—EE Hobby of the Month For whom the belly tolls Bellydancing is a great way to exercise — if you can stomach it! THIS most exotic of disciplines — also known as Rags Shargi — is almost as old as time itself and just as mysterious. lynne Hastie, from the Child Support ‘Agency in Kirkcaldy, likes to ‘shimmy! at every opportunity. “(first witnessed it about 18 years ago in Turkey and thought it was so graceful,” reflects Lynne, “At first it was impossible to find a teacher as there weren't many Scottish belly dancers! Now they're all over the place." ‘After a few years of searching she eventually started to learn how to dance in Fife, and now teaches in Dunfermline and has popular work shops in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Northumberland, The art of belly dancing takes influences, not just from Egypt but all over Africa, the Middle East and Asia WS really good way to unwind after a tough day at work and is great for self esteem,” Lynne says. “I teach ladies ANORAK ALERT! Peter Dickinson has a hobby which is both obsessive and extremely specific He collects photographs of Blackburn Corporation Buses, and is trying to get a picture of every model between 1947 and ‘73. Woe betide anyone ‘who wastes his time with images of northern public transport from either 1946 or 1974! 16 dwpeople | June of all sizes, we have a good laugh and it's fantastic exercise.” A former martial artist, Lynne even cured her sciatica through belly dancing, During more extravagant dances she frequently uses all manner of props, notably, symbols, veils and swords. When asked about the distinctive attire Lynne was quick to dispel a few myths Apparently, all the glittery stuff — ‘Dance nation: Lynne, 19 gold, Wi known as Bediah (Arabic for uniform) = and navel stones are entirely an invention of Hollywood from the 1940s If you are interested in learning how to bellydance visi: www.bellydanceclub.co.uk or www.tagasim.org.uk For more information on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle go to the wellbeing portal via the DWP Employee Benefits site.