Hever Castle housekeeper Michaela Mackevitt started belly dancing when a friend wanted to try a class and she got hooked.
“My friend did three classes and I am still doing it 14 years later”, Michaela joked.
She runs a class in East Grinstead and is now adding a class at Hever Castle Health & Wellbeing.
Michaela said: “I have always loved dance but I fell in love with belly dancing. When my teacher retired I took over from her.”
She has been teaching for the past three years and says her classes are suitable for everyone:
“Belly dance is for all shapes, all sizes, all ages. My youngest student is 11 and my oldest is 83.
“It is great for self-confidence, it’s great for improving memory as well as physical fitness. It is low impact but it’s also great for getting your heart rate up.”
There is no need to wear a special outfit or get your tummy out if you don’t want to – Michaela advises a comfortable outfit and bringing a scarf so she can check hip movement.
Some people dance in bare feet or a ballet shoe and Michaela also advises bringing a bottle of water:
“People don’t realise there is so much involved in it and it is a cardio work out although it is low impact. There is a lot of core movement so it’s good for core strength,” she says.
Michaela Mackevitt teaches Egyptian belly dance to traditional music.
The class at Hever Castle Health & Wellbeing runs at 6pm to 7pm on a Wednesday and cost £10 for an hour.
To book email Michaela on: [email protected]
The Wellbeing Centre opened in April 2019 at Hever Castle Health & Wellbeing. It offers a range of classes such as pilates, yoga and Paracise™ and treatments including physiotherapy, massage and beauty therapy.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
