Despite all the arm waving, the women in a sweat last week in Scott council chambers were not angry taxpayers.

Rather, the meeting room was the setting for a one-hour "belly dance workout class" sponsored by Scott Township Public Library. The class drew four women to the municipal center to bend, stretch, lift and swing to kick off the eight-week course.

Linda Sheariss, back after a class in the fall, said she had to take part: Holiday feasts killed all the workout progress she made last year.

"I had the best intentions, but the holidays killed that," the Crafton woman said.

Friend and neighbor Amy Schneiderlochner, 53, said she enjoyed the vigorous workout, especially the fun part of the class: Wearing a hip scarf with gold coins and beads that jingle with every movement.

The hardest part?

"Keeping up with the instructor," she said of Wiam Younes, 46, who was introduced to the art as a child in Jordan.

"In the Middle East when women get together, there is dance and music and singing. I picked it up and developed this myself," Ms. Younes said of the workout that combines belly dance moves with aerobics against a backdrop of what she called "Middle East party music."

"To me, dance is the best way to release stress and to exercise," Ms. Younes, of Scott, said.

She said her goal for students was "to move your body, enjoy the music, and learn how to dance as a form of exercise and enjoyment."

In the meantime, as she instructed the women to begin the class:

"Keep a smile on as you are working out and having fun," she said.

Nancy Thomas, 63, of Crafton, and Joyce Acquaro, 68, of Brookline, said they liked the robust workout.

The belly dance workout does not require equipment or a large space.

Classes are held Saturdays. Times vary. Because each class builds on movements taught in previous classes, no additional students will be accepted after Saturday for this eight-week course. The nonrefundable fee of $48 for teens and $60 for adults covers all sessions and is payable at registration. To register, call 412-429-5380.

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