Saturday, April 4, 2015

Goddess For A Day: Bellydancing with Jill Ngo at Footworks Dance Studio

A few years ago, Bellydance and Yoga was something that I always wanted to take up for my PE class.
Our university offers a lot of PE classes that most people I know were surprised that I even took up Scuba Diving when I was in 2nd year.


However, I didn't get the opportunity to learn both because:
1.) EVERYONE in UP is required to have 8 units of PE in their curriculum, you have a tiny chance of securing a slot during pre-enlistments / prerogs unless you're a freshman or graduating student.
2.) I've been warned that I would have a hard time passing those classes as you need to be very flexible and dedicated in order to get a good grade. Plus, most of the classes didn't fit my schedule.

Fortunately, my prayers were heard as I got invited to a special bellydancing class for bloggers last March 22.


Want to know you could easily transform your awkward rigid body into a "seemingly" looking belly dancing goddess in an hour?


..........

I'll let you in on a secret... Behold!


I got my first hand experience at Footworks Dance Studio located at the 4th floor of Elescom Building 213 Barangay Milagrosa, Katipunan Ave, Quezon City (near Katips Bar and Grillery) where they taught the basics of belly dancing like the moving around with the proper posture, breathing exercises and which parts of the body should remain static are to name a few.

Aside from Bellydancing, they also offer Zumba, Breakdance, Hiphop, Pole and Aerial (Silk / Hoops) dance classes. I'm planning to try out pole dancing in the future as I've heard that it does wonders to the core area.


The new studio is well-lit and very spacious, you could do lots of cartwheels without even bumping into anyone. It was easy to concentrate on the class as it wasn't hot even on an afternoon since they have the place air conditioned and something to shield the sun's rays.


Our teacher for the day is the very skilled premiere bellydancer Jill Ngo.
If her name sounds familiar, you've probably seen her perform as she has been mastering the craft of dancing for 20 years. What I do love about her is her quirky outgoing personality that spreads a positive energy throughout the class. She makes you feel comfortable as if there's nothing to be shy about because of her inspiring words.

As I've vaguely recalled she mentioned something in the lines of
"Bellydancing is the art of being in control of your body. Knowing you have full control of your body, that's something to be confident about."


Jill is the producer and artistic director of the biggest gathering of belly dancers in the Philippines - Bellyfest - held annually. She is also the founder and mentor of the Goddess of Bellydance, an award-winning professional belly dance troupe. Aside from spreading the love of belly dance, she is also a certified Zumba and Pilates Instructor. Jill is also certified with the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and Rebook's JUKARI.

In the Philippines, she has choreographed for Regine Tolentino, Princess Ryan, Maja Salvador, Nikki Gil, Shaina Magdayao, Daiana Menezes, Andrea del Rosario and on shows for ABS-CBN and GMA 7.


I won't be uploading a video of me dancing anytime soon. So instead, here's a photo to make up for it. Hehehe


Here's a quick video on what specific dance moves we've been taught for that day.


Accompanying Jill Ngo were some of the members of the Goddesses of Bellydance: Faye, Bianca and Lexi. The Goddesses of Bellydance is the largest and most in-demand professional bellydance group in the Philippines. The GOB have appeared in TV shows such as Eat Bulaga, ASAP, Pilipinas Win na Win, Showtime, and Wowowee. This fast-rising bellydance troupe undergoes diligent training made manifest by their synchronicity, versatility, and elegance as they move to the beat of each belly dance music.



We were also delighted to have enjoyed a glimpse of their beautiful dance moves because it's not everyday that get to witness an award winning belly dance group perform for you.


Considering taking up dance classes for a more productive summer break?
Jill Ngo is offering her bellydance classes every Monday 7pm.
The walk-in rate for her class is P350. Feel free to contact her at 09176247534.

For more inquiries you may also check out Footworks Dance Studio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Footworksdancestudio
Instagram: http://instagram.com/footworks_dancestudio
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Footworks_dance

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1 comment:

  1. ang saya neto! belly dancing! I miss dancing!

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    nhengswonderland.blogspot.com

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