Belly Dance Info
MIDDLE EASTERN BELLY DANCE
HEALTH & FITNESS - Potential Benefits
As with any form of exercise or dance this depends on the individual - how much you put into it and how often you practice. The number one rule to remember that if it hurts – don’t do it! Learn to listen to your body and always check with your Doctor if you are unsure.
The movements are designed to strengthen the muscles and increase flexibility. Uses all the main muscle groups and helps you to feel comfortable with your own body. A great physical and mental tonic that is suitable for any body type or level of fitness, for young and old alike! It provides room for creativity and to express personal style. Great for improving confidence, self-esteem and maintaining a positive attitude. Improves flexibility, muscle tone and increases suppleness and strength. A fun and exotic way to keep fit and fight stress! Has been known to improve posture and help with gynecological and back problems.
Now enjoying renewed popularity in the West, it’s a great way of keeping fit and reducing stress and tension. As well as fun to do it can also enhance your sex life and it is a good means of escapism – especially with the colourful costumes and sensual music - a great way of getting away from the problems of everyday life! Belly Dancing helps you to move gracefully and it also increases endorphins – the body’s ‘feel good’ hormones. Good for health and fitness, it can help to combat depression, help with weight loss and is excellent for improving suppleness and a sense of well-being.
HISTORY
Belly Dance is Middle Eastern folk dance. Raqs Sharqi in Egyptian means Oriental Dance and its origins are in the Middle East and Africa. It is a very ancient dance that has been performed for thousands of years through-out the Middle East and is rich in history and culture. It has an air of mystique about it with its connections to fertility rituals, courtship displays and childbirth, (the muscles used help in the preparation for childbirth). Belly dancing is a skillful Art form and can be very graceful to watch as well as a means of self-expression. It is suitable for all ages and body types - anyone can learn it and you go along at your own pace. It is a dance form that celebrates the grace and beauty of the female form and is a fun and enjoyable way to have fun and keep fit! The fluid erotic alluring movements expresses a woman’s sensuality, beauty and inner strength and power. Helps you move with confidence and grace.
Rich in history and culture, it was traditionally performed in Egypt by two classes of women - the educated such as poets (in the privacy of the harem) and the “ghawazi” - low status street performers or prostitutes who appeared unveiled in front of male audiences. Performed in private by women for women for their own amusement and enjoyment, it has been passed down from mother to daughter and the professional dancers perform at celebrations, family get-togethers, weddings, etc. It has recently suffered a decline in Egypt due to Islamic fundamentalists that have condemned it as a perversion. There are lots of myths about belly dancing. There is no age limit, no dance experience is needed and it is suitable for any body shape or size. Middle Eastern women are often at the height of their career around 45-55 years. Suppleness is obviously an advantage and an understanding of rhythm for the music.
There are different styles of Belly Dance and many ways to move the body within the context of Oriental Dance - different ways to interpret the music through personality, expression and emotions. The emphasis is on hip movements. There are no set rules – the dance is performed from the heart and soul of the individual and is designed to bring out the dancers’ personality.
