Community Corner
Great Escape: Belly Dancing for Fitness
Before long, you will be clinking some zills (think finger cymbals) and tossing a veil around your head.
She has performed for celebrities, including Cameron Diaz and Puff Daddy, and now she wants to teach her moves to you ... for free.
Azziza — which means dear, beloved, precious in Arabic — grew up on Long Island, NY, and later worked seven nights a week in Manhattan as a belly dancer. Now, Jennifer Lobb — her real name — lives in Fenton and wants to pass on her knowledge of the art.
Azziza is offering a at , across from , at 11 a.m. March 19. Please call to register at 248-840-4124.
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When you step into the studio, you might become entranced, and before long, you will be clinking some zills (think finger cymbals) and tossing a veil around your head.
Azziza teaches hourlong classes, demonstrating belly dancing techniques that have been around for thousands of years. She teaches dances to Arabic music — and also to music from the Top 40.
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Lobb fell in love with belly dancing at 25, when she found a teacher through a community college listing.
"The music was exotic and exciting," she said.
Azziza has traveled the world and studied the art in Egypt and Turkey. She has performed for Carson Daly, Peter Berg and Dr. Ruth. Since then, she married and moved to Michigan, which is where her husband, Stephen, grew up, and they had a baby, Gwendolyn. Azziza gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy and didn't feel like herself. That's when she went back to doing what she loved: dancing.
Students said they can't help but feel welcomed and encouraged in her class.
"Azziza is so sweet and kind," said student Jennifer Gertz of Grand Blanc, who has been coming to classes for about two years. "If we don't undersand something, she breaks it down for us."
Azziza suggests wearing what you would normally wear to your workout: leggings, sweatpants, tank tops or T-shirts. For shoes, ballet slippers, socks or even bare feet are fine. If you're looking for some bling, look no further. You can purchase a hip belt or coin wrap from Azziza herself, starting at $15. Or bring your own if you already have one.
"It's an escape," Azziza said of the art.
For more information, contact Azziza at 248-840-4124 or e-mail her at Azzizabellydi@yahoo.com. For more times and locations, visit Azziza.com or bellydi.com. She also does private parties and can come to your home.
