The belly belle!

Turkish belly dancer Tanyeli on her item number in Mission Istanbul and why every woman must learn the dance form

Luscious curves, cascading locks, pouted lips and fiery eyes—that’s world renowned Turkish belly dancer Tanyeli, who will be seen performing an ‘item’ number in Apoorva Lakhia’s Mission Istanbul.

An act of prayer

Tanyeli who has performed for Princess Margaret of England and the former President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam, says belly dancing is like ‘prayer’. “I don’t believe in shaking the body and making seductive moves. My dance is about freedom of expression and delicate movements.”

Coming back to Mission Istanbul, Tanyeli is performing the Indian version of Bob Sinclar’s number World hold on, which goes as Ruba dilruba in the film. She agreed to do it because the film is based on her country. “I love losing myself in dance. India has a heritage of classical dance including Kathakali. I regard Madhuri Dixit, Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan as great dancers,” she says. Pop singersShakira and Beyonce are among her other favourite dancers.

Incidentally, belly dancing has been a tradition in Tanyeli’s family. “The number Aawara hoon in Raj Kapoor’s Awara has been a crucial part of my growing up years,” she says even as she hums the song.

Belly benefits

When told that belly dancing is not taken seriously in India she retorts, “If Indian folk dances, which involve the movement of belly, are considered pure then what’s wrong with belly dancing?” She adds, “I believe every woman should learn belly dancing. It is the best way to fire-up the seven chakras of the body, which are the crucial energy generators. It keeps you fit, helps in giving natural birth and is the best form of meditation. I am reborn each time I perform.”

Future form

Though she doesn’t have any plans to continue in films, Tanyeli is considering opening a training school here to make belly dancing a popular form. She is also currently hosting the dance training programme Oriental Live Show in Turkey. When asked if she looks up to anybody for inspiration, she says, “People look up to me for inspiration. I look up to no one but God.”

news source : http://www.dnaindia.com/