Sandy seniors shake more than a leg in belly dancing classes

Lyn Dinehart has been instructing belly dancing at the Sandy Senior Center for close to three years.The Veils of Isis, as they call themselves, is a troupe of women 60 years of age and older with varying levels of dance experience.

About 15 dancers attend class each week. Utilizing vibrant colors and embroidered costumes, the ladies of Veils of Isis appear very original in their gold eye makeup, jewelry and clothing selections. Even more telling is the individuality expressed through each woman's own movements.

Suzanne Kimball, Sandy Senior Center program assistant, said she thinks belly dancing is beneficial for seniors who don't like to exercise because it involves stretches and movements from the brain to the toes.

Kimball enjoys how the dance allows the women to "express the goddess within," she said.

Dinehart hopes that through belly dancing her students can overcome the negative image of old age. "I think they are beautiful and they leave feeling better," she said.

Dinehart has been belly dancing since 1978, and entertains her dancers with stories from her past and present where she hasn't been afraid to flaunt being a belly dancer.

The troupe encourages other seniors to join; some admit fellow dancers brought them out of their shell. Collectively the troop agrees that belly dancing allows them to feel sexy, socialize, improves their body image, and allows them to participate in something many others don't.

The Veils of Isis has performed at the Sandy Senior Center and plans to take the stage again on May 25 at the Sandy Amphitheater.

Along with belly dancing, the Sandy Senior Center offers line, Irish, square and hula dancing. According to Kimball, the center has over 200 seniors who attend many types of classes including dance each day. Belly dancing classes are held every Friday in room 201 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Seniors practice some of their favorite belly dancing moves at Sandy Senior Center.