For Ellie Higgins and Betty Osswald, belly dancing as seen on film is far from the true nature of the ancient art form.

The two have spent the last few months teaching moves of the Middle East-born dance in classes geared to women 40 years and older. In the process, they’ve gathered new students, curious about the fluid moves and exotic dress.

Their aim is to keep women moving and exercising, using dance moves that were designed for women, according to Osswald.

“We practice goddess-ness. The body is a temple and we need to treat that temple well,” said Osswald, who used to teach belly dancing at studio in New Bedford.

Together, the two instructors show an unflagging enthusiasm.

“We’re going to be dancing until the day we drop,” said Higgins.

Misconceptions on what belly dancing is actually abound, said Higgins. As women arrive for the class in veils, long skirts, and metal beads that jingle as they warm-up, she said it’s not about seduction.

“It is an art form. There’s nothing vulgar about it,” she said. “It’s about embracing whatever type of body you have.”

Higgins, who lives in Mattapoisett, has been teaching belly dancing for six years. The moves involved work core muscles and improve balance. They’re also easy on the joints.

There are a number of motions in the dance, and Higgins described two of the more popular ones. During “fluid movements” dancers move their hips and abdomen in loops, horizontally, or vertically, along with the music.

When dancers “shimmy,” small and fast movements are used to move the hips and rib cage.

“Belly dancing is good for stress release,” Osswald said. “All the moves use core muscles and every motion helps keep those muscles strong.”

To start the class, Osswald and Higgins stand in front to lead a warm-up session. Music plays and the dancers move in time to the rhythm of the music.

Right now, the classes generally draw about 10 people regularly, but more women are welcome to join.

Classes cost $3 each, and take place on Monday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, located at 17 Barstow St. For more information, call 508-758-4110.