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Bellydancing for Body and Spirit

A different, fun way to get fit
bellydancing
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by Perrin Braun
August 18, 2008

I am utterly sick of the treadmill. I like to run, but lately I've been feeling bored with my exercise regiment of running and yoga. Then, the epiphany came. I knew there was a belly dancing studio in the same building as where I do yoga, but I've always kind of laughed it off. Belly dancing? Not for me, thanks. I'm completely uncoordinated on the dance floor. But after a year of staring into the door of the studio, trying to get a glimpse of what is going on, I decided to investigate further.

Before I get into the health benefits of belly dancing, its history is just too interesting to ignore. It's actually one of the oldest dances in the world, originating in Africa and the Middle East. The dance focuses on the belly and hips because it is the region of the woman's body that is the crux reproduction and femininity; thus, belly dancing is actually a type of fertility dance!

And guess what? Belly dancing is not only fun, but it's also a great way to lose weight and tone up!

By isolating your belly and hips, it helps you to lose fat around those trouble-spots

Belly dancing is a form of cardiovascular exercise that strengthens your heart and increases your metabolism

Your stomach and abdominal muscles get a great workout. These areas are not only strengthened and toned, but your posture is consequently improved

Contrary to my previous belief, belly dancing does not actually require a whole lot of coordination. Teachers say you move to your own rhythm and choreography, unlike other forms of dancing. Plus, people of all fitness levels and skills can learn how to belly dance! You can find classes at gyms, private studios, and there are lots of home videos available.

Not only is belly dancing a wonderful form of exercise, but also it is a great way to let go of our inhibitions and feel more confident about ourselves and our bodies. So, the consensus is: go for it! If you're looking to add some more fun and excitement to your exercise routine, why not give belly dancing a try?

 
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COMMENTS & DISCUSSION
by Brenda West
do you have any classes in the Metro DC area. or any within the Prince Georges County area.
by karen
They also have belly dancing instructions on FIT TV channel, its called Shimmy, and