A Belly Dancer in Saigon

Whenever I get the chance (which isn't as often as I should ) I try to do some exercise. I've found a studio where they run different types of classes. From yoga, step up, aerobics, bum's & tum's, bollywood and belly dancing. So far I've tried and enjoyed the first three. With my great negotiating, classes work out to be approximately $1.30 a class!

The other day I showed up a little early to my step up class and had the privilege to watch the last few moments of a belly dance class in Saigon. I was quite impressed! I had seen the belly dance class on the schedule and told myself I should try it out one of these days but never got around or prioritised this option. So here I was sitting in the lobby utilising the free wifi which is surprisingly readily available in most Saigon establishments. Sitting there I hear catchy bollywood music with the sound of bells coming from one of the studios. I take a peak inside and was surprised at what I saw. Amongst all the chaos of Saigon, tucked away in this little studio was a group of 12 or so sexy belly dancers! They wore the belly dancer belts draped with coins and weren't shy to bare their torso's. The demographics of the group varied greatly, from young to old, slim to curvy with one male. I saw another side of my step class instructor I had never imagined, she was dressed like Jasmin from Aladdin! (she briefly runs through the video below at 0:50). I was quite stunned at this scene. They were practicing their latest routine. I had thought a belly dance class would only consist of repetitive hip shaking exercise routines to burn a few extra calories in a more fun and creative way. However this class had been taught a full routine with proper belly dancing music.

With my head peaking around the door I was warmly invited to sit at the front of the room as they re-performed their group routine. I think they enjoyed any chance to perform in front of an audience. It was quite interesting to watch the exotic choreography. I was very impressed and admired the level of confidence and rhythm this group of Vietnamese people had. As fun at it looked I became more convinced I'd stick with my yoga and step class. Firstly I could not pull off these hip shaking moves as well as they did and where does one find a belly dancer belt in Saigon!? A short while later their performance was over, they stood their applauding with big smiles on their faces excitingly talking in Vietnamese. I assume having a debrief of their last routine. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and was hoping they'd do it again when one of the members, the only male, confidently took to the stage solo, hushed the audience, asked for the replay button to be hit, and put on his dance face. That's when the real magic happened.