WATCH: Have a go at .... belly dancing in Lancashire

Video by Totally Tribe

Why: Dancing provides a good cardio-vascular workout and helps increase both flexibility and strength, focusing on the torso or core muscles and also builds leg strengthHow it works: Belly dancing is natural to a woman’s bone and muscle structure with movements emanating from the torso rather than in the legs and feet. The dance often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in sensuous patterns. Belly dancing is generally performed barefoot, thought to emphasize the physical connection between the dancer, her expression, and Mother Earth.Benefits: Movements such as hip circles and the hip-figure-eight have often been used for helping pregnant women prepare for natural birth by opening their hips. There is a lot of hip and joint action, which is great for loosening them up. It boosts body confidence and, combined with bright costumes, is great fun.

Give it a go at ....

Sarah Swirled Belly Dance: Weekly classes at Penwortham Leisure Centre, Crow’s Hill Road, apart from the summer. Summer dates: Monday July 23, August 6, 20 and September 3. £5.50. Private tuition available. Visit http://www.sarahswirledbellydance.com

Belly Dance Hen Party in Blackpool: Book a private lesson for your friends. http://www.funktionevents.co.uk/belly-dance-hen-party-blackpool; www.maximise.co.uk/hen-weekends/blackpool/hen-activities/belly-dancing-class-blackpool/

Totally Tribal: Six-week course starting from July 16. £4 a class at the Fort Arms, Lower Barnes Street, Clayton-le-Moors. Two-hour classes at Sawley Village Hall, Ribble Valley, 10am Saturdays on August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17. Visit http://www.totallytribal.co.uk/

Totally Tribal Hafla (Party): Sawley Village Hall Sawley Ribble Valley on July 14 7.30pm until 11pm. £5 pay on door. Chance to try out belly dancing, as well as watch belly dancers Dea and Az Kabile perform.