Shimmies, shakes and rolls accompanied by the sound of chiming bells and clinking coins fill the air during the Bellydance UIUC practice. This organization, which began as a group fitness class, became an official registered student organization this year.

Mengying Wang, junior in Business and member of Bellydance UIUC, said that no experience is necessary to participate in the organization, which hosts practices for beginners and experienced dancers alike, and plans performances.

“Belly dancing is not hard to pick up. As a beginner, you might feel a bit uncomfortable, and as soon as you catch the trick of it, then it will be really easy,” Wang said.

Michelle Senger, senior in LAS and former Illini Media employee, also said that belly dancing is easier to learn than dances such as ballet because belly dancing is much more of a natural movement.

The club holds practices three times a week at the ARC in multi-purpose room five. The practices for beginners are on Mondays at 8 p.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m. Advanced members practice on Sundays at 5 p.m.

Both of the beginner classes typically contain anywhere from 20 to 30 students, and the advanced group just a few people. Four of the members give performances; however, they are looking to expand this number. The first weekend of November, the troupe will be performing at The Highdive, and proceeds will be donated to a breast cancer awareness foundation.

Alice Vossbrinck, graduate student and president of the RSO, began belly dancing in high school, and said she was drawn to it because of its feminine characteristics; many of the dance moves play up the female body.

“I like to do the belly rolls and body rolls. It is where you move your chest and your bottom to make like an ‘S’ line. It is really sexy,” Wang said.

Many of the moves for belly dancing target core muscles that people don’t typically exercise. The members agree that it can be a great ab workout. Some motions, such as the belly roll, are a very unique way of moving.

“The belly roll is kind of interesting because you are moving your muscles in the same way you would if you were in labor and having contractions. One theory about the origins of belly dance is it evolved as a way to prepare women for childbirth,” Vossbrinck said.

With different backgrounds in dance, the members of the RSO like to add their own personal touches to the motions, Senger said.

The troupe participants have different opinions on their favorite component of being a member of Bellydance UIUC. Wang said she loves to teach the beginners and watch them start to get accustomed to the movements. Meeting new people and seeing members who are really interested in the dancing is what attracts Senger. For Vossbrinck, it is being able to work so closely with the other teachers.

“Working with the other women who are club leaders is the best part,” Vossbrinck said. “We are all really different, but we have a common goal, which is belly dance.”

Haley can be reached at [email protected].