| May 10, 2010 |
In Pictures - Photo Tour II An Ocean of Dance |
|
 |
|
Professional dancer Lee Juyeon has sparked a belly dancing frenzy onboard the 69th Voyage. The South Korean began performing at a young age, learning traditional dance, followed by ballet and various forms of modern dance. She took up belly dancing in 2003 and has performed throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East. |
site design imagesparkle.com |
|
Ms Lee has given numerous performances and lessons to participants on Peace Boat. Belly dancing can be practiced by the young and old, as well as both men and women. The name of the dance is slightly misleading because every part of the body is involved in the dance, not just the belly. One of the most famous moves is the 'shimmy,' which is moving the knees at a high speed to vibrate the hips. |
| |
|
Belly dancing has introduced many participants to aspects of Arabic culture before the 69th Voyage visits the Middle East and North Africa. It is actually a Western name that describes some of the various traditional Middle Eastern dances such as the Egyptian style of Sharqi, which has been popularised in film. Ms Lee has brought elaborate costumes for participants, including many hip belts adorned with beads and coins that jangle as performers move their hips. |
| |
|
This is not the first time that Ms Lee has sparked a belly dancing craze. She gave belly dancing lessons on South Korean television between 2005 and 2008 which were the first ever televised lessons in the country. Ms Lee has been teaching participants a basic exercise using belly dancing called 'Sports Belly.' |
| |
|
After about a month of practicing, the belly dancers held an Arabian-themed night as the 69th Voyage approached Egypt. About 100 performers were featured in a series of dances that told of the love story between Aladdin and Jasmine. It was an opportunity for many participants to show off their skills and share the stage with Ms Lee. |
| |
|
Ms Lee says that the men and women in her belly dancing lessons are a pleasure to teach. "I'm really lucky to have so many people interested in belly dancing," she says. "I have been blessed with so many opportunities because of dancing." |
| |
