Picture: MOLLY TAYLOR
AN ANCIENT artform attracting a revival in the South East was showcased at the Mount Gambier Spring Show.
Belly dancing group Alluring Gem captured the audience’s attention as members moved their bodies in mystical ways many find hard to master.
“Three years ago, I began Alluring Gem and started teaching,” Alluring Gem owner and dance teacher Steff Hrvatin said.
“I have been belly dancing for over nine years and seeing so many people grow their dance technique is very rewarding.
“I was pretty hopeless to start with and I nearly stopped going because I was so uncoordinated. ”
Expanding from one to five classes, the dancing group continues to attract enthusiasts.
“Belly dancing is the perfect way to increase core strength, build confidence and improve co-ordination while being gentle on your body,” Ms Hrvatin said.
“My passion develops stronger every day and it is contagious to all who join.
“I hope our performances raise awareness about this type of dancing and get more people involved in such a distinctive fitness technique.”
Alluring Gem members have formed friendships as they perform together at locations across the Limestone Coast.
“We are now all friends and it has helped my students and I build our confidence, body core and fitness levels,” Ms Hrvatin said.
“We have danced at some surrounding aged care facilities and the residents seem so engaged, smiling and clapping.
“It seems to make everyone so happy and I would love to perform at other places in the foreseeable future.”
Alluring Gem has aspirations of branching out at the beginning of the new year with a renewed focus on engaging with the elderly, mothers with newborns, carers and people with disabilities.
