(May 11, 2005) — The sweet melody of Arabic drumbeats streamed thought the halls of Clark last Friday when Belly Dance Club held its weekly meeting in room 1327. The club has had a great turn out with almost 30 members and new members joining each week. The first meeting was held April 1, but the turnout was low because few students had heard about the club. As the club got more recognition, it also got more members. “It’s fun spending enrichment time helping others learn this traditional dance,” said sophomore club secretary Alberta Kaichian. Club president and founder sophomore Nada Hashem said that the club is great for members to learn more about the Arabic culture and understand the skill behind belly dancing. Since belly dancing has been a customary dance for woman, the club is permitted to girls only. On April 29 Belly Dance Club had a special guest who presented a dance lesson to the girls and spoke about the history of belly dancing and what it has evolved to now. Club advisor Cynthia Nash is also new to belly dancing but hopes to learn it. “It’s the most affective club I’ve been involved with, we get work down and cooperate together as a group,” said Nash. The club has started to plan fundraisers and events for next year. One suggestion is go to Carousel Middle Eastern Restaurant in Glendale so members can see professional belly dancers and have a taste of the Middle-Eastern culture. Nash said, “The goal of the club is to learn dance moves, but not necessarily to perform in front of the school.”