Hilton’s Profile

Posted by Evelyn on May 9, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Hilton has been bellydancing for 7 years since year 2005. He started Cabaret Style in the first 2 years and he was captured and blown away by Tribal Fusion Style after watching a video from youtube. Then, Hilton started to do research and studies on his own as there are no intructor giving Tribal Fusion Style lesson at particular period. Hilton has his own style and persona in performance and choreography where he fuses a lot of element in his own dancing with Tribal Fusion bellydance like Jazz, Broadway, Visual Kei and Theatrical. He took workshops and classes from bellydance master; Sharon Kihara, Ariellah and Samantha Emanuel (just to name a few). Hilton is continuing his passion as a Tribal Fusion Bellydance artist, performer and choreographer. He is also giving workshops, weekly classes, weeklong intensive training and private classes with the objective of spreading the art form through performances and teaching.

Hilton has been teaching Tribal Fusion Bellydance for the past 4 years in studios and festivals and currently tour around South East Asia to promote the art form. Hilton teaches a 2 weeklong intensive training in Singapore last year and getting a huge positive feedback from the participants. Besides, he is also teaches workshops and classes in Kuala Lumpur area when there is a request.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hiltonlijun

Awards

Asia Global Belly Dance Competition 2011(Singapore)- The Champion of Asia Global Belly Dance Competition 2011
Asia- Pacific Oriental Competition 2009 (Taiwan)- Best Performance Award in Professional Solo Category

Performance

2011

邓雪萍- 萍水相逢音乐会记者会(collaboration with local singer/artist in Malaysia) in Actor Studio
Groovy Night, Powerhouse in Singapore
Collision Art Festival in Publika
2nd Tribal Festival Malaysia in Hard Rock Cafe
Asia Global Bellydance Competition Gala Show 2011 in Singapore
5^th World Bellydance Day in Zouk
Feng Cai Magazine Bridal Showcase in Mid Valley Megamall

2010

1^st Tribal Festival Malaysia in Bangsar
4^th World Bellydance Day in Penang

2009

World Salsa Congress in Sunway
Opening for “The Atmosphere” in Sri Kembangan

Media Link

Video Link

Filed under Blog · Tagged with

Unblue Your Monday – VOL.27

Posted by Evelyn on May 4, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Hey there sisters,

Yes, your eyes are not playing tricks. It is a new look of Unblue Your Monday to provide you a more pleasant feel for your eyes and finger.

Hot in this issue!

Yuki just came back from the Big Apple (where is that?) and she is so excited to share her Singapore Day there! Workshop by Nigma, what is different from the rest. How to enjoy our monthly moon sister visit? There is a new fusion style that is not two, there is three dance styles all in one and whose teaching it?

Time has flown so quickly and we are already in the fourth week of April! Income tax filed. There are two holidays coming up – May Day and Vesak Day. Time to pencil in that short trip to play, relax and recharge with family and friends! Woo hoo!!

We wish you a fantastic and fabulous week. Stay tune for more hot stories.

Sending you lots of Joy and Peace,

The do-gooders of Bellydance Discovery

Singapore Day in the Big Apple

When you enter into the event ground, it was like our MRT entry, so Singapore! Then you will see familiar things like the HDB void deck, lift, mail box, LTA typical bus stop, pond bridge, similar seats in SG parks and gardens, etc. There were also exhibitions by Mindef, MOE, SSC, PA, HDB, F1 Race and other SG statutory boards. All happening in the Big Apple, New York, USA!

When you see these familiar sightings overseas, you feel so excited and right at Home! We have taken what we have in our homeland, Singapore for granted. So, what can bring Singaporean together?

If you say it was food and concert. You are right. Over 4900 people majority Singaporeans with their US friends delightfully lined up for our local dishes and catch our home grown local acts and shows, simply because you just cannot get these anywhere else in the world.

Of course, there were endless queues at stalls for the mouth-watering delicious famous chicken rice, chilli crabs, laksa, rojak, satay and etc.

From what I see, it must have taken so much planning and coordination to transform a part of Prospect Park (a popular Park in Brooklyn) into Singapore.

