IT was a warm, wet and windy night. Very unseasonal indeed. But absolutely perfect for a spirit-raising evening with Ann Blagden, who was recommended to us by our Probus Club, no less.

Like a few of our members, I’d had some experience of belly dancing in the past. I briefly attended a group in Moreton a number of years ago, and discovered then that flicking one’s hips and gyrating around (or isolations to be precise) were far harder than I ever imagined. I was treated to a performance from a belly dancing group at Lechlade Festival earlier this year, the members of which were all certainly in their 60’s and above. It was elegant and sophisticated, where older women of different shapes and sizes looked amazing and danced beautifully.

Ann took us through her own journey to starting Egyptian Spirit, and gave us some background to the art of belly dancing, and how Egyptian differs from Turkish. She demonstrated the differences and we then understood that her art was far more subtle and definitely more within our comfort zone! We also learned that the money belt so often worn by belly dancers has its roots in the method of payment for a dance; these days it’s a note or two inserted under the shoulder or hip strap.

Of course, the evening would not have been complete without our being able to have a go. Hip-flicking, fast-pacing, gyrating and isolating. We shimmied with aplomb (there might have been some wobbling as well ….) and most importantly, had a really good laugh. Whilst I was giving it my all, I was imagining the Probus members having a go, which broadened my smile even further. It was a real treat, and afterwards several members said they’d like Ann to come back and do a series of classes for us. Something for us to follow up in 2016. Blockley WI’s first Egyptian Dancing Group maybe?

Our next event on December 10 is our annual Christmas Dinner which we are holding at the Horse & Groom in Bourton-on-the-Hill. Normal service will be resumed on 7 January 2016, when we are holding our AGM at 7.15pm followed by a pudding competition. Members are invited to bring along a favourite pud they’ve made and submit it for judging by Corrin Green our local baker/cake-maker extraordinaire. As if we haven’t piled on enough calories over Christmas already…..

We meet on the first Thursday of every month in Jubilee Hall (Heritage Centre) at 7.30pm. We are keen to welcome new members, and anyone can come along as a guest to one of our meetings. You’ll see posters around the village and also in Paxford advertising our next event. We look forward to seeing you.

MERIEL SWAIN