What is Belly Dancing?
Many experts say belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the mid-East. Belly dancing is natural to a woman's bone and muscle structure with movements coming from the torso rather than in the legs and feet.
Rachel, our Belly dance instructor, often focuses on isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in sensuous patterns, weaving together the entire feminine form. Belly dancing is generally performed barefoot and is thought by many to emphasize the intimate physical connection between the dancer, her expression, and Mother Earth.
Oriental dance is uniquely designed for the female body, with an emphasis on abdominal muscles, hip moves, and chest moves. It is firm with bare feet connected to the ground. It is a dance characterized by smooth, flowing, complex, and sensual movements, alternated with shaking and shimmy type moves.
The Benefits of Belly Dancing
- Improves posture and muscle toning. The graceful hip drops, rolls, and pivots of this dance form utilize muscle groups in the abdomen, pelvis, trunk, spine, and neck, working with the body instead of against it. This muscle toning will enhance your dancing.
- Helps with weight loss. Belly dancing can burn up to 300 calories per hour. This estimate will vary, of course, depending on the intensity of your dancing.
- Will help with preparation of childbirth. The toned abdominal muscles and natural hip tucks taught during prenatal classes, teach the expectant mother how to move her pelvis which is helpful at birth.
- Is used for stress reduction. The repetitive movements and the concentration needed to move can help a mind filled with daily stress to "let go" for a while and relax.
- Exercise the carrying muscles without impact. A belly-dancer uses her quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes to hold her steady as she performs hip movements or travels smoothly across the floor.
- Builds the back muscles evenly. Torso movements, coupled with shoulder movements, exercise the back muscles, and they exercise the muscles evenly. Gain strength to hold your posture effortlessly!