The showcases, the smell of SG food, the faces and our local Singlish just made me felt so much back in Singapore right away in US, New York, Prospect Park in Brooklyn. It’s the sight of home, the taste of home, the sound of home, the smell of home and together we all dance to the dance of home.

So why was I in New York?

Most people know, I am a famous bellydance performer and instructor but deep inside me knows that bellydance represents my passion and expression of music and dance but it could never be a dance of Singapore. Bellydance will always be the dance of Middle East, not Singapore, no matter how well we dance it. But, there is a dance form that is uniquely Singapore – Passion Mambo!

It has become a signature dance that promotes the community spirit and home for overseas Singaporeans. Passion Mambo, organised by the People’s Association helps bring everyone together to dance regardless of race, age, gender, size or shape. I am so happy to teach, dance and be part of Passion Mambo with the Singaporeans over there and at home.

It was truly a great honour to be part of Singapore Day 2012 in New York (Big Apple) USA on 14th April 2012.

The flight to New York with a stopover in Frankfurt took almost 24 hours. That was the longest flight I ever took. Deep in my heart, contributing my talent and passion and bringing the spirit of Singapore to my country folks was all worthwhile.

Chilli crab and satay anyone?

Moon Sister

The definition of Menstruation has many names – period, monthly cycle, even Aunty Flo. Moon Sister, “Ang pow” is here. For some the experience of it comes gently and welcoming (lucky for them). However, some of us experience just the opposite.

The medical term for menstrual cramps is dysmenorrhea. (dis–men–o–ree–a) sharp pains in a woman’s lower abdomen that occur when her menstrual period begins and may continue for 2-3 days, a few women may have them last longer.

Here are a couple of suggestions: apply heat to your abdomen with a heating pad, lying down and elevate your legs by putting a pillow under your knees. Use sanitary napkins instead of tampons. Get some regular exercise. Eat less fatty meals.

According to Marisa Tomei, an award winning actress who is FHM’s 100 sexiest Females in the world at 45 “Belly dancing is known as a fun, flirty activity that also builds self-confidence and self-esteem. Among the lesser known physical benefits of belly dancing, the exercise may also help women during the menstrual cycle.” Of the activity, Marisa says it “not only keeps you in incredible shape, it’s good for women’s reproductive organs and hormones too.” As Belly dancing is a weight bearing which increases circulation to the reproductive organs which may help alleviate pain from menstrual cramps. Excited to gain these benefits?

So let us move it! Put on that cute hip scarf, some bellydance music and do some hip moves and shimmies. Don’t want to dance alone?

You can call up the Do-gooders at BDD and ask to join in the upcoming hafla or take a class and have some good fun time bonding and building up your sisterhood network.

If you have experience similar benefits, we love to hear from you. We’ll include your inspiring sharing in the upcoming newsletter to aspire your sisters to good health and wealth. Please email your wonderful short testimony to yuki@bellydance.com.sg

Shake, Shimmy and Roll Sisters J

“Dance is bigger than the physical body. When you extend your arm, it doesn’t stop at the end of your fingers, because you’re dancing bigger than that; you’re dancing spirit.”

Judith Jamison Artistic Director – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre

Tango Fusion

Fusing the Tango, Gypsy and Bellydance into one choreography dance takes lots of improvisation, dance experience and creative imagination. That describes Yuki. Who just loves to challenge the norm. Having learnt this new fusion in Korea last year with Esmeralda, she’s very excited to teach it first in BDD and Singapore. So if you have the desire to experience the Argentina Tango, the free-spirited Gypsy dance and the mysteries of middle eastern dance all together, then the Tango fusion class will give you a robust bellydance experience.

CHOREOGRAPHY – TANGO FUSION (Member: $160 / Non-members: $205)
Need to complete ADV.3
Day	Time	Start Date	End Date	Dates for Classes	Instructor
Thursday	7.00pm – 8.00pm	3-May-12	28-Jun-12	3, 10, 24, 31 May, 7, 14, 21, 28 Jun	Yuki

Nigma Workshop

Learning something new and different always enhances our dance styles. Especially with from well-known and very experience overseas choreographers, instructors and masters. Their willingness to share their tips and tricks, their experiences certainly shows up their passion in the oriental dance.

