Dancing back to happiness

SIX years ago, Noreen Fitzgerald was hit by a drunk driver and was left with very poor mobility.

But today, her posture is fantastic and she is able to walk — thanks to belly dancing.

“Belly dancing has changed my life,’’ she says. “I was advised to take it up to strengthen my hips and thighs. It really helped my recovery. I wasn’t able to walk properly, I was just shuffling along.

“After a couple of months of belly dancing, I went to see my specialist and he said: ‘Whatever you are doing, keep doing it.’ It is amazing. If I hadn’t taken up belly dancing. I would be sitting at home staring out the window. I wouldn’t have got my mobility back and I would have ended up being a prisoner in my own home.’’

Noreen, 56, from Kinsale, Co Cork was so inspired by her belly dancing teacher, Helen Conroy, that she has also joined her line-dancing and Zumba exercise classes.

“I have made so many new friends. It has really helped with my confidence and sense of wellbeing. I would be lost without it. It has changed my life. I have always said my angel sent Helen to me,’’ she says.

This Sunday, Helen will be holding an open day at Moorhill Studio, Mayfield, Co Cork, showcasing her dancing skills and raising money for charity.

“Everyone is welcome to join in,” says Helen. “Please don’t be shy. The routines are easy to learn, you don’t need to have any experience, just bring a bottle of water with you and come and have some fun.’’

Helen will also provide the costumes and stresses that the outfits do not actually reveal the dancer’s belly.

“I teach tribal belly dancing, so the outfits are not see through, they are chiffon and consist of a long skirt and top. It is a very elegant type of dancing and everybody really enjoys it once they start,’’ she says.

When she first started to dance, Noreen admits she would stand at the back of the class but now she doesn’t mind dancing in front of crowds.

“It doesn’t faze me at all now,’’ she says. “The first few times I was shaking like a leaf. I was worried about making a mistake. But Helen keeps saying, “If you do, don’t worry, just smile and don’t get panicky.’

“I love the belly dancing, I love the music and love the way you use your hands. When you are doing it you can’t think about anything else. You are so in tune with the music.’’

Helen’s new term starts in September but Noreen is already missing her classes and can feel her body tensing up.

“I know my posture and back are suffering. I am finding it hard to straighten up at the moment. When I am doing the classes I can get out of a chair and stand up straight away, no problem,’’ she says.

Helen and Noreen both stress that age doesn’t matter, anyone can take up belly dancing and they encourage everyone to at least try it.

“I think it is so worthwhile. It is so good for you. I keep trying to persuade my mum to join. At the moment I am one of the youngest in the group, there are ladies there in their 70s and one who is in her 90s. They sit down and do it and they all love it,’’ says Noreen.

* www.irishbellydancing.com