Living in Mauritius can take its toll. It sneaks up on you… a cocktail here… a beer there… next thing you know, you have to put your belt on with a boomerang.  But fear not Islandlings! I have a solution for you that is more fun than a clown on fire:

Belly Dancing!

You heard me. It’s time to get your jiggle on, shake those lady lumps baby! The classes are run by Anna Mercier, who promises to teach you “swaying hips, undulating torso, and curving patterns, undulation, thrusts, lifts, locks and drops and shaking or quaking body movements.”

oooooooh! Did you see that? Quaking body movements. What are you waiting for?

Now, obviously I can’t recommend something without trying it out, so last night we rounded up the girls and decided to give it a shot. The classes are held in Pereybere in this studio:

Like a dream...

If I were you, I would go just to see the studio – it’s amazing. There’s a fine line between cool kitsch and authentic kitsch and this place is so authentic, you can’t help but love it. From the green walls to the red velvet curtain with gold trim and bells, to the collection of plastic Buddhas and stuffed toys…. it left me speechless.

Magnifique!

The class itself was SO much fun, although we spent a lot of time in hysterics trying to copy Anna, as she did “le Chameau” or “The Camel.” I must say though, I was pretty darn impressed with how well we all did, by the end of we could have given Esmeralda a run for her gypsy money. We were also thrilled to learn that Anna will be incorporating Bollywood dancing into our lessons. YES! And, if we’re good enough by November, we get to be in a show!

This could be YOU

As far as a workout goes, Belly Dancing was great. As I type this, my arms and legs are aching and I can feel muscles in my stomach that I never knew existed. This, added the the amount of fun we had (a lot) puts Belly Dancing at the top of my list of great ways to work out in Mauritius. And if Belly Dancing isn’t your thing, Anna also offers Salsa, Rhumba, and Cha cha.

Don’t my friends look happy?

Belly Dancing people. You need it. Do it.

Xx Coco

To give Belly Dancing a try, email Anna at anacademy_bellydance@yahoo.com or
phone her on (230) 787 0671. For more info, visit the website.