Nigma has this similar passion. She had willingly and patiently shared greatly, challenged some of the attitudes and techniques of the participants at the workshops. From Poland, Nigma is the founder of the “El-Oasis” Bellydance & Oriental Folklore School in Spain. Not only is she a dancer, composer and singer, Nigma is an instrumentalist as well. Wow! She has been performing all over the world and has learnt from the many masters such as Raqia Hassan, Mahomoud Reda, Randa Kamal and Dr Mo Deddawi.

Here’s a synopsis of what participants had learnt from Nigma.

Drum Solo: Technique & Choreography (7^th Apr 2012, Saturday)

Focuses on the interpretation of the Drum Solo, either as an independent dance form or as part of the Raks Sharki routine in the middle eastern dance that gives a leading role to the percussion instruments performance. Emphasis was on the solar moves and the understanding of a variety of rhythms and displaying the dancer’s technical skills and imagination.

Veil Dance: Technique & Choreography (8^th April 2012, Sunday)

Participants learnt creative ideas to compose a beautiful and impressive dance with one of the most popular props in the middle eastern dance – The Veil. Either as an independent dance form or as part of the Raks Sharki routine in the middle eastern dance (entrance or finale). Special emphasis was on both improving their body techniques to handle the veil more effortlessly and the beautiful combinations of body movement with veil technique.

Thank you very much Wendy Guo and Sim Yee for sharing your learning experience from Nigma workshop.

How has the workshop inspired you?

Nigma’s drum solo choreo is quite different combination from what I used to do.
The technique from veil is definitely something challenging yet fun to dance.
It has given me more ideas on the different types of movements

How will you dance differently after learning from Nigma?

I found her style of combination is quite different from what I am doing already, I doubt I can digest so fast but definitely will try to inject something new. She has taught us some techniques that I was not aware of, and for sure I will use them in my dance.

What else do you want to learn from her?

Tribal
She has vast experience of different types of dance styles, e.g. saiidi with cane, zills and also flamenco. I would want to learn these from her.

What did you like about Nigma’s teaching style?

She is willing to share all her knowledge.
She is a very patient instructor and her breakdown of the movements are very clear.

Who will you recommend Nigma’s workshops to

For students who prefer learning at a slower speed, build up solid techniques from workshops instead of normal bellydance classes, and must learn by understanding all the” what why how” for the choreo in the whole picture.
Dancers for more complicated dance choreo and technique workshops for all.

Nigma Workshop

Here’s a synopsis of what participants had learnt from Nigma.

Drum Solo: Technique & Choreography (7^th Apr 2012, Saturday)

Veil Dance: Technique & Choreography (8^th April 2012, Sunday)

Thank you very much Wendy Guo and Sim Yee for sharing your learning experience from Nigma workshop.

How has the workshop inspired you?

· Nigma’s drum solo choreo is quite different combination from what I used to do.

· The technique from veil is definitely something challenging yet fun to dance.

· It has given me more ideas on the different types of movements

How will you dance differently after learning from Nigma?

· I found her style of combination is quite different from what I am doing already, I doubt I can digest so fast but definitely will try to inject something new.

· She has taught us some techniques that I was not aware of, and for sure I will use them in my dance.

What else do you want to learn from her?

· Tribal

· She has vast experience of different types of dance styles, e.g. saiidi with cane, zills and also flamenco. I would want to learn these from her.

What did you like about Nigma’s teaching style?

· She is willing to share all her knowledge.

· She is a very patient instructor and her breakdown of the movements are very clear.

Who will you recommend Nigma’s workshops to?

· For students who prefer learning at a slower speed, build up solid techniques from workshops instead of normal bellydance classes, and must learn by understanding all the” what why how” for the choreo in the whole picture.

· Dancers for more complicated dance choreo and technique workshops for all.

