by Jessica Perkins

December 5, 2011

Ligaya Uses Ancient Dance to Inspire Women

When Margie Hyde — also known by her stage name, Ligaya — moved from California to Paducah in 1977, she had no way of knowing that thirty-four years later she would become a key figure within the city’s dance community and an impetus for the growing popularity of belly dancing here.

At that time, belly dancing was very popular, but there was not so much as a store in which to purchase belly dance clothing in Paducah. Not to mention the fact that no one in the community was very experienced in teaching classes on the dance.

When Margie learned that the Paducah Parks Department was offering a belly dancing class she was thrilled and signed up for the class immediately. She had just gotten started in belly dancing while still in California and was looking forward to having something to enjoy in this new home of hers.

As it turned out, the class’s instructor was only just beginning to learn how to belly dance by teaching herself through instructional books. Instructional videos didn’t exist in 1977. When Margie attended her class, the instructor quickly realized that this newcomer had a lot more to offer the other students than she was able to offer them. So she invited Margie to co-teach the class. Thus began a new career for this West Coast gal.

Although Margie had taken several classes in belly dancing, she had never taught a class. She began by teaching her first students the basics of belly dancing and soon began attending seminars on choreography and dance techniques in order to become a better teacher. But teaching in Western Kentucky was a challenge.

“(In the 1970s) belly dancing records were difficult to find (in Paducah) and they were expensive. There wasn’t even a place to buy our skirts so we had to make them ourselves,” said Margie.

It took Paducah some time to understand belly dancing. When people learned that Margie was a belly dancer, many of them misunderstood and thought she was some sort of “exotic” dancer.

It has taken years of hard work and persistency to change that perception. But Margie and her students are living proof of the health and wellness benefits of belly dancing, and continue to take their positive message throughout the community.

Margie, now 66, is flexible and fluid in her movement. Her students are in awe of her strength and her ability to continue building up new students and instructors. Her love of the dance is contagious among her students and they continue spread the word on its benefits.

“Belly dance has given me more confidence and helped me take better care of myself through proper diet and exercise,” said Lisa Bohanon.

“It helps my spirit. I find it to be an amazing creative outlet, especially as a working mom,” said Jessica Joy.

Even beginning students are immediately inspired by Margie and her dance troupe to continue their education in the dance.

“People who take this class for the first time come back again and again. We really enjoy it,” said first-time student, Lenore Massey.

Margie and her students perform at various community events, including the LowerTown Arts & Music Festival and Live on Broadway (formerly Downtown After Dinner).

The instructors and students can be seen performing at various community events, including the LowerTown Arts & Music Festival and Live on Broadway (formerly Downtown After Dinner). For more information on belly dancing classes in Paducah go to www.paducahky.gov or contact the Paducah Parks Department at 270.444.8508.