Wimbledon Guild is helping local women shake off the winter blues with its new belly dancing class.

Instructor Turkan Ismail is running fortnightly classes at the social welfare charity’s Drake House venue and says the first session was a huge success.

She said: “All the ladies who came along to Wimbledon Guild’s taster session loved it. Belly dancing is a fabulous way of connecting with other women in a fun, non-competitive way and has health benefits including increasing flexibility, improving blood circulation and increasing confidence.”

Turkan has been teaching the ancient art for the last 16 years, and successfully introduced belly dance classes for the first time to health clubs in South West London and Surrey. She has also helped belly dancing become recognised as a respected national heritage activity in her native Turkish Northern Cyprus.

“Belly dancing also has a spiritual side and I have witnessed women from all walks of life, all ages and sizes get fit, toned and blossom. Some found hidden talent that progressed to performance levels and all shared an appreciation for this women's dance for women, which is a celebration of femininity.”

The class is one of the highlights of Wimbledon Guild's Ageing Well activities programme which helps older people stay fit, active and independent but the class is open to all abilities. The next class takes place on Thursday, February 23, from noon to 1pm, at Drake House. Places are limited and must be booked in advance.

Turkan said: “We had ladies ranging from 50 to 70 at the taster class so anyone who wants to can come along and try something new. Don’t worry about what to wear either – whatever is comfortable and works for you, such as a t shirt and leggings is fine.”

Organiser Mel Surty-Garcia, Wimbledon Guild’s Community Engagement Manager, hopes the class will appeal to over-50s’ sense of fun and they’ll go along and give it a go.

She said: “This is a fun class which will lift your spirits and improve your fitness, co-ordination and balance. Our staff and volunteers are looking forward to trying it out too!”

As well as belly dancing, Wimbledon Guild offers regular yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi sessions, all of which have recognised health benefits.

Other, specialist exercise classes are tailored to help increase mobility, stability and physical fitness for people recovering from a stroke.

Wimbledon Guild helps people across Merton lead a better life by tackling poverty, supporting ageing and encouraging mental well-being.

Counselling is available for over-18s and families too. A specialist service is offered for young adults aged 18 to 30. Charges for counselling are based on ability to pay. Other services include Compass, which helps people deal with bereavement, and volunteer befrienders who visit people in their own homes.

Wimbledon Guild’s award-winning HomeFood cafe is open every weekday and planning has begun for this year’s Wimbledon Guild Village Fair, held annually in aid of the charity.

For more information about Wimbledon Guild’s belly dancing class, which takes place on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, and to book, visit www.wimbledonguild.co.uk, email info@wimbledonguild.co.uk or call 020 8946 0735.

Article supplied by Lorna Frazer