After a lot of positive feedback from students, University Student Union Productions is offering belly-dancing lessons each Wednesday during the month of October.

“We had lessons in the spring semester as well,” said USU Productions Adviser Shawna Blair. “It was very popular and everyone that participated in the lessons enjoyed it, so we decided to offer it again.”

Blair said the idea came from the special event coordinator last year who wanted something new and unique on campus.

“The special event coordinator participated in belly dance lessons at another university while on a semester exchange program and she enjoyed them,” Blair said. “She said they were very popular and felt it was something to try here at Fresno State.”

The one-hour lessons started Oct. 6 and are taught by the same instructor from last semester, Jennifer Jones from Mahzjai Belly Dance Fusion. The last class is on Oct. 27.

“I am teaching basic belly dance which is pretty much the fundamentals,” Jones said. “You need the isolation in order to do any of the styles, so the main focus of this class would be the isolation.”

The class requires students to register and pay a $15 fee in order to participate. They also have to wear comfortable attire, preferably yoga clothing. Students can participate barefoot or with dance shoes, and showing their stomachs isn’t necessary.

Jones said there are many stories of where belly dance originated from, but it’s definitely a combination of dance styles from different European, African and eastern countries.

Psychology major Kathryn Mascola, 25, was one of the first students to arrive at the first class this semester.

“I have always been fascinated by what I have seen in movies or TV,” Mascola said. “I think it looks very interesting and the girls look so talented doing it.”

Mascola also said she wanted to try something new in her life that will not only serve as a workout, but also to help her overcome some of her personal fears.

“I’m hoping it gives me more confidence to be more comfortable and be more to open to being myself in front of people,” she said.

Aside from being a form of exercise, Jones said belly dancing provides other benefits.

“It’s really about self-esteem, and if anything, the girls in the class today will not be losing weight, but I’m hoping they will walk away feeling better about themselves,” Jones said.

English major Liliana Equihua, 37, was another student who wanted to try something new and fun. She also wanted to meet new people and learn more about belly dancing.

“All I know is by watching Shakira,” Equihua said. “That’s all I know about belly dancing, and that it’s a beautiful and sensual dance.”

Jones has been practicing belly dancing for seven years and she said students will not be doing moves as complicated as Shakira’s, but they will walk away with the tools to be able to do it in a matter of time.

“I just pulled the real fun ones and some of easy ones so that the students here at Fresno State are able to learn [them] as much as possible,” Jones said.

Equihua said she fell in love with belly dancing and she wants to get as good as she can. Belly dancing is for anyone who wants to learn it.

“There is no age limit and there are no body type constrictions either,” Jones said. “It’s all about confidence and feeling good in your own skin because everyone is different and it’s okay to be different.”

Janessa Tyler / The Collegian
Belly dancing lessons on campus are open only to Fresno State students. Students have a chance to let loose and have fun with friends while learning to shake it like Shakira.