Bellydancers… in Lynchburg?

Folks are often shocked when they hear about Lynchburg Tribal, a group of bellydancers in and around Lynchburg.

Nancy McAndrew, a Lynchburg native, has been teaching bellydance at MindBody Studio on Rivermont Avenue since 2003. Her students have ranged from high school girls to retirees.Their performing group, Lynchburg Tribal, has danced at events for Rebec Vineyard, Lynch’s Landing, Bull Branch, Starlight Cafe, art shows, and roller derby bouts, as well as private events and parties.

For the past three years as part of the city’s Kaleidoscope Festival Lynchburg Tribal has hosted a bellydance showcase, called a “hafla,” featuring regional dancers which has drawn significant crowds.

Classes are hosted at MindBody Studio, through Parks & Recreation, as well as at the Jamerson YMCA, Superkicks in Forest, and beginning in Feb 2010 through the Campbell County Recreation dept.

“Bellydance is a fantastic way for women to get exercise in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. In an all-woman class there is no need for self consciousness about our bodies. The dance is gentle enough to not leave you worn-out or exhausted, but vigorous enough that you can feel the difference in your energy level, core strength, and general flexibility. And did I mention it is fun?” – Nancy McAndrew

A typical class begins with stretching and breathing exercises which move into dance drills for the arms, upper body, and/or hips. Bellydance is focused on isolating one part of the body while keeping other parts still.

“It can be harder than it looks, but with practice, anyone can develop the muscle control to do it.”

Information about Bellydance in Lynchburg, classes, events and more are at LynchburgBellydance.com.