Beginning January 3, The Center, Life in Balance, in Medford, will offer belly dancing classes with instructor Kate Conlow. The six-week course features both beginner and level 2 classes. Running one hour each, beginner classes will be 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. and level 2 classes will be 7:30 to 8:30 pm. 

Co-owner Susan Drummond explains, “Belly dancing builds strength, grace and a confident relationship with your body while learning to move beautifully.  All ages, shapes and genders are welcome in this supportive environment.”

Beginners will learn the basic posture and movements of belly dancing and explore different ways to stylize their dance. Level 2 students will move beyond the basics. 

“This class came about because belly dancers in the beginners class wanted to go farther in this art,” adds co-owner Maryann Miller.  “This was very exciting for us and we are happy to present this opportunity at The Center.”

Conlow has been dancing Tribal Belly Dance for over 10 years and cabaret-style belly dance for over 5 years. She has performed solo as well as with the LunaMuse Tribal dance troupe at many events including The Phoenixville Firebird Festival, The Philadelphia Folk Festival, the Lansdale International Spring Festival and many Haflas.

“I came to belly dance searching for something active to be involved in; I had no idea what a huge part of my life it would become,” says Conlow. “Next thing I knew I was completely swept up in the beauty of it. While I have since studied many forms of this dance and middle eastern percussion, I always came home to improvisational tribal style. The earthy grounded movements, the connection between dancers, the artistic expression and the many health benefits-there is nothing else like it.”

Cost: 6 weeks, $75 or $15/class. Location: 45 S. Main St., Medford, NJ. Pre-registration is required. To register, call 609-75-8379 or email [email protected]. Please include your name & contact number.