A Perth woman has found solace and empowerment through the art of belly dancing, particularly during the challenging times of the pandemic. Emily Stewart, a 36-year-old mother and project manager for a charity, discovered the joy of Fat Chance Belly Dance (FCBD) a decade ago and hasn’t looked back since. This unique style of dancing, which combines elements from various cultures like India, Spain, Africa, and the Middle East, focuses on celebrating the strength and beauty of women dancing collectively.
Emily shared, “I have always loved to dance, ever since I was a child. I have ADHD and I found it helped to focus my mind and reduce my anxiety. It feels like life to me. It feels like freedom.” For her, belly dancing goes beyond just physical movement; it serves as a form of expression, connection, and self-discovery. Emily expressed how dancing FCBD felt almost magical, fostering a sense of unity with other women without the need for words, while also boosting self-esteem and confidence.
Being a member of the belly dancing troupe Twisted Tails, Emily has performed at various venues across Scotland. Additionally, she is one of the three certified FCBD teachers in Scotland and has now started offering Tribal Belly Dancing Classes for women in Perth. Especially during the pandemic, Emily found that belly dancing became a lifeline that not only provided gentle exercise but also built her self-esteem and connected her with a supportive sisterhood. She emphasised how FCBD taught her to take up space, be proud, and stand tall, leading her to become a trustee for a women’s support organisation.
The classes, held at the Dance Bank in Burghmuir Road, have commenced on Tuesday evenings and aim to continue fostering empowerment and confidence among women through the art of belly dancing. For Emily, belly dancing has been a transformative journey that has allowed her to tap into a more powerful and fulfilled version of herself, a gift she wishes to share with other women facing similar challenges. To learn more about the Tribal Belly Dancing Classes, interested individuals can contact oriontribaldance@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page @oriontribalbellydance.
Emily’s story showcases the transformative power of art and self-expression, especially during times of adversity. It serves as a reminder of how engaging in activities that bring joy and connection can have a profound impact on mental well-being and personal growth. Emily’s passion for belly dancing not only helped her navigate through the uncertainties of the pandemic but also strengthened her sense of self-worth and belonging, inspiring others to embrace their own uniqueness and beauty through dance.