WI Newsletter - May 2002

Reproduced from the May 2002 issue of the Glenside News

Members observed a minutes silence in memory of the Queen Mother - a great supporter and member of the WI movement. Business was brief and information sheets distributed to remind members of coming dates and events in the area.

The speaker for the evening was local villager - Margaret Rushworth, who gave a talk and demonstration on Middle Eastern Dance. Margaret related the origins of this energetic and colourful style of dance, the roots coming from gypsy dancing in Egypt before spreading to Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey and other areas of the Middle East, where the type of dress worn, the dance movements and the type of music denoted that particular area.

It is misnamed belly-dancing to evoke a more exciting and erotic appeal. In reality it is an artistic traditional dance with almost classical ballet arm movements which are completely separate in execution from the leg and hip movements. Such dancing was performed by women in groups at weddings, celebrations and gatherings and not after the western style, with male partners.

The overall impression was one of colour, beauty, story and excitement. The best and most acclaimed Middle Eastern dancers are in great demand and command very high performance fees but the type of dancing they perform is countrywide and girls learn basic steps and rythms almost as soon as they can walk - so a strong tradition of dance is continued from humble villages to the most noble surroundings.

Margaret went on to describe some of the costumes she had - beautiful colours and exquisite embroidery with silver and gold coins. She then encouraged members to join in and do some basic steps - and excellent exercise for strengthening back and tummy muscles and a must for good posture.

So members threw away their inhibitions and concentrated on moving their hips and legs in a way unknown to western women. There is obviously an art learnt from a very early age by Middle Eastern women, whereby the lower body can move and the upper body can remain still - a movement Margaret learnt and perfected over 20 years ago - so given time Castle Bytham WI members can achieve perfection!

Members thoroughly enjoyed practicing and with perseverance some achived noticeable improvement and success - especially when trying on a coined scarf to add a bit more tradition. Since Margaret teaches Middle Eastern Dance in Peterborough she may have some new aspiring pupils - so watch this space - Middle Eastern Dance comes to Castle Bytham! Since the meeting several members have been practising in front of their mirrors, determined to get that hip-wiggle perfected - very good for back and posture!

The evening was rounded off with much appreciated excellent refreshments after all the physical effort and exertions - again, an excellent evening for all of us.