A four week Belly Dance course begins on Tuesday, September 10, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.  at the Cobscook Community Learning Center. Instructor Kessie Smith-Marengo leads this fun class consisting of warm-ups, various step instruction and choreographed routines, all to inspiring energetic music.

This ancient art form originated in the Middle East as a folk dance originally called ''oriental dance.'' Over the years, Oriental dance became more refined and known by its current name: Belly Dance. Today, Belly Dance can be found in all corners of the world at art festivals, performance theatres and classes and groups for dancers of all ages and abilities.

The dance was created by women for women's eyes only. Women would get together to dance, not just for entertainment but also to enjoy the health benefits like cardio-conditioning and strengthening of the arms, shoulders, torso and legs. Belly dance helped prepare expecting mothers for child birth (since the dance movements target the muscles around the hips and abs).

Belly dance is a passion for instructor Kessie Smith-Marengo. She is a longtime student of Lois Ann Kuntz and she regularly performs and competes professionally. Kessie has won awards at the Boston Belly Dance Diva Competition and is an avid Bollywood dance fan.

Please wear comfortable, layered clothing and bring an exercise mat and firm pillow or towel.Cost for the course is $35 and hassle-free scholarship money is available, if needed. The Cobscook Community Learning Center is located at 10 Commissary Point Road in Trescott.For more information, course details, fees, and to register, please visit www.thecclc.org. If you have questions, please email valerie@thecclc.org or call 207/733-2233.