She waits in one corner of the studio in front of a mirrored wall. As the students take positions, she looks dazzling in a white beaded ensemble. The music starts and Guo Wei moves in tandem with the instrumental piece. Swishing her white outfit, she performs a series of sharp steps. Before ending, , she moves from shoulder to stomach demonstrating the ‘body wave’. “One has to move like a camel,” she says winking her eyes.
First trip to Hyderabad It is two weeks since Guo made Hyderabad home. As part of Steps Dance Studio’s belly dancing and street jazz workshop, she has been teaching youngsters the basics and finer points of belly dancing.
This is her first trip to India and to the city. “In the first session, the students were shy to do belly dancing. Once they saw me dancing and showing different movements, they became comfortable,” she points out.
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Hailing from the Sinkiang province near Russia, where singing and dancing is an intrinsic part of their culture, she says, “Having grown up in such a culturally rich environment, it was natural for me to get inclined towards dance.”
With a passion for dance, she continued her education and majored in electrical science. As part of training, she went to Beijing and did a part time job as a dancer. “One is considered a professional only when one dances in a studio,” she says. Dancing for the past nine years, Guo pauses for while when asked why she likes belly dancing among all forms of dance. “I like belly dancing without any reason,” she says with a smile and adds, “Belly dancing is called as the medicine dance because it works as a medicine for women especially in the stomach part.” She also feels Hyderabadi girls are very shy to show their belly unlike girls in her country who are more open about belly dancing.
Guo debunks the myth that belly dancing is only for women. “Belly dance is for both men and women and people of all ages, it works for all. It’s also better way to sharpen your finger movements and self esteem.”
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Supporting her point she says in America some good belly dancers are actually men who dance better than women! “Boys have more physical power when compared to girls and hence they are able to control their muscles well. Belly dancing is considered a fad there. It’s easy to learn belly dancing as a beginner. But when one wants to take it to the advanced level, one needs patience and willingness to do hard work.”
Bollywood is popular When she is not belly dancing, you will find Guo cooking or designing a new dress. She also loves the Bollywood dance. “Bollywood dance is popular in China. I learnt a few Bollywood songs too with instructor Anuhuya here,” she smiles.
It is not mere fascination for Bollywood dance as Guo wants to dance in Hindi films too. “I want to teach at more places and discover new dance forms. I have got an opportunity to dance in an upcoming Telugu movie.”