Finding suitable childcare is no impediment to learning belly dancing in Lalor – women are encouraged to bring their youngsters along.
The Lalor Belly Dancing group has recently been awarded a $2,000 grant from Shape Your Future, a partnership between Council, State Government and other agencies, to attract new members.
The grant will also be used to purchase equipment – scarves, veils, props, costumes, portable mirrors and will help subsidise childcare to allow more women to attend, organiser Vittoria Failla says.
“What’s unique about our group is that mums can bring their children along with childcare provided in an adjoining room. While some children go from room to room and keep an eye on their mothers, most are content to do activities with their minder,” Ms Failla said.
“A lot of people, including me, would have to pay for childcare or a sitter – or just not bother to go. This way it’s stress free and guiltless.”
The group attracts all ages from teenagers through to retirees. Groups of 10-15 members meet each Tuesday at Peter Lalor Vocational College gym, with childcare on offer for those that need it. Some women pay class by class, others sign on for a term.
After a year, organiser Vittoria Failla says she’s learned a lot.
“We get a real buzz out of it. It is great exercise, low impact and good for toning tummies, thighs and bottoms. It is also something that people with mobility issues can do. Women have also noticed improved flexibility and coordination. Any gain is good,” she says.
A common misconception about belly dancing is that it’s a dance for men, she says.
“Traditionally it’s a form of entertainment for women not men. It is a great way to get women together. Through this group women have become good friends.”
Some members gave a performance in December. For many newcomers this is a daunting prospect, Ms Failla said.
“However, once they’ve done a few classes and become more self-confident, many women are happy to give it a go.”
The classes are taken by sisters Marlene D’Andrea and Jena and the type of belly dancing taught is drawn from a range of Middle Eastern and North African styles.
For more information about the class contact Vittoria Failla on [email protected] or phone 0409 316 116. The first class is free.
Shape Your Future Lalor and Thomastown is a community engagement project in partnership with State Government and local agencies. The aim of the project is to engage the Thomastown and Lalor communities in planning and decision making that will strengthen these neighbourhoods. An integral part of this project is the creation of the Shape Your Future Community Action Plan (CAP). This plan can be used by community and government to advocate for resources to help make things happen. Council is setting up a Champions Group to take ownership of this plan and the group will be charged with:
· Facilitate a platform to exchange ideas and priorities between local stakeholders and decision makers;
· Form partnerships that increase collaboration across different areas of the community;
· Use the skills of the group to inform strategy, encourage positive outcomes, and network with external stakeholder to progress the CAP;
· Identify and advocate for resources to progressively implement the CAP
For more information contact Senior Project Facilitator Shape Your Future – Lalor and Thomastown Ben Rodgers on 9404 8853 or email [email protected].
Media enquiries: Communications Officer Caitlin McKay 9217 2219.