Bellydancing has been around for centuries and can be traced far back into ancient history where it was performed at celebrations or in the preparation of the body for childbirth.  The origins of Bellydance lie in the mystical East: Egypt, Turkey and Arabia, which have been identified as the foundation of bellydance, though through travel and commerce newer influences have been introduced from Flamenco (Spain), Gypsies and Indian Kathak (Temple Dances).

Bellydance today is a melting pot of styles and incorporates a diverse range of influences, though its foundation has seemingly remained unchanged.  Dancing is a form of celebration, where the physical, spiritual, emotional and mental can all become one and at Mystic Bellydance we keep this beautiful and spell binding dance form alive... hopefully for generations to come.

The Benefits: There are so many benefits to bellydancing its hard to know where to start! 
** It’s great for toning and strengthening the muscles of the body
** Creates a strong core - supporting the back & major organs
** Improves posture
** Works the entire body from head to toe (including the neck)
** Great for boosting confidence and self esteem

Though most students dress comfortably for class, the opportunity to get dressed up in something beautiful that sparkles is certainly a lure that most of us cannot resist... and it really helps you feel differently too!  Some students find bellydancing to be very spiritual, others report they feel less inhibited, but mostly how much they get from class and that they have made great friends. 
 

MYSTIQUE – The Mystic Dance Troupe

Mystique was formed by the core members of the former group 'Arabian Fantasy (Suffolk)' and with dance teacher Leanne, carry on the essence of their former mentor, Maureen (Mo) Farrant in their new adventure and seek to inspire and captivate their audiences.

Over the years the group have performed at numerous local events and have supported many worthwhile charitable causes and fund-raisers since their creation and are proud to promote this beautiful and charismatic dance form in Suffolk.

As a group we believe it is important to support the work of other teachers and troupes and therefore attend events across East Anglia.  We welcome opportunites to link up with other dance groups to perform and support their dance workshops, haflas and events and are happy to help promote their efforts. 
 
Mystique performs bellydance in what is known as 'cabaret' or 'nightclub' style, which encompasses in the main Egyptian and Turkish moves whilst acknowledging influences from Indian/Bollywood, Flamenco, Tribal, Tribal Fusion and other dance forms.  We enjoy performing for private & public events and love nothing more than getting the audience to have a try for themselves.

Our performances are family friendly and we work hard at ensuring our public displays give a wide range of dance styles from soft and romantic veil work, to stick (cane) dances, up-tempo numbers and even a hint of Bollywood.  We even offer atmospheric choreographies perfect for any Halloween event, or the beautiful Illuminatrix lights dance which is spell binding for an indoor or outdoor event during the dark winter nights!  

Pictured above: the audience joining in at Britannia Primary School - Summer 2009



Teacher - Leanne Carrington-Payne (Leela of Suffolk) 
"My journey into teaching came officially in late 2007 when Mo (Maureen Farrant) asked me to take over 4 of her regular classes so she could take a step back into retirement.  

I dedicate a lot of time to bellydance and continue to study however and whenever I am able to, in order to grow both as a teacher and dancer.  I'd like to think that my students can feel how passionate I am about bellydancing and I know that they appreciate the generous sprinkling of humour I use in class.  I come from a  strong dance background in Ballroom, Latin American, American Line Dancing and Disco, and over the years have taught foreign exchange students, school children, barristers, friends, neighbours and family members to dance for numerous occasions, including millennium events and weddings.  

I endeavour to inspire pupils not just to dance, but along their dance journey. I have an easy going and relaxed style and use lots of creative visualisation techniques and dance terminology for pupils to gain the greatest benefit and classes are certainly lively and fun-filled, as I believe its an important factor in creating a positive environment for a student to learn in.

Training wise I attend workshops and events whenever possible and have attended sessions most recently with Galit Mersand, Nawarra, Anne Kingston, Christine Emery, Razia, Artemisa, Wendy Martlett, Gwen Booth, Fereshteh Hosseni, Jim Boz and Shafeek Ibrahim.  I study the history behind the dance, costuming, make-up and have a library of information to draw upon when I write 'Karrizzma' - our bellydance newsletter for East Anglia, as well as keeping up to date with new influences in the world of dance and checking in with various teachers and groups who are part of the local bellydance community to share ideas and update on events.

As regards to style of dance, I like to embrace everything as its so hard to choose one particular style and depending on the music and mood, I let my 'dancer within' journey to where she needs to go.  I lean towards more of an Egyptian, Turkish and Arabic influence with Bollywood fusion, tribal fusion and love to add a street/hip hop flare...and of course adore the themed work for special events and shows such as the Halloween hafla Shiva 'n' Sheik and seasonal dances for Christmas for a little fun!  I often include unusual musical choices in any show performance as I love using something unexpected that picks the audience up and carries them away...


Leanne is fully insured and provides students with dance notes for technique and choreographies to enable growth and understanding as students pursue their journey into bellydance. 

Alchemy East is the fusion group that brings a melting pot of styles together to create unusual and interesting choreographies and performances.

In June 2010, Alchemy East first performed at the Summer Sparkle event with their bellydance hip hop inspired number 'Shahipleehop' to the track Rock this Party..Everybody Dance Now... and it went down so well that students were demanding to learn it! 


In 2010, Alchemy East performed the dance 'Gladiatrix' at the Shiva 'N' Sheik III event at Kessingland.  The dance routine with Leanne (Midnight)and Helena (Aurora)was performed as two female gladiators, complete with tridents.  














In 2011, Alchemy East took inspiration from the song 'Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush' and performed their 'Two Kate Tribute' (Bush & Bronte) in this inspirational number, with their unique 'Mississippi Paddle Steamer' veil work.  This spooky spectacular was again performed at the Shiva 'N' Sheik Event IV in Kessingland.