Article by Clare Stevens
Bellydancing is swaying its way into being one of the most popular forms of entertainment and exercise. Considered to be one of the oldest dances in the world—practiced by ancient cultures from the Orient to the Middle East—the modern world has embraced it for numerous reasons.
1. It’s a fun way of losing weight.
Many women have problems losing weight in the abdominal area. Bellydancing has a way of tightening that tummy (and the flab in the arms, thighs, and oh, just about everything). And what makes this so effective as a weight control program is that women rarely skip a session. The classes are so enjoyable you don’t realize you’re burning calories.
2. You can easily adopt the program to your needs or skill levels.
Start with the simplest of moves and then develop your own choreography when you’re ready for something more complicated. This easy adaptability makes it appropriate for women of all ages. Plus, you never get bored—there’s always something new to try!
3. You can get in touch with your feminine side.
Bellydancing used to be part of a goddess ritual, and its moves had a spiritual significance. The reason it focuses on the belly isn’t to titillate male viewers—it was to celebrate the womb, and the power of women as the source of life. Very empowering!
4. Those costumes will make you look hot!
If you’re the type of girl who loves experimenting with fashion, then you’ll enjoy the sheer variety of costumes that you’ll be able to wear. Depending on which type of bellydancing you want to get into (yes, there are different schools!) you can wear something ethnic, something exotic, and all the modern “fusion” clothes that mix together elements from the East and West. Hey, beats leotards!
5. You’ll love the music.
Just as there many different types of bellydancing, there’s also a wide range of music you can choose to dance to. There are the traditional songs, which include Indian and Egyptian influences, or modern Oriental music that have all the elements of pop but retain the ancient rhythms, or completely contemporary songs that include rave, techno, and called “World Music.” Find what makes you groove!
6. It’s relaxing.
If yoga isn’t your thing, bellydancing’s rhythmic movements can help clear your head and get the adrenalin moving. A great stress reliever!
7. You feel sexier.
Bellydancing is not, as Hollywood portrays it, primarily a dance of seduction. It had religious roots and was meant to liberate the power of the inner woman, not turn her into a man’s plaything. That being said, you do feel very sexy while doing it, which does wonders whether or not you have an audience. You feel good about your body and you feel good about yourself.
8. You can do it in your own time.
Aside from the large number of bellydancing classes where you can find one that fits into your schedule, you can practice at home just by playing the bellydancing videos.
9. You can get in touch with your ethnic roots.
If your family has roots in the Orient and Middle East, bellydancing can be a great way of connecting to your culture.
10. You just may earn money from it!
Get good enough at bellydancing, and you can perform. Bellydancing is a popular form of entertainment, and you can do gigs on weekends. Not a bad way to earn extra money!