WOMEN in Bolton are moving their bodies to the beat of a new craze -- belly dancing.

The exotic pastime is becoming so popular that classes at Bolton's Excel Centre are attracting huge numbers.

Dancers are provided with traditional hip belts and wiggle the evening away to a selection of Arabian tunes.

The classes are the brainchild of instructor Sue Morris, from Radcliffe, who dances under the name Shareefa.

She has been teaching belly dancing for eight years and runs the classes on Tuesday evenings.

She said: "Belly dancing is good for the mind, body and spirit. People can get hooked on it."

The craze is currently taking Britain by storm after being used by pop superstars Holly Valance and Shakira in their recent hit songs Kiss Kiss and Whenever Wherever.

"The popularity of belly dancing is growing," said Sue. "It is a wonderful fat burning exercise that stimulates circulation, builds flexibility and raises your metabolism."

"Unlike other dance forms, belly dancing is low impact and won't place excessive stress on your joints."

Rona Wall, aged 40, from Heaton, tried the class for herself. She said: "This is the first time I have ever tried it and I thought it was really good -- but I am shattered!"

Janet Williams, aged 43, from Astley Bridge, added: "It was trying, but I enjoyed it. Using the costumes also made it more fun."

Hour-long classes run at Bolton Excel on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm. For more details, contact 01204 334456.

Gipsy dance

is making

a comeback

BELLY dance mania may be taking over thanks to the likes of pop star Holly Valance, but the dance's history is largely unknown.

Its origins are believed to lie with gipsies in the Middle East -- who used the belts to store their money -- before the craze eventually reached Egypt.

Traditionally, it was performed only by women as a celebration of childbirth.

"Even in the Egyptian tombs figures have been depicted belly dancing," says Sue Morris. "Children are brought up in Egypt to dance it and it grows through families."

POP STAR: Holly Valance

TOP TEACHER: Sue Morris puts her class through their paces

ON THE MOVE: Laurie Chapman shakes her hips