Thatcham bellydance teacher prepares for big event

Helen Santa Maria instructs bellydancers throughout the local area, including at the Allenova School of Dance in Thatcham and also in Reading and has been busy teaching students in preparation for local performances throughout the summer - including in Headley, near Kingsclere and also at Newbury Racecourse.
“It's been a successful year so far with lots of students passing a bellydance exam and many others undertaking public performances for the first time,” said Mrs Santa Maria.
She was looking forward, she continued, to a break in the summer, as she prepares for the birth of her first child:
“I'm looking forward to some time off this summer as I'm expecting a baby! Luckily I have a fabulous team of bellydance coaches so the students will be left in good hands,” she said.
Taking over the reins temporarily, during her maternity leave, will be assistant coach, Louise Brooks, of Reading.
Meanwhile pupils are gearing up for several local performances including at Headley Village Fete on Saturday June 8 and the Culture Festival, at Newbury Racecourse, on Saturday June 29.