A group of inspiring ladies are boosting body positivity by celebrating their figures – through belly-dancing.
The Hippy Shake Dancers was set up in 2022 by Trish Lawson with the aspiration of transforming self-conscious women into hip-wiggling performers.
And this summer the group – which range in age from their 30s up to 75 – showcased their moves during the special Hafla Extravaganza show, held at the city’s Drill Hall Lincoln on June 1.
The event raised money for Mind – but, just as importantly perhaps, was hours of fun for both the audience and those performing.
Trish said: “People hear the word belly dancing, and they automatically think what you see on TV or whatever Hollywood is portraying to you. Bra tops and little skirts, and you’re shaking what your mama gave you.”
But the 57-year-old said it’s actually about boosting body confidence and good mental health: “if you’re enjoying what you’re doing, you suddenly forget about your jiggly bits.”
Alexandra Davenport, 41, a performer, got into belly-dancing by watching videos on YouTube during lockdown.
She said: “I saw an advert for Trish’s class a few years ago and I joined and never looked back. In the belly dance community, it doesn’t matter if you’ve got a bit of a mummy tummy, a C-section scar or you’re not quite the shape you want to be.”
The Hafla Extravaganza saw nearly 200 people enjoy the show, with acts such as entertainer Dee Dee Lee singing and dancing to One Night Only, Alexandra performing as The Dragon Queen and Trish performing as The Valkyrie, as well as many other dancing groups from across Lincolnshire.
Trish said: “It’s a bit of a sort of pat on my own back, but it was just incredible.”
The total raised was £700 with £550 going to Mind.