Filed under Blog · Tagged with

Unblue Your Monday – Vol. 26

Posted by Evelyn on April 10, 2012 · Leave a Comment

To ensure that you do not miss any exciting happenings & news, do add info@bellydance.com.sg to your safe list.

If you have any feedback on how we can further improve our newsletter or would like to share with us any information/story related to women, dance, beauty & wellness, please email suzi@bellydance.com.sg.

Bellydance while Pregnant

Our Cover girl for this issue is Mizuho Masaki. Mizuho brings the pregnancy glow to a new level.

Suzi: Which level were you in when you discovered you were pregnant?

Mizuho: When I was in Intermediate Level 2 – Basic Drum Solo, I was already pregnant but I thought I was just getting fat.

Towards the end I started becoming sick. I went to the doctor, found out it was morning sickness & I was pregnant. By that time I was already starting Intermediate Level 3 – Ana Dana. I immediately told my instructor Mandy, ” I am pregnant”.

Suzi: Then why did you continue to bellydance?

Mizuho: I feel relaxed when I dance. Bellydance is so much more interesting than my job I also need to keep my weight. I am now 10kg heavier & it just keeps increasing now that I am back in Japan.

S: Is it painful or difficult to bellydance while pregnant?

M: There’s no pain at all. I dance at my pace. When I’m tired, I simply take a break. Some actions I didn’t do like turns, jumps, shimmies, etc. Mandy & my classmates took care of me. I appreciate them so much.

S: Does bellydancing help you with problems faced during pregnancy?

M: I get back aches at work as I’m desk bound. The stretches & muscle toning really help me alot. Even the dance take my pain away.

S: Will you continue bellydancing?

M: Yes, of course!! It all depends on my baby’s condition. I will continue to bellydance in Japan until it’s time for me to return to Singapore. See you all in BDD hopefully in 3 months time!!

Thank you Mizuho. It’s always best having someone who is experiencing the situation to tell about it.

All of us here at BDD wishes you a smooth labour & fast recovery. Can’t wait to see you & your baby!

Bellydancing & birthing have been inextricably linked for thousands of years – since the days of ancient female deity worship, to tribal fertility ceremony, to the harem, to birth customs in today’s Arabian villages.

Today, bellydance is linked with birthing, mainly due to its focus on the belly & hips. As a pre-natal exercise, bellydancing in its gentler forms is strengthening for the pelvic muscles & relaxing for the mother-to-be.

Many Arab women say shimmies should be avoided during pregnancy, but the figure eights & rolling circular movements are good preparation for childbirth.

This makes sense, as the rolling movements not only feel natural, but assist with the normal pelvic relaxation process to prepare for birth & at the same time, helps firm the pelvic muscles for labour & post-pregnancy recovery.

The dance not only gets the mother ready for the birth process, but connects her to the unborn child through a series of movements which focus her attention on her belly. Pregnant mothers find that bellydancing helps relieve them of back pain & keeps their bodies supple.

Many second time mothers after taking up bellydancing reported much easier & relaxed births with the ‘bellydance baby’. The body also gets into shape quickly, the pelvic floor is toned – incontinence is avoided & general condition of health is better with regular bellydancing sessions.

Mediacorp Artistes

As most of you have already known, on 25 March (2 Sundays ago), our gorgeous dancers were performing alongside 7 A-list Mediacorp Artistses namely: Hong Hui Fang, Joanne Peh, Kym Ng, Michelle Chia, Ann Kok, Belinda Lee & Constance Song. Here are the photos & also the video. Click on the link to watch our
magnificent performance>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCTUEI5lido

Label of Love

This is a not-for-profit Charity. 10% of the sales goes to Singapore Children’s Society. Bellydance Discovery is not taking a single cent.

We are volunteering to sell this on behalf of Bionn International for a good cause. Only limited number available.

Get yours now for only $ 53.40! (incld. GST)

Key Ingredients:

Kelp extract – moisturising, nourishing, anti-oxidant
Peptides – stimulate fibroblast, promote collagen synthesis, restore skin elasticity
Hyaluronic acid – strong water absorption, provide adequate moisture to skin
Ginko extract – anti oxidant
Horse chestnut – evens out skin colour tone, enhance skin defense capabilties
Vitamin B5 – promote radiance, protect skin
Vitamin K – Improve dull complexion, regain skin luminosity

More details will be shared in the next newsletter.

