GRACEFUL: Paola is an embodiment of strength.
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Pole dancing, belly dancing or aerobics? SRI PRIYA is taken up with the dance lessons offered at The Dance Studio.
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| INSTRUCTOR: Paola Blanton |
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| SIMPLE: The modules are well structured to cater to beginners’ needs. |
THE minute I stepped into The Dance Space studio in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, a magical feeling enveloped me.
We were greeted by Paola Blanton, the dance instructor. The ambience was mystical and the walls were painted with warm colours and adorned with glass patchwork.
Paola was born in the former Yugoslavia but spent almost 22 years in the United States.
She later moved to Brazil with her husband and lived there for eight years. She moved to Malaysia when her husband was offered a teaching position at the International School of Kuala Lumpur.
The former English Literature teacher considers herself a humanitarian and believes that dance transforms the body and soul.
According to Paola, the Middle Eastern dance, rags shargi, better known as belly dance, has made her academy famous.
“You don’t have to be stick-thin to dance. This dance is very loving towards a woman’s curves,” she said.
The dance emphasises core strength and the inner strength of women.
“It’s a very empowering dance. I have seen Malaysian women come out of their shells when performing this dance.”
The studio also offers pole dancing.
“Pole dancing just looks better on a woman. Guys love to fool around with the pole but this dance looks best when performed by women,” said Paola who showed me some of the moves. It was empowering.
“This dance requires strength, power and focus. The moves are sexy and it makes a great workout because it requires muscle activity, especially in the arm and thigh areas. You can’t be overweight as you need to lift your body,” said Paola.
While admitting that this form of dance originated in bars, Paola would like to classify it as a sport.
“It also allows women to build confidence with their bodies. Nothing is more beautiful than watching a graceful woman.
“My classes are often filled with women who enjoy dancing. It has a joyful atmosphere,” said Paola, who was inspired by American dancer Isadora Duncan.
Paola not only teaches but also performs with her students during company annual dinners and other events. She has trained at the A to Z Belly Dance Academy in Australia and Vertical Dance Academy in the United Kingdom.
The studio also offers Bollywood and Latin dances as well as low-impact aerobic activities.
According to Paola, her friend is also planning to conduct a six-week course on self defence for women.
For details, call Paola at 016-258-1499, e-mail poala@yalla-bina.net, houseofyumm@yahoo.com or visit www.thedancespace.com.my or www.yalla-bina.net.
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