Jacqueline Chapman

I care passionately about my art-form, which is so frequently misunderstood or corrupted. Most people have only seen belly dancers in restaurants or on holiday. That is only one aspect. Classical Arabic belly dancing is graceful, emotional, skilful and sensual, not overtly sexual. It is mainly danced in the Middle East by women, for women, to show love and respect for each other without men's presence. I dance and teach middle-eastern dance authentically; primarily classical Egyptian; with elements taken from all classical middle east belly dancing cultures, including Moroccan, Lebanese, Turkish, etc. Belly dance is a graceful, skilful, art-form, admired and respected by those who understand it. The whole gamut of emotions are called upon whilst performing: sad, happy, sensual, powerful, giving, caring. It is a significant form of self-expression at all ages and stages of womanhood; slow or fast, soft and sensual, controlled and commanding, passionate and powerful, assertive and addictive. It is also an exciting way of keeping fit, reducing tension and inducing a feeling of physical and spiritual well-being. Belly dance sets free the inner mind and body with wonderfully stimulating movements allowing self expression of the soul and flexibility of body. I teach technically, providing the dancer with training but also giving confidence to dance with the heart as well as the feet. Before turning professional as a belly dancer I was a nurse (R.G.N.) for 10 years, culminating in the role of Sister on a medical ward; and I also have obstetric training and qualifications (O.N.C.) - so my classes have an strong accent on caring and health.