Home / Lifestyle / 75-Year-Old Shines in Mangaluru's Exploding Belly Dance Scene
75-Year-Old Shines in Mangaluru's Exploding Belly Dance Scene
26 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Belly dancing is rapidly trending in Mangaluru, attracting diverse age groups.
- A 75-year-old woman recently won a local event after recently taking up the dance.
- The dance form offers physical and emotional relief to women of all walks of life.
Belly dancing has emerged as a captivating new trend in Mangaluru, drawing participants from a wide age spectrum, starting from five years old. This vibrant art form is not limited by age or profession, evidenced by a 75-year-old woman recently winning a local competition after only recently starting.
Sharlaine Sequeira, the founder of ShimmyLaine, began her own belly dancing journey at 13, inspired by online videos. Her formal training began in 2018, deepening her appreciation for the discipline and cultural richness of the dance. She launched ShimmyLaine in April 2024, initially with four students, but the community has since expanded to over 50 women across Mangaluru, Manipal, and Goa.
The appeal spans numerous demographics, including doctors, lecturers, and IT professionals. Particularly moving are the older women who find a platform for expression, many stating they missed such opportunities when younger. Students report various benefits, from emotional release to physical relief, including improvements in menstrual health, underscoring the community's growing impact.