Yuki in New York City

Yuki will be bringing Mambo to NYC! The Overseas Singaporean Unit (OSU) conducts annual Singapore day to engage our overseas citizens. The aim is to keep overseas Singaporeans informed of the latest developments in Sg & to come together to celebrate all things Singaporean.

There will be Sg hawker fare, entertainment, career options, virtual reality showcases, etc. Yuki was invited by People’s Association (PA) & OSU, to be part of this signature event. If you have any friends or family members in New York, get them to join in the fun.

Date: 14 April 2012

Venue: Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Time: 10.30am – 6pm

BDD & Yuki in a Magazine

Bellydance Discovery & Yuki is featured in the the Magazine 新健康100.

You can get a copy at all petrol stations, 7-11 , and Popular bookstore. It will hit the stores on 10 April.

Inspirational Quote

“People don’t plan to fail, they just fail to plan.” – Anonymous

Be Friends with us on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/bellydance.discovery

With Love,

The do-gooders of Bellydance Discovery

Bellydance Discovery

20 Peck Seah Street
#03-00 S(079312)

” There is A Dancer In Every Woman”

Filed under Blog · Tagged with

Unblue Your Monday – Vol. 25

Posted by Evelyn on April 10, 2012 · Leave a Comment

To ensure that you do not miss anything exciting happenings & news, do add info@bellydance.com.sg to your safe list.

If you have any feedback on how we can further improve our newsletter/would like to share with us any information/story related to women, dance, beauty & wellness, please email suzi@bellydance.com.sg.

Body Confidence

Bellydancing boosts self-esteem in a gentle yet powerful way. The movements are artistic & feminine, creating a positive feeling of sensual expression & freedom. With sensuality being desirable quality of bellydancing, the dancer feels safe to explore the soft, beautiful ways the body can move. Sensual taqsim is emotively charged & deeply felt.

In the act of dancing, the dancer frees herself in physical & emotional ways; feeling a heightened sense of

elegance & poise when she dances. This delightful confidence remains long after the class or performance is finished. The body awareness that comes from bellydancing often triggers an emotional response. Women with low self image begin to honour their bodies. Previously weight conscious participants relax & become comfortable with their body shape.

Nara, our Cover Girl, shares with us her take on body confidence.

Suzi: You look great in the costume! Were you always this confident with your body?

Nara: No, I used to hate how I look. I had a very bad slouch to hide my well-endowed chest! You won’t believe I was severely underweight as a child. After I ballooned, I did crazy things like go on a crash diet & rigorous exercise routine (lost 8kg in 2 months).

Once I was so stressed physically & emotionally I had to go on hormone pills ( gained 10kg in a year). It was extreme yoyo effect.

Then I realised what I was yearning for is not a svelte model body, but simply acceptance & assurance. I know I had to accept myself first. The power of self love – the inward confidence allowed me to be optimistic, feel secure & treat people better.

S: Why bellydance?

N: Bellydance helped me to feel good, feminine & understand my body frame better. I then found out I

had a rather small rib cage, which means I can achieve smaller waist!

Bellydancing is undoubtedly one of the best ways I build up my emotional & physical well being.

One of the best rewards is to have the audience come up to me & say they want to learn the art after watching me dance – the ultimate confidence booster!

To all of you plus size ladies out there: Being fleshy makes our shimmies & undulations more obvious. When the audience sees you doing a Turkish drop (backbend), you will hear them say “OMG!”…so let’s get you a hip scarf & bellydance right away :p

S: Are the people around you supportive of you posting pictures in bellydance costumes that expose your

voluptuousness?

N: I’m glad that most of my friends are very supportive. No doubt, there will be some who raise their eyebrows when they see my photos. Then again, you can never please everyone at any one time. It’s you that really matter more than what anyone else thinks.

S: Any take home message/advice for ladies who think they are ugly because they are not slim & taut?

