ARABIC dance is coming to Wellington later this month as teacher Shema Raq, who has more than 20 years of experience, starts offering classes in the town’s Baptist Church Hall.

The dynamic new adult dance classes will teach the Egyptian bellydance and Brazilian Samba, both suitable for complete beginners.

Shema, who grew up in Somerset, has taught and performed across the world over a two-decade career and now runs the Azayz Academy of Dance and performance group Somerset Samba Dancers.

She said: “Students do not need any experience of dance to join the classes, all levels of fitness and all ages are welcome from 14-plus.

“Classes focus on building confidence, mobility, and core strength through learning basic techniques and simple combinations, as well as learning about the music and cultures, and there is always lots of laughter.”

Egyptian bellydance is a grounded, expressive dance focusing on powerful hips and isolations, while Brazilian Samba is an upbeat, energetic style using fast footwork and dynamic hip movements.

Shema said: “Both classes move at a suitable pace for all students, so that everybody feels confident and happy dancing.”

Beginner’s Egyptian Bellydance starts on Wednesday, September 24, from 6 pm to 7 pm and the Samba on Tuesday, September 30, from 6 pm to 6.45 pm.

Anybody interested should email [email protected] for the bellydancing and [email protected] for the Samba.

Both classes run for a 10-week term and can be booked by contacting either email address or via the website https://azayz.sumupstore.com/products.

Somerset Samba Dancers will be performing in the town centre with Skintight Samba at the next Wellington street fair on September 20.

Shema previously held a taster evening and classes in Cotford St Luke but is now moving all her classes to Wellington and will also offer intermediate Egyptian dance.