Belly dancing class entices students

By Beth Warren
staff reporter What's hotter on campus than the 100-plus degree weather? Belly dancing is the ultimate ab-sculpting, body-shaking, heart-pumping, inner-goddess-revealing workout, at least according to some participants.

A belly dancing class here at UTC adds some colorful variety to the dance department.

Jilanna Babb-Cheshul, faculty member, was hired to teach the class after she taught a faculty and staff class as part of a grant during the summer.

Babb-Cheshul said she has been involved in belly dancing for eight years.

"I've always loved to dance," she said.
Babb-Cheshul said she took up belly dancing, or oriental dancing as she said it is known as in the Middle East, during graduate school.

"I saw a flyer and jumped at the chance," she said.
And Babb-Cheshul said she has not stopped since.
Babb-Cheshul, also a writer, painter and sculptor, said her artistic expression was changing, and she found more satisfaction in dance.

"I've found more to love about it as my study of this art form has gone on," she said. "I find that it is a rich source of physical and mental stimulation."

According to Babb-Chesul, belly dancing is not only a great form of exercise that tones every muscle in the body, especially the muscles of the core, or the midsection, but she said the dance form is also very empowering for women.

"I love to see people come out of their cocoons and turn into beautiful butterflies...to let out a part of themselves that they had repressed," she said.

Lindsay Galloway, a senior from Chattanooga, is a fan of belly dancing.

"Belly dancing was a great discovery," she explained. "I want to share it with everybody because I have never felt better."

Galloway, who has been taking belly dance for six years, and teaching for two, said she lost a substantial amount of weight during the course of her training.

"When you feel good about yourself, you look good," Galloway said.

"Having a big body gives you more to shake." she said. "In belly dancing, it's refreshing to have an exercise regimen that works with your body, not against it."

"I'd be very excited about taking this kind of dance," said Brianna King, a freshman from Hixson, Tenn., who has been a ballerina for years.

King said you don't have to stretch for hours every day, wear painful shoes or have a fat free 5'4'' frame to belly dance. King said she views belly dancing as a way for serious dancers to appreciate a fresh approach to their career, while others can find a fascinating new hobby.

Jessica Kozelichki, a sophomore from South Pittsburg, Tenn., agrees with King. "I took belly dancing at the University of Evansville, and totally loved it. I transferred this semester and it makes me feel more at home to have the option of this class at UTC as well," Kozelichki said.

Galloway said the non-judgmental attitude is part of what makes belly dancing so unique.

Galloway said the practice also offers self-esteem benefits. Galloway said it is not about the dance moves, or loving or hating your body.

Babb-Cheshul said the dance is definitely athletic and strenuous, but comes naturally to the female body.

The class is offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m., as HHP 199 section 2.