JEWELS OF THE NILE BELLYDANCERS


The Jewels of the Nile is one of the largest South African belly-dancing studios in operation since 1998 and is headed up by the former and previously shy accountant, Charlotte. Charlotte began belly-dancing 13 years ago and despite her inhibitions she was a "natural" who soon found herself dancing professionally. Charlotte has danced in different parts of the world, from the Comores, Egypt and India to Los Angeles Mozambique and Zimbabwe, she has performed for numerous corporate events, launches, restaurant functions, competitions, stage productions and diplomatic receptions.

In 2000, Charlotte and three dancers from her studio won two gold medals and a trophy at the World Performing Arts Championships in Los Angeles. Although Charlotte's focus is on corporate motivation, team building and the environment, she aims to work with abused women. "Through dance I would like to see them overcome trauma, of any type or degree - I did."

Belly dancing has been celebrated for centuries by royalty, writers, poets, artists and musicians. It is a rapport between dancer and audience, an enchantment of vibrant colour, femininity and seductive fabric. The movements capture the joy of life as a woman, allowing each dancer to uniquely express her own magnificence.