Kitty Mui, an Egyptian Raqs Sharqi (classic belly dance) specialist in the fitness world, will be in Macau to provide Egyptian Belly Dance workshops alongside yoga and fitness experts at Yoga World.

History has it that the origins of belly dance date back to pre Dynastic times, possibly as far as 5,000BC, but the dance has been evolving with times, and is expected to still evolve in years to come.

Arabic women used belly rolls and abdominal movements to strengthen their bodies and prepare for childbirth.

Gypsies fromRajastan who moved to Egypt and Spain, became street singers and dancers, and  adopted their own particular style of performing.

However, the dance is more than just an attractive movement and form of art, it too brings both mental and physical benefits.

Dancing provides a good cardio-vascular workout and helps increase both flexibility and strength, focusing on the torso or "core muscles", although it also builds leg strength.

Many belly dance styles emphasize muscular "isolations", teaching the ability to move various muscles or muscle groups independently.

Veil work can also build arm, shoulder, and general upper-body strength, and playing the zils can build strength and independence of the fingers.

“Belly dance is one of our most popular class formats and we want to provide an opportunity for, not only our members, but all women in Macau to experience pure Egyptian Belly Dance taught by the worlds best presenters,” Michael Kyprianou, director of Yoga World said.

Kitty is known for her “clean and through technique and her passion for teaching and preserving the true essence of this ancient but evolving art form,” a company statement said.

She has been teaching and performing in Hong Kong since 1996 and was hired by the Circue Du Soliel to train its Quidam performers and artists on her speciality during their seven-week tour in Hong Kong at the end of 2005.

Although the centre is exclusively for women, it “aims to provide members with the skills to live a better life and become the hub for Yoga, Dance and Fitness education and training in Macau,” the statement added.

The first belly dance workshop is scheduled for February 24, and the centre is located on the 16th floor of 78 Rua d Campo, Edificio Comercial Chong Kian.

More information can be obtained by calling 2838 9154.