Get fit with belly dancing: Claribel Ng, Claribel Raks Sharki

Ng (56) took her first belly dancing class in 1982 in Hong Kong and continued dancing with a troupe until moving to Singapore in 1995. Unable to find any structured classes, she decided to hold her own – first at The Substation in 1996, and later opening her own studio in 2001, where she continues to teach.

Fact
Raks Sharki is the Arabic term for belly dancing, meaning ‘oriental dance'.

How she got started
‘I’d been interested in dance since childhood, but didn’t take classes until I was in my late twenties. I tried many different types of dance, from jazz to tap to Chinese dance, but I saw an ad about belly dancing that said there was no age limit – that’s what attracted me, because I was already too old for things like ballet. It was also something new, so I wanted to try it.’

Why she loves it
‘When I started, very few people had any idea of what belly dancing really was. I knew about it from movies, but not in a really good way – mainly as a sexy diversion. But once I started taking classes, it opened the door to something bigger: learning about the techniques and practising coordination, as well as learning about the culture. It strengthens your body, helps you relax and the music is beautiful.’

Who it’s for
‘Anybody can do it. It’s for all ages and body types – one of my students was 80 years old! But like any exercise, it takes a lot of practice. It’s all about isolation – how to move your lower body without moving your upper body.’

Benefits
‘It’s a very good workout. You use every part of your body: arms, legs, chest, neck, shoulders, back and hips. It’s a very thorough exercise and all the movements are very natural – there aren’t any kicks or high jumps. I tell my students that it’s like low-impact aerobics.’

Where to find her
Claribel Raks Sharki, 31A & 33A New Bridge Rd (6536 8394, www.bellydanceinsingapore.com). Beginner (eight one-hour classes) $160; intermediate (six one-and-a-half-hour classes with Ng) $180.