Male Teaches China to Belly Dance (VIDEO)

Written by Brooke MustermancloseAuthor: bmusterman Name: Brooke Musterman
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About: I just published my first book, Reptiles on Caffeine, which is a humorous look at the fight or flight stress response. http://www.amazon.com/Reptiles-Caffeine-Brooke-Musterman/dp/1886057176/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247685816&sr=8-1 I also write a column as the Charlotte Stress in the Workplace examiner. http://www.examiner.com/x-36115-Charlotte-Stress-in-the-Workplace-Examiner?cid=exrss-Charlotte-Stress-in-the-Workplace-ExaminerSee Authors Posts (52) on October 21, 2009

In these tough economic times, many people are trying on, or inventing new careers.
It would seem especially hard to do in a large country like China.

But Guo Wei, was up for the challenge. Guo is a Chinese man who made the transition from a gym coach to top belly dancing guru. His Chinese Celebrity Guo Wei Belly Dancing Club attracts students who each pay more than $750 a year to shake their booties in his spa.

At 22, Guo travelled to Egypt to learn the ancient art of belly dancing, which goes back 3,500 years. Guo says that at first people are attracted to the novelty of it and then discover the true art of it.

Guo is a pioneer in more ways than one. Just a generation ago, belly dancing would have been banned as “spiritual pollution” or “bourgeois decadence.” Guo can take credit for the recent acceptance of belly dancing.

In a traditionally female profession, Guo, who studied under a male teacher, himself, says, “I thought it was strange that he was a male teacher. I had wanted to study with a woman, because I thought women made better belly dancers. But men are more careful teachers. Besides, women like male teachers better.”

Indeed, all it takes is to watch Guo. He truly is captivating. “Like buttah,’ to borrow a quote from Linda Richmond.

“At the very beginning, people usually felt weird that a boy was involved in belly dance. They thought belly dance is a feminine dance, which should only be performed by girls. But when a dancer can show his or her excellent dancing skills, the gender of this dancer will be ignored. This is only about the art of dance.”

“I expected to bring the most original and traditional belly dance to china. Belly dance can also allow you to use your imagination. It’s a freestyle dance which allows you to perform the way you like.”

Hu Lingna, who started as Guo’s student and is now a fellow belly dance teacher at his school.

“I found him on the Internet, and at first I thought it was a bit odd. But then I saw him dance. He was just so natural — more feminine than a woman, and very attractive. There was nothing more to consider, so I just came here,” Hu says.

Guo has earned himself the title of China’s ambassador to the world of belly dancing (bet you didn’t know there was such a title). He competes against Egyptians, Europeans and Americans at international festivals.

Not only is belly dancing is a great way to keep fit and trim, but it’s fun and different.
It’s not as technical as ballet, and not as wild as jazz. It’s very easy to pick up. It truly is the perfect recreational dance. Until I can talk my local Y into holding classes, I will have to depend on these Youtube videos.