A Perth woman has found freedom and peace of mind through a unique style of belly dancing.
Mum-of-one Emily Stewart took up Fat Chance Belly Dance (FCBD) 10 years ago and has not stepped back since.
The style of dancing incorporates techniques from India, Spain, Africa and the Middle East and celebrates the strength and beauty of women dancing together.
It originated in the States more than three decades ago and was formerly known as American Tribal Style.
Thirty-six-year-old Emily, a former Perth Academy pupil, said: “I have always loved to dance, ever since I was a child.
“I have ADHD and I found it helped to focus my mind and reduce my anxiety.
“It feels like life to me. It feels like freedom. When I’m tired it energises me. When I’m anxious, it’s soothing. When I’m happy it’s joyful.
“Dancing FCBD feels almost magical. It has the ability to connect you with other women without the use of words.
“It creates an awareness of the body, how it moves and celebrating how beautiful it is regardless of size and shape.
“It boosts self esteem, self confidence and has provided a platform to meet other people who are my lifelong friends all over the globe.”
Emily, who works full time as a project manager for a charity, dances with a belly dancing troupe called Twisted Tails which performs year round at various venues across Scotland.
She is one of three certified FCBD teachers in Scotland and has now launched Tribal Belly Dancing Classes for women in Perth.
Before taking up FCBD she did oriental and fusion belly dancing for around three years as well as dabbling in fire dancing.
Emily said FCBD was a “lifeline” during the pandemic, adding: “It not only offered me gentle exercise, it built my self esteem, and connected me to a sisterhood.
“Where I felt I always had to be small and silent, FCBD taught me to take up space, to be proud and stand tall.
“Shortly after this, I started working for a women’s rights organisation and am now a trustee for a woman’s support organisation.
“FCBD connected me to a more powerful, fulfilled, and confident version of myself.
“If I could bottle that and give it to other women who felt the same way I did, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
The classes commence on Tuesday, October 29 between 7pm and 8pm at the Dance Bank in Burghmuir Road and will run for the following six Tuesdays costing £40 or £8 per session.
To find out more email: [email protected] or facebook @oriontribalbelly
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