Senior women in the valley are invited to do the harem thing Friday afternoon in the Shenango Valley Community Center on North Buhl Farm Drive in Hermitage by taking part in a belly dancing workshop.

Sponsored by Nick Gracenin's Martial Arts and Fitness Center in Sharon, the women will be led by professional belly dancers Diane Hall and Jessie Godina of Hermitage. The session will include learning how to work with a veil and how to do shimmies, spins, belly rolls, hip pops and belly quivers.

The class will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and the cost is $5 a person.

The workout will include an energy choreography warmup by Kathy Gracenin. It is a mixture of yoga, tai chi, pilates and dance exercise.

"It is a senior-friendly class. There's no wrong way to do it. Seniors can do it in the context of their abilities," said Mrs. Gracenin, of Delaware Township, who along with her husband Nick runs the martial arts and fitness center.

Earlier in November she offered a belly dancing workshop through her fitness center. The response was so overwhelming that she plans to offer belly dancing in January on a weekly basis for women of all ages at the fitness center, which is located on the third floor of the F.H. Buhl Club.

Senior participants are asked to dress comfortably. Mrs. Gracenin encourages women to wear necklaces, scarves and any other kind of adornment. Veils will be provided. Shoes are optional.

"During the workout, those participating will also learn about postural alignment, how to move the core of the body and to enhance grace and rhythm," she said. "It builds self-esteem because we learn to reclaim our bodies."

To make a class reservation, call (724) 346-4712.