N: I can see so much of the old me living in the eyes of these ladies, back then when I was wishing to be stick thin.

Don’t let criticism get you down. You are irreplaceable & unique, regardless of size, shape & what people say.

Instead of feeling insecure, why not divert your energy to an activity that helps you to start

appreciating yourself?

For me, I found bellydancing =)

You can be our next cover girl! Simply email to suzi@bellydance.com.sg about the topic you wish to share. I will either interview you via phone/email.

Thank you Nara for such a wonderful life experience.

We were on TV!

Bellydance Discovery has become a Celebrity Choice dance school! We have been receiving continuous invites to be on National TV since late last year. Remember Art Bites on OKTO channel with the sizzling hot George Young?

This year we kick start with a family oriented show: Chakia & Sneakers that was shown on Channel 5. Ramlah, one of our students was chosen to swap hobby with her daughter: Bellydance vs. Theatre.

If you’ve missed it/would like to watch it again, click on the link. http://video.xin.msn.com/watch/video/episode-4/1gqfww9nx?src=v5%3ashare%3aemail%3a

Last night we were on a LIVE Ch8 THK Charity Show. Did you manage to catch us on TV?

Keep your eyes peeled as we are currently on another Mediacorp show called Knockout!

DVD on Sale

Our Dance Chameleon concert DVD is up for grabs! I know you have all been waiting for many months. Due to

technical glitches on the videographer’s side, we managed to salvage the footage. How much for it? Prices quoted are Members’ Price:

$20 each
$35 for 2 different years of concert
$50 for 3 different years of concert

DVD Titles:

(2008) Love Around The World
(2010) Bellydance Fantasia
(2011) Dance Chameleon

It’s Good Friday

Another Public holiday is coming very soon….Fri 6 April is Good Friday! Another blissful long weekend.

Bellydance Discovery will be closed on Friday 6 April BUT we will resume our passion on Sat 7 April. To spice up your Good Friday holiday weekend, BDD has invited Nigma to conduct 2 enriching workshops.

Enigmatic Nigma

Nigma was born in Poland to a trace of Romany Gypsy family. She then settled in Spain & founded El-Oasis, an

International Bellydance Community. BDD has invited Nigma for 2-days of workshops ( 7 & 8 April) followed by 2 days of private lessons ( 9 & 10 April) for those who wish to have Nigma’s undivided attention on techniques & styles.

Showcase @ Toa Payoh Hub

Yet another chance for students to perform…this time for the general public. BDD, together with Bionn

International will be raising funds for Singapore Children’s’ Cancer Society. We will be sponsoring beautiful dancers for the road show @ Toa Payoh Hub.

Date: 20-22 Apr

Time: (Fri) 7pm – 9pm. (Sat/Sun):12pm – 8pm

This is the best way for you to show everyone what you have learnt & how much fun it is. Please click on the link for the eligibility criteria, terms & conditions: http://www.bellydance.com.sg/index.php/2012/03/apr12showcase/

Trial Workshop

We have been receiving enquiries on Trials & new Beginners 1 class. April slot is finally here…time to get your

family & friends in for an hour of introductory fun @ only $10! 2 of my girlfriends will be joining Our tush are getting wider, time to move it move it.

We have dates from 1 – 17 April for the Trial Workshop…go on to the link for more details.

http://www.bellydance.com.sg/index.php/classes-workshop/trial-workshop/

Hilton’s Profile

Unblue Your Monday – VOL.27

The do-gooders of Bellydance Discovery

Unblue Your Monday – Vol. 26

To ensure that you do not miss any exciting happenings & news, do add info@bellydance.com.sg to your safe list.

If you have any feedback on how we can further improve our newsletter or would like to share with us any information/story related to women, dance, beauty & wellness, please email suzi@bellydance.com.sg.

Bellydance while Pregnant

Our Cover girl for this issue is Mizuho Masaki. Mizuho brings the pregnancy glow to a new level.

Suzi: Which level were you in when you discovered you were pregnant?

Mizuho: When I was in Intermediate Level 2 – Basic Drum Solo, I was already pregnant but I thought I was just getting fat.

