC: How do you know if you’re any good at it?
MB: I realised I was good at it when some of the greatest dancers in Cairo were pleased to work with me. It’s a confidence thing really. I used to dance in a few restaurants in Edinburgh and get bookings for weddings and private party shows.

LC: Are your parents happy that you dance for people in these fabulous costumes?
MB: That’s a good question! Back in Egypt you wouldn’t tell your parents you were a belly dancer until you were performing in one of the big 5 star hotels – basically they’d think you were a prostitute! My family can see how much I love it and how much the whole culture has enriched my life.

LC: What’s next?
MB: I’m intend to perform in Planet Egypt events which are a monthly belly dance showcase in London. One day I’ll learn Arabic too.

If you’d like to talk to Moyra about belly dancing, you can email her at moyrabanksdance@hotmail.co.uk