The Berkhamsted-based dancer has been teaching the Egyptian dance in Tring and Berkhamsted for two years and this year has launched a new class for beginners in Bovingdon.

The classes take place in Berkhamsted Town Hall on Thursday mornings and evenings each week, on Wednesday evenings each week in Tring School and once a month at Bovingdon Memorial Hall on Monday evenings.

While on holiday to Skyros in Greece in 1994 someone offered to teach Egyptian dance and Anita was instantly moved by the gracefulness of the dance.

She said: "Women bring their earthy maturity and strength to this dance and it's moving to watch. It's not about holding yourself in. It's about being relaxed, expressive and dignified."

Egyptian Dance uses the whole body and is good for improving mobility in the spine, shoulders and neck. It improves posture, balance and strengthens the back, leg and stomach muscles.

Anita taught at Champneys, in Tring, for eight years before starting more classes in the town and in Berkhamsted and then went on to launch Mizmara, a student class.

"Women are always looking for new ways to maintain their fitness," explained Anita. "In this dance, they find an exercise that is holistic and nurtures self-acceptance and self-expression. They might start being quite shy and reticent but quickly relax and gain in confidence."

Anita started performing in 2000 doing solo work and dancing with the Tabeeya Dance Company, which is a regular feature at the annual Rhythms of the World Festival in Hitchin.

For more information contact Anita on 07879625850 or visit her website www.yalladance.com.