Towards the end I started becoming sick. I went to the doctor, found out it was morning sickness & I was pregnant. By that time I was already starting Intermediate Level 3 – Ana Dana. I immediately told my instructor Mandy, ” I am pregnant”.

Suzi: Then why did you continue to bellydance?

Mizuho: I feel relaxed when I dance. Bellydance is so much more interesting than my job I also need to keep my weight. I am now 10kg heavier & it just keeps increasing now that I am back in Japan.

S: Is it painful or difficult to bellydance while pregnant?

M: There’s no pain at all. I dance at my pace. When I’m tired, I simply take a break. Some actions I didn’t do like turns, jumps, shimmies, etc. Mandy & my classmates took care of me. I appreciate them so much.

S: Does bellydancing help you with problems faced during pregnancy?

M: I get back aches at work as I’m desk bound. The stretches & muscle toning really help me alot. Even the dance take my pain away.

S: Will you continue bellydancing?

M: Yes, of course!! It all depends on my baby’s condition. I will continue to bellydance in Japan until it’s time for me to return to Singapore. See you all in BDD hopefully in 3 months time!!

Thank you Mizuho. It’s always best having someone who is experiencing the situation to tell about it.

All of us here at BDD wishes you a smooth labour & fast recovery. Can’t wait to see you & your baby!

Bellydancing & birthing have been inextricably linked for thousands of years – since the days of ancient female deity worship, to tribal fertility ceremony, to the harem, to birth customs in today’s Arabian villages.

Today, bellydance is linked with birthing, mainly due to its focus on the belly & hips. As a pre-natal exercise, bellydancing in its gentler forms is strengthening for the pelvic muscles & relaxing for the mother-to-be.

Many Arab women say shimmies should be avoided during pregnancy, but the figure eights & rolling circular movements are good preparation for childbirth.

This makes sense, as the rolling movements not only feel natural, but assist with the normal pelvic relaxation process to prepare for birth & at the same time, helps firm the pelvic muscles for labour & post-pregnancy recovery.

The dance not only gets the mother ready for the birth process, but connects her to the unborn child through a series of movements which focus her attention on her belly. Pregnant mothers find that bellydancing helps relieve them of back pain & keeps their bodies supple.

Many second time mothers after taking up bellydancing reported much easier & relaxed births with the ‘bellydance baby’. The body also gets into shape quickly, the pelvic floor is toned – incontinence is avoided & general condition of health is better with regular bellydancing sessions.

Mediacorp Artistes

Label of Love

This is a not-for-profit Charity. 10% of the sales goes to Singapore Children’s Society. Bellydance Discovery is not taking a single cent.

We are volunteering to sell this on behalf of Bionn International for a good cause. Only limited number available.

Get yours now for only $ 53.40! (incld. GST)

Key Ingredients:

Kelp extract – moisturising, nourishing, anti-oxidant

Peptides – stimulate fibroblast, promote collagen synthesis, restore skin elasticity

Hyaluronic acid – strong water absorption, provide adequate moisture to skin

Ginko extract – anti oxidant

Horse chestnut – evens out skin colour tone, enhance skin defense capabilties

Vitamin B5 – promote radiance, protect skin

Vitamin K – Improve dull complexion, regain skin luminosity

More details will be shared in the next newsletter.

Yuki in New York City

Yuki will be bringing Mambo to NYC! The Overseas Singaporean Unit (OSU) conducts annual Singapore day to engage our overseas citizens. The aim is to keep overseas Singaporeans informed of the latest developments in Sg & to come together to celebrate all things Singaporean.

There will be Sg hawker fare, entertainment, career options, virtual reality showcases, etc. Yuki was invited by People’s Association (PA) & OSU, to be part of this signature event. If you have any friends or family members in New York, get them to join in the fun.

Date: 14 April 2012

Venue: Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Time: 10.30am – 6pm

BDD & Yuki in a Magazine

Bellydance Discovery & Yuki is featured in the the Magazine 新健康100.

You can get a copy at all petrol stations, 7-11 , and Popular bookstore. It will hit the stores on 10 April.

