The Stonington Community Center welcomes Diana Johnson Marcil as instructor of COMO Belly Dancing – a six-week series that gives an introduction to American Tribal Style (ATS) Belly Dance. This form of dancing is known for its group interaction and improvisation. Marcil is a veteran teacher, performer and student of Tribal Style Belly Dance. She has experience studying traditional Egyptian style belly dance, as well as ATS, taught by Fat Chance Belly Dance. She formed and directed “Shekhinah,” a tribal belly dance troupe who performed at various local events and taught previously at Herb Wyfe and All That Matters of Rhode Island.
The class treats belly dancing as a folk dance, enlivened by drums and other ancient instruments, and resembles how women in nomadic tribes danced with each other for enjoyment and connection. The session will teach the basic steps and the beginnings of leading and follow, which is the heart of ATS. Women of all skill levels are welcome. Class will meet every Tuesday from 6:30-7:45pm beginning on June 17th until July 22nd. Class is open to ages 16 and over, and women are encouraged to wear clothing that allows movement and is snug around the waist. Dancers should be barefoot or wear soft ballet-like slippers. Registration is now open at the COMO and online at www.thecomo.org. For more information, please visit http://www.thecomo.org/athletics/belly-dancing/
