BELLY DANCING is a fantastic way to keep fit and tone the whole body. It is a gentle form of exercise and is ideal for all ages.
Katerina has been performing and teaching belly dance for some 18 years and introduced belly dance to the English Riviera after studying the art form in London. She is a highly respected teacher with a background of IDTA and ISTD training in ballet, tap, modern and national dance. She offers tuition within the Torbay area and runs weekly classes in the beautiful custom-built dance studio at WESTLANDS SCHOOL in Plainmoor, Torquay.
Her classes are easy-going with the emphasis on fun. She encourages all ages - very often mothers and daughters attend together - and she will guide enthusiasts right through from complete beginners to advanced performers. Many of her students have gone on to become teachers in their own right, among them are Fiona Ashby in Wales, Kit Cole in New Zealand and local dancers Carol Webster, Sarah Robotham (Samia) and Caroline Bubb (Mehira).
Katerina has also taught on board the luxury P&O cruise liner Oriana with Olympic gold medalist Tessa Sanderson among her pupils.
Katerina prides herself on her easy-going attitude to this empowering dance and classes are designed to develop self confidence and well-being. Katerina says: "I love to see how students learn to like themselves again and then, as their confidence grows, they begin to sparkle - almost as much as their costumes!"
On the subject of costumes ... Katerina insists there is no dress code. Students should come in comfortable attire suitable for exercise. Bare feet is preferable for this dance form and a coined or fringed scarf is ideal to tie around the hips. "As the students' confidence grows, then they may wish to dress the part," adds Katerina. "But there is no rule that says you must bare your stomach!"
