Shimmy That Waist...
Make Your Belly Dance!
September 29, 2008
by Grace Chen, Contributing Writer
Belly dancing has been keeping audiences entranced and mesmerized for centuries. In fact, it is one of the oldest and most colorful
dancing styles in the world. We have all seen some sexy burlesque-style belly dancers on the big screen, but belly dancing was never intended to be an erotic endeavor.
Belly dancing was initially performed by Arabic men and women to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and religious festivals until it was popularized in the west around 1890. If you are considering letting it all hang out at a belly dancing class and need your partner to look after the children, you might be just as well to leave the erotic connotations in his mind!
Belly dancing classes, or "oriental dance" classes as they are sometimes known, are an awful lot of fun. Especially with the nights drawing in, and the children being back at school, it can be immensely enjoyable to don the sequins, the bright clothing, and shake your stuff to some loud and crazy music. There are also a great many physical and emotional benefits associated with belly dancing, so it is well worth a look if you fancy an evening out.
How Belly Dancing Can Help Your Mind and Body
The Cardio Workout - If you would like to look in the mirror and see a slimmer you staring back, belly dancing offers a fantastic workout. You do not need to be in tip-top condition to participate, but your class time can be as strenuous as you care to make it.
Social Shaking - Especially if you have a group of fellow moms who fancy a fun evening out, belly dancing can offer you a chance to bond, learn a fun skill, and enjoy some quality "girl" time together. Belly dancing classes are also good for making new friends, meeting new people, and maybe arranging some other evening activities without your little ones.
Self Confidence - The nicest thing about belly dancing is that it suits women with curves. If you are self-conscious about the infirmities in your mid section, belly dancing offers a great way to celebrate your post-child body. If like me, you can see your toddler's leftovers appearing around your butt and thighs, belly dancing classes offer a way to accept and embrace the female form.
Added Flexibility - Though you might naturally associate belly dancing with the tummy region, the intention of the dance is to give a head-to-toe workout. I personally tried yoga classes to try and make my joints creak a little less, but found it to be too slow for my liking. Belly dancing will certainly make you more supple and flexible, and also tone the all-important "core" muscles.
Great Music - I was actually surprised how much I liked the flamboyant and passionate Arabic belly dancing music. Though it would be hard to sing along to in the car, the rhythm naturally
starts your hips gyrating and your feet moving.