Inspirational Quote

“People don’t plan to fail, they just fail to plan.” – Anonymous

Be Friends with us on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/bellydance.discovery

With Love,

The do-gooders of Bellydance Discovery

Bellydance Discovery

20 Peck Seah Street #03-00 S(079312)

” There is A Dancer In Every Woman”

Unblue Your Monday – Vol. 25

To ensure that you do not miss anything exciting happenings & news, do add info@bellydance.com.sg to your safe list.

If you have any feedback on how we can further improve our newsletter/would like to share with us any information/story related to women, dance, beauty & wellness, please email suzi@bellydance.com.sg.

Body Confidence

Nara, our Cover Girl, shares with us her take on body confidence.

Suzi: You look great in the costume! Were you always this confident with your body?

Nara: No, I used to hate how I look. I had a very bad slouch to hide my well-endowed chest! You won’t believe I was severely underweight as a child. After I ballooned, I did crazy things like go on a crash diet & rigorous exercise routine (lost 8kg in 2 months).

Once I was so stressed physically & emotionally I had to go on hormone pills ( gained 10kg in a year). It was extreme yoyo effect.

Then I realised what I was yearning for is not a svelte model body, but simply acceptance & assurance. I know I had to accept myself first. The power of self love – the inward confidence allowed me to be optimistic, feel secure & treat people better.

S: Why bellydance?

N: Bellydance helped me to feel good, feminine & understand my body frame better. I then found out I had a rather small rib cage, which means I can achieve smaller waist! Bellydancing is undoubtedly one of the best ways I build up my emotional & physical well being.

One of the best rewards is to have the audience come up to me & say they want to learn the art after watching me dance – the ultimate confidence booster!

To all of you plus size ladies out there: Being fleshy makes our shimmies & undulations more obvious. When the audience sees you doing a Turkish drop (backbend), you will hear them say “OMG!”…so let’s get you a hip scarf & bellydance right away :p

S: Are the people around you supportive of you posting pictures in bellydance costumes that expose your voluptuousness?

N: I’m glad that most of my friends are very supportive. No doubt, there will be some who raise their eyebrows when they see my photos. Then again, you can never please everyone at any one time. It’s you that really matter more than what anyone else thinks.

S: Any take home message/advice for ladies who think they are ugly because they are not slim & taut?

N: I can see so much of the old me living in the eyes of these ladies, back then when I was wishing to be stick thin.

Don’t let criticism get you down. You are irreplaceable & unique, regardless of size, shape & what people say.

Instead of feeling insecure, why not divert your energy to an activity that helps you to start appreciating yourself?

For me, I found bellydancing =)

You can be our next cover girl! Simply email to suzi@bellydance.com.sg about the topic you wish to share. I will either interview you via phone/email.

20 Peck Seah Street
#03-00 S(079312)

N: Bellydance helped me to feel good, feminine & understand my body frame better. I then found out I

had a rather small rib cage, which means I can achieve smaller waist!

Bellydancing is undoubtedly one of the best ways I build up my emotional & physical well being.

S: Are the people around you supportive of you posting pictures in bellydance costumes that expose your

voluptuousness?

Instead of feeling insecure, why not divert your energy to an activity that helps you to start

appreciating yourself?

Our Dance Chameleon concert DVD is up for grabs! I know you have all been waiting for many months. Due to

technical glitches on the videographer’s side, we managed to salvage the footage. How much for it? Prices quoted are Members’ Price:

Yet another chance for students to perform…this time for the general public. BDD, together with Bionn

International will be raising funds for Singapore Children’s’ Cancer Society. We will be sponsoring beautiful dancers for the road show @ Toa Payoh Hub.

We have been receiving enquiries on Trials & new Beginners 1 class. April slot is finally here…time to get your

family & friends in for an hour of introductory fun @ only $10! 2 of my girlfriends will be joining Our tush are getting wider, time to move it move it.

We have dates from 1 – 17 April for the Trial Workshop…go on to the link for more details.

http://www.bellydance.com.sg/index.php/classes-workshop/trial-workshop/

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