What do belly dancing and tap dancing have in common? You can seek out instruction for both in DeKalb.

The ancient Middle-Eastern art of belly dancing has found its way to Emergence Dance Theatre, 824 Market St. The class is taught by Sandra Schnamel, an NIU alumna and owner of the dance studio.

Schnamel, who fine-tuned her skills while touring extensively with a Chicago-based belly dancing troupe, explained that belly dancing is made to fit the curves of a woman.

“You get both aerobic and toning exercise, it gets your lymphatic system going and it’s really good for the spirit,” Schnamel said.

Members of the class agree that belly dancing is a great way for women to come together and learn while having fun and working at their own pace.

“Sometimes you get to feeling like you’re riding on a camel in the sand. It takes you to another place,” class member Mary Opfer said. “It transports you to a place that’s hard to get to in everyday life.”

Schnamel said that those interested need only to bring their spine and to wear comfortable clothes (no, you do not have to show your belly). The class meets at 6 p.m. Fridays and is open to all levels. For more information, call 758-6613. And sorry guys, this one is for ladies only.

A few blocks away at Debbie’s Dance Dimensions, 649 E. Lincoln Highway, a more modern approach to body movement can be explored.

“Tap dance is a good aerobic exercise and it’s an easy way to dance,” said Debbie Jones, studio owner and teacher.

Jones said once you learn the handful of basic steps involved in tap, it’s easy to create dances by adding on.

“You get to feel like you’ve accomplished something in a short amount of time,” Jones said.

Members of the class like the exercise benefits and the fun nature of the dance, which can be performed with almost any type of music.

“You can’t put on a pair of tap shoes and not smile,” class member Carol DeMoranville said.

The class meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and is designed for beginner and intermediate students, although Jones said she also can accommodate advanced students. Comfortable clothes and tap shoes are needed to participate in the class.

Private lessons for ballroom and swing dancing also can be coordinated through Debbie’s Dance Dimensions. For more information, call 756-8277.

Got legs?

Pick your poison

Belly dancing: Emergence Dance Theatre, 824 Market St. Classes taught by NIU alumna Sandra Schnamel. Ladies only. For more information, call 758-6613.