Dancers shimmy their way to Dampier

Attendees at the Arabian Nights belly dance show in Dampier on Saturday were treated to a show full of swords, shamadans, and glass jewel studded skirts.

About 50 people came to watch the spectacular by Zahara Dance Company at Dampier Hall.

Director Tabetha Vagliviello said they had come up from Perth, in partnership with health promotion organisation Act-Belong-Commit, to present workshops and showcase different cabaret and folkloric belly dance styles.

"The show showcased what Middle Eastern dance is, from the very classical cabaret Egyptian to gypsy, Turkish and Romani styles … to keep the audience entertained and to educate at the same time," she said.

Ms Vagliviello said the key to belly dancing was bending your knees and relaxing.

"(Belly dancing) is women dancing for women … it celebrates womanhood, it's really good emotionally and mentally for women as well and gives them confidence … it helps with a lot of depression and anxiety and things every day women these days have to deal with."

Dampier Belly Dance Group co-ordinator Rose Best said funding from Country Arts WA, City of Karratha and Dampier Community Association enabled the company to visit.

"There are 50 schools of belly dancing in Perth and there's nothing up here," she said.

"Belly dance is just so different to what people think it is … it's a very physical workout to be able to dance properly.

"Learning the technique, breaking it down, is very challenging, and fun."

The Dampier Belly Dance Group has free sessions every Wednesday from 6.30pm-7.30pm.

For more information, contact Rose Best on 0438 924 842.