Smokie la Grange (in purple) and her dance partner Rouge. Photo: Marnette Meyer.

The ancient art of belly dancing was introduced to a group of Melkbosstrand youths today. The belly dancing formed part of the activities presented at the school this week.

And it was an eye-opener from the start of Smokie la Grange’s short speech. First memorable fact: Not only women do belly dancing. Men also do it. Even more memorable is that a famous male belly dancer is still performing at the ripe old age of 90.

Smokie and her dance partner Rouge then illustrated the basic principles of belly dancing. “Tuck in your tush” proved to be easy. “Make snake arms” was an instruction enthusiastically taken up by the boys and girls alike as they followed Smokie’s example and made sinuous shapes with their arms as Smokie encouraged them, “Can you see that snake? Your arms are the snake.”

After illustrating more movements the dancing duo performed three numbers. For a short space of time the inner courtyard at Melkbosstrand High School was transformed into a flamboyant and timeless spectacle.

The week-long activities were presented by the Melkbosstrand Police, Melkbos Care Centre, the Melkbosstrand Community Centre, the Melkbosstrand Fire Department, ACVV Koeberg, Melkbos Neighbourhood Watch and Community Police Forum.