A GROUP of seniors took to belly-dancing more than 10 years ago – because who doesn’t enjoy sparkly costumes, bling and shaking your hips?
Senior dance troupe Diamontease are set to impress a Bayswater audience this Harmony Week, with dances inspired by Middle Eastern belly-dancing.
The group is led by Suzanne Oehlers who took to the dance after a bad horse riding accident left her with severe spinal fractures and abdominal injuries.
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READ NOWBelly-dancing helped strengthen her muscles and restore flexibility and muscle control and led her to many overseas trips studying, teaching and performing in Egypt, USA, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Ms Oehlers more recently joined Diamontease, a group of six women aged 67 to 80 years who have danced for more than 10 years now.
Member Yvonne Hedges said the group often performed at retirement villages, but their Bayswater Library performance would be their first Harmony Week appearance.
“(The retirement village audience) love the music, the colour, the costumes; we have a good laugh,” she said.
“Two of our ladies had knee replacements last year, but they were back in six weeks.
“(Belly-dancing is) very feminine; you get to dress sparkly and load yourself with bling.”
Mayor Barry McKenna said Harmony Week aims to embrace cultures and people who make up the City of Bayswater and explore diversity through stories, film and interactive activities.
Maylands Public Library will host a belly-dancing display March 23 at 6pm with Ms Oehlers, who will also speak about the origins of belly-dancing, and Diamontease.
Bayswater Library will host Colourfest film night March 22 at 6pm to showcase Australian short films and the role of immigrants in the community.
A Bollywood dance workshop for pre-schoolers will be held at Bayswater Library March 22.