Trained in her native Canada, Japan, Egypt, and Turkey, Eshe has entertained live audiences with belly dance performances in South Korea, Canada, Japan, Turkey, Australia, and Indonesia. Her wide range of international experience has strengthened her belief that belly dance is for women of all nationalities, ages, and body types.

Eshe eagerly welcomes every female who wishes to experience the time tested form of movement. Along with the joy of learning a new art form and cultural awareness, she likes that her lessons have helped many women boost their confidence, interact with an interesting group of ladies from Korea and abroad, and most importantly have some fun.

“I strive to provide an outlet for creative women living in Seoul who have something to share,” Eshe explains. “That’s what dance is about – telling a story, sharing a moment, reliving a memory or generating thought. There are all kinds of wonderful women in this huge city that don’t have a creative voice and that want one. I hope that’s part of what I’m giving my students.”

Eshe teaches the Orientale, ATS (American Tribal Style), and Tribal Fusion forms of belly dance. Classes are available for absolute beginners, intermediate, and advanced level dancers. All lessons are one hour long and classes are held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

No appointment is necessary to take classes, but prospective students should note that the last lessons on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (9:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.) are intended for dancers wishing to perform with Eshe’s Navah troupe and can be attended by invitation only. Since their formation, Navah have danced at some 40 events throughout Seoul, Gangwon-do, and Jeju-do.

The drop-in rate for one belly dance lesson is 20,000 won. Monthly passes start at 60,000 won for four classes and other pricing plans are available for those wishing to study more. Eshe is currently offering 10 free trial lessons each week allowing new students to try the different styles of belly dance being offered to see which one suits them best.

Eshe encourages everyone who comes to the studio to belly dance to wear comfortable clothing and to bring a bottle of water and a face towel. Other than a positive attitude and an open mind, no other equipment is necessary.

“Belly dance is for everyone, and I really, really recommend that everyone at least give it a try,” says Shailee Haven, one of Eshe’s students and a member of Navah.

“Belly dance has been such a positive role in my life,” she adds. “It’s helped me appreciate and respect my body, and hence myself, more. It never fails to lift my mood. I’ve also made a lot of friends through dance. Since starting bellydance, I’ve become a healthier and happier person.”

Eshe teaches belly dance out of the Well Being Studio in Seoul. From Itaewon Station (Line 6), go out Exit 3. Walk past the police station and the gas station. Walk up the large flight of stairs on your right and turn left at the top. Stay on the left side of the road where it forks. The studio is on the right. For more information, visit www.eshebellydancer.com or e-mail Eshe at eshebellydancer@hotmail.com

BY MACKENZIE OWEN

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