Belly dancing skills stay sharp

Jane Copeland teaches four levels of Oriental Dance, also known as Raks-as-Sharqi in Arabic and belly dance in Western countries.

Its movements are thousands of years old and based on traditional folk dance. Although Copeland has been teaching for more than 34 years, her enthusiasm still spills over to her students.

Belly dancing, she says, helps women become more aware and accepting of their bodies, and builds confidence that translates to other areas of life.

Staff Photographer

Zarifa (Jane Copeland) has been a belly dancer and teacher for over 34 years. She teaches 4 levels of Orental Dance (Raks-as-Sharqi in Arabic) that is called belly dance in the United States and other western countries.

Video: Jane Copeland dances