Take off your winter puffa jacket – it’s time to shimmy! A world champion belly dancer is coming to town this month, and, courtesy of the studio Casa Flamenco, you can enjoy a two-day workshop with her. Winner of the coveted ‘World’s Best Belly-dancer’ title at the 2009 World-Tribal Fusion Solo competition, the decorated dance artist Mariam Ala-Rashi (pictured) started dancing at the age of three. ‘I have oriental roots and I learned to belly dance as a child in Syria,’ she explains. ‘My first ever memory is of dancing with my aunt and cousins on a balcony in Damascus.’

Belly dancing is one of the world’s oldest dance forms and, claims Ala-Rashi, is easy to pick up because it’s based on natural movements. ‘No matter a person’s age or size, everybody can learn to belly dance. You can do it just because you want to relax, or you can get into more advanced dance techniques.’

On the first day of the workshop, Ala-Rashi will introduce you to the basic language of belly dancing and answer questions on how to achieve the perfect costume. The following day, students will improvise and try out dance combinations for themselves. Remember to wear a comfortable top and a pair of trousers, and don’t miss this unique chance to lift the veil on this ancient and mysterious art form.

Held at Casa Flamenco Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 January.

English address 11-1-14 Qijiayuan Diplomatic Residence Compound, Chaoyang district.

Chinese address 朝阳区齐家园外交公寓11号楼1单元14号.

Admission:680RMB.

Tel: 8532 1915.