Field: Public Affairs
Correspondent: Juanique Vorster
Date: 12 November 2011
In lieu with recent Diwali celebrations at the end of October, our November gathering was aptly themed “Indian Nights”.
As the Vriendinne arrived; Zahra Punja decorated the hands and feet of the Vriendinne with Henna Tattoos. Henna tattoos are an ancient Mediterranean tradition that forms part of social and holiday celebrations. Henna tattoos are also used in the context of marriage and fertility celebration.
After the Vriendinne had some time to admire their newly acquired body art, Chrystal Simpson from Hip Fusion Belly Dance Studio in Brackenfell started the Vriendinne’s Belly Dancing lesson with a dancing demonstration and history overview.
Belly dancing is actually not an Indian tradition, but comes from Egyptian origin. It was used by Egyptian women to assist in and celebrate child birth. It was only in later years that the Pharaoh’s realized the entertainment aspect of Belly Dancing, and started summonsing women to dance for them. It is now a form of entertainment and exercise mainly associated with the Arabic culture.
With theory out of the way, it was time for action. Chrystal showed us an assortment of moves including things like “the figure 8”, “shimmy”, “hip throws” and much more.
With our coin belts in place we tried to remember the moves as we danced through a couple of songs. After lots of laughter and some serious sweat, the Vriendinne was rewarded with a CD compilation of Indian music and a free Belly Dancing lesson at the Hip Fusion Belly Dance Studio.
Husbands joined the Vriendinne after the lesson, to enjoy an Indian Punjabi Cuisine prepared by Delhi chef Munir Sheikh.
Munir prepared an array of Indian dishes, including Lamb Korma, Butter Chicken, Palak Paneer (a spinach and home made cheese dish), Lentil Curry, and Tikka Chicken served with rice, rotis and poppadoms.
Yet another unforgettable day filled with culture, traditions, education, exercise and amazing food shared with good friends.
Contacts:
Belly Dancing: www.hipfusion.yolasite.com
Henna Tattoos: zahrapunja@yahoo.com
Indian Punjabi Food: sheikhmunir@yahoo.com
Belly dancing lessons.
Henna tattoos.
Indian cuisine.
Vonkle Vriendinne.