Over the years, belly dance in Singapore is gaining groove and making a beat not just amongst the ladies, even men and children have been known to also take up lessons to learn belly dancing. Besides the growing interest in the oriental dance form, initiatives and programmes from the government, the National Arts Council, People’s Association and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth such as the “Got to Move” project has helped to pique interest, promote dance performances and encourage the wider public to take up dance-related hobbies. As a result, belly dance classes are now being offered almost everywhere from gym or dance studios to community centres and even in homes. Belly dance lessons can also be conducted in masses or with smaller groups or even private lessons. Depending on which country the dance instructors learned from, most belly dance teachers in Singapore would cover the traditional Arabic, the Egyptian style or the Turkish style of belly dance in their belly dance classes. While the Egyptian style of belly dancing is renowned for its controlled and precise movements, the Turkish style of belly dancing projects a livelier, a more playful and energetic art form, showcasing its athleticism and the skilled use of finger cymbals. Some dancers are so dedicated and committed to their craft that they have undergone further training and belly dance lessons in Egypt or Turkey to pick up skills under the tutelage of a Master teacher. Some instructors in Singapore would also fly in some of these master teachers from time to time for their belly dance classes.
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