Focus on pre and post-birth bellydance classes

Sarah COLIN, an Oriental dance teacher, agreed to answer to our questions on the pre and post-birth Bellydance classes that she's set up and continues to develop in France. Discover her successful concept and the career of this beautiful and talented dancer who is the instigator.

Can you introduce your concept of bellydance dedicated to pregnant women and then to new mothers coming with their baby ?

Nowadays, recognized as the natural continuity of pregnancy, carrying babies brings many benefits to them and intensifies their attachment to the mother. During my workshops, babies dance with their mothers and are thus initiated to a first discovery of rhythm and music. Bellydance is soft and allows to work the body in its flexibility and to tone it after the long adventure of pregnancy especially in the abdominal and perineum areas. It also helps mothers regain their sensuality. By dancing with their baby first on their stomachs and then later on their backs, mothers will revive the unique carnal and fusional pleasure that they have experienced during the 9 months of their pregnancy.

Why did you think of these courses alongside teaching bellydancing ?

As a young mother, I know how difficult it is to resume any activity once a baby is born. That's why I decided to set up oriental dance courses especially adapted for mothers carrying their baby.

What are the contributions and features of these classes compared to the "traditional" Bellydance ?

The most beautiful feature of this course is being able to dance with your young child or newborn baby. For pregnant women, these workshops are also a moment to meet and share among mothers. Indeed, they can exchange advice, laughter but also their questions or fears related to maternity. The mothers attending these classes are not there to go onstage. On the other hand, several mothers present also follow my traditional oriental dance classes, obviously without their baby!

What is the ideal outfit to practice this type of oriental dance class ?

An outfit both comfortable and light, a top suitable for mothers who wish to breastfeed their baby and of course a physiological baby carrier or scarf.

For those who are interested, where and when can they find you to sign up for these bellydance courses ?

Currently, I'm offering a 2-hour workshop every first Saturday of the month in Herblay (Val d'Oise - France). I am also regularly invited by various associations in the departments of 95 or 78. A regular workshop should soon be held in Paris.

What are your plans in developing these bellydance courses ?

Several dancers and dance teachers have already contacted me to know the course of my classes. A training to answer all their questions will be put in place in the coming months. To do this, I surrounded myself with various professionals of carrying babies and obstetrics. At the end of this training, the new teachers will benefit from a background allowing them to understand better how to teach Bellydance among pregnant women and new mothers. Indeed, it is important to pay particular attention to the placements of the body but also to be able to help them out in carrying because, as any new mom we are, we are not experts! And a scarf not well worn will hurt the carrier and the baby! Please note that my dance classes "When Baby Dances with Mom" are protected by the INPI, if a teacher wants to use these terms to open a workshop, he / she must first contact me and follow my training.

What is your background in the world of Bellydance ?

I discovered oriental dancing about fifteen years ago. After having taken a basic education, I decided to come in Paris and improve in the class of Mayodi. After becoming a member of the El Noujoum ballet, I participated very quickly in numerous performances in prestigious places. Over time and meetings, I discovered the richness of Eastern dance styles and refined my dance. What I particularly like is work based on the interpretation of emotions. I try to offer my audience choreographies alternating gentleness and poetry, modernism and energy. A passionate dancer, I continue to get better with internationally renowned artists. My meeting with Assia Guemra will bring a real change to my dance and give me a new dance repertoire: contemporary oriental dance. For several years now, I follow her teaching and am regularly invited to perform at her side. In June 2014, I obtained my International Certification for Bellydance and Contemporary Oriental from the Assia Guemra School and awarded by the International Dance Council - UNESCO.

Discover Sarah in a video :

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