Belly Dancing is a very specialised form of dance that has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way of keeping fit. Today, in the 2nd of our nine-part series called "Fitness for All," we meet a man who has inspired a new generation of belly dancers in China.
What you are looking at was a first for Beijing. A gala dance performance featuring only belly dancers. The showcase brought the age old art to a new audience but it wasn't just any belly dancing performance.
You could match up the talent at the show against any top belly dancing show, with some of the biggest names in the world all gathering for the gala.
Jonas Gilbart said, "The super stars of the belly dancing is bringing some of the biggest names in the sport to Beijing. And one of those stars is home growing star. But this belly dancer is sharttering the mode what many people think what belly dancer should be. And also inspired new generation right here. "
Guo Wei said, "My feelings now? I can't say I am not nervous, but I will try my best to make the show successful. Because this is China's first special belly dancing show. I feel very excited."
When Guo Wei isn't thrilling fans he teaches at his own belly dance studio in Guomao. His journey into the world of belly dancing began five years ago. It was then that a 22 year old Guo travelled to Egypt to learn the ancient art and fell in love with it.
Since then, he has been bringing belly dance to China and he has seen the popularity of the dance steadily grow.
Guo Wei said, "I expected to bring the most original and traditional belly dance to China. But, belly dance can also allow you to also use your imagination. It's a freestyle dance which allows you to perform the way you like."
Jonas Gilbart said, "Belly dance is alluring dance. For many it's a dance for women and only for women...But Guo Wei certainly didn't believe that."
