Sophie Mei

HOW TO BE BELLY BEAUTIFUL
Muffin’to lose

Over half of women in the UK are obese and, Sheffield has the largest percentage of women with a ‘Muffin top’ waist line according to a recent survey.
How can women lose their ‘muffin top,’ the flesh that spills over a waistline, in today’s climate of a financial crisis and, hectic life styles?

“It’s easy- you just incorporate gentle forms of exercise into your everyday lives. Such as, bellydancing! I always advise people to practice their bellydance moves in the home- shimmying as you iron or sat at your desk and shimmying your chest. Once you begin being active it boosts your confidence and, bellydancing is perfect for improving women’s self- esteem.” Explains Sophie Mei, the Bellydancer from Sheffield who made it to the semi- finals of last year’s Britain’s Got Talent.

Sophie Mei has been asked to share her advice further, by Miles Copeland – former manager of The Police and Sting – to teach alongside the Bellydance Superstars and get involved in Europe’s largest bellydance festival in June – Raqs Britannia 2009.

Copeland explains: “While some would say that bellydance is an art of seduction, others believe that – as the only dance created by women for women – it is a celebration of the woman as a woman. As such, it has become a recognised self-esteem builder, a dance to be enjoyed and participated in no matter what your age, size, or shape.”

Sophie continues: “I will be teaching a ‘Belly Babes’ workshop that’s, designed for young beginners who want to discover more about the art of bellydance and performance. They can learn the basics from simple hip circles to their first shimmy. I will also be putting a strong focus on confidence-building techniques.”

Belly dance is a toning exercise that builds on core stability, as does yoga, and is a gentle form of exercise that burns around 250-300 calories per hour.

“Although the more you shimmy the more you burn- as it’s a great cardio work out too,” says Sophie.
Raqs Britannia – is taking place from Friday 5 June to Sunday 7 June 2009 at Blackpool, Winter Gardens. The weekend extravaganza of bellydancing will be hosted by the world famous Bellydance Superstars, who will also be taking to the stage on the evening of Saturday 6th June,along with workshops and, a Junior bellydance contest taking place on the Sunday.

To make a booking or for further information about the Raqs Britannia 2009 visit www.raqsbritannia.co.uk or call 020 7456 8905.

For more information about The Bellydance Superstars visit www.bellydancesuperstars.com