A BELLY dancer, who has used the artform to overcome a long term illness is urging women to learn the skill.
Debra Arnott, has used dance as a form of light exercise coupled with alternative therapies to help her cope with severe pelvic pain.
She started Egyptian belly dancing around 10 years ago and was a member of the Arabesque dance troupe in Leeds.
She now performs at various fund-raising events and uses the stage name of Ora, which means Light in Arabic.
Now settled in Marsden with her partner Col Mason and four-year-old son Alex, she hopes to pass on her expertise to other women by running weekly classes.
They coincide with her first art exhibition, where six pieces of her work will be featured in the foyer of the same building during August.
Debra, 40, loves drawing animals and uses Alex as a model for some of her work. He is featured in the pixie picture.
She said:“It is quite empowering for women, helping them gain confidence and dance with a group of like-minded women.
“Biologically it is also great for toning up muscles and the stomach area during and post pregnancy and helped me deal with tremendous pelvic pain.”
The classes start on Thursday August 2 at 7pm in Marsden Mechanics Institute. For more details ring Debra on 0776 9501032.
