Vanessa Hudgens talks belly dancing on the set of her new film

The Hollywood starlet shows just how easy it is to learn belly dancing as she promotes her new film Sucker Punch.
Star of High School Musical Vanessa Hudgens has been in London to promote her new blockbuster film Sucker Punch, where she certainly packs a punch for girl power as the action girl role sees her doing everything from shooting dragons to belly dancing.

To get in shape for the all-action film, Vanessa undertook a grueling military fitness-training regime, with hundreds of box jumps at a time. But when it came to learning belly dancing for the scenes in the film, Vanessa confesses it was much more fun.
Appearing on George Lopez's American chat show, the 22 year old star admitted she loved being taught how to belly dance. Host Lopez then whipped out a sparkly collection of traditional dance scarves and challenged Vanessa to show him some moves, which the star duly did.
When asked what the trick was to perfecting the moves, Hudgens replied: "Imagine you are putting each butt cheek on a stool" and away you go. With the Turkish music blaring out, Vanessa puts on an impressive belly dancing show live on stage in front of the studio, whilst host George could only stand back and watch.

Of course, it's not just Hollywood starlets who get to have a go at belly dancing. The dance, which has long been a tradition across the Middle and Far East for thousands of years, is also an amazing way to get fit and stay toned. And you don't have to be in these countries, classes are held all over the UK and offer a fun way to learn in a group.
Thirty-five year old marketing manager Jacqui from Bristol has been doing it at her local dance studios in the town for the past six months. She commented: "I spend all day sitting at a desk in front of the computer, so when my sister gave me a belly dancing gift voucher for my birthday, I couldn't wait to give it a go. It's lots more fun than going to the gym or jogging and the girls and I in the class have a real laugh."
There's no stopping the global enthusiasm for this most mystical of exotic dance styles, as there is even a belly dancing forum dedicated to the dance, uniting fans around the globe to discuss everything from new moves, to costumes, music and fitness.