Weight Watchers promotional feature: Belly Dancing

For me, the thought of publicly exposing my tum to anyone, let alone a room full of strangers, has never held much appeal.

But in pursuit of that ever-elusive toned stomach, I decided to check out a belly dancing class - one of the most unusual fitness crazes to hit Britain.

Known also as Middle Eastern dancing, Raqs Sharqi or Raqs Orientale, this ancient art form is said to have originated in the Middle East and Africa. It is generally accepted that the dance began as a courtship display and fertility ritual.

However, in this day and age, it's seen simply as a great, novel way to strengthen the pelvic floor and firm up that extra baggage around the middle, and even help back-ache.

Tummies exposed!

My first surprise (as I enter professional teacher and performer Jacqueline Clapman's class) is the range of ages and sizes taking part.

From svelte to sumptuous - every figure and body type is represented in the 50-strong crowd. There are also quite a few more mature students, and Jacqueline tells me that this is because, unlike ballet, belly dance movements are natural and not hard on your body. "It's a very individual form of self-expression, where you can go at your own pace," she says.

Even more surprising, is the level of enthusiasm in the class. All the students - young and old - fight to tell me how much confidence the class has given them, and how much they look forward to it.

And this is more than obvious - the class is constantly laughing along with Jacqueline as they learn the steps, and all are wearing their loose skirts and tracksuits at hipster level, barefoot, without a hint of self-consciousness.

East meets England

Jacqueline warms us up, and then starts teaching us some classic moves such as the 'hip drop' and 'camel walk', always checking on those with medical complaints and the pregnant members of the class. She is gentle and encouraging - obviously a trait that remains from her former career as a nurse.

I find that once I've relaxed and got used to this new, waist-focussed way of moving my body, I really start to get into it. The more advanced dancers in the class clearly have incredible muscle control - and I watch enviously as they all jingle their gorgeous tinkly skirts and chains with aplomb. But I don't do too badly - and one of the regulars even comments that I'm 'coming along nicely'!

A huge part of the experience for me is the Middle Eastern music used. It's exotic and powerful - the perfect soundtrack to lose your inhibitions to! And the fantastic costumes and jewels worn by some of the class also add to the mood - and I resolve to buy some from Jacqueline after the lesson!

It's way more fun than the hard work of standard exercise classes. In learning this ancient dance form I feel like I've had a workout at the same time! I really felt graceful and beautiful as I danced, and I came out of the class with a yoga-like sense of calm.

I'm hooked!

For more information on Jacqueline Clapman's belly dancing dances or 'Belly Babies' (her pre- and post-natal belly dancing classes), call +44 (020) 7629 6183 or check out bellydancer.org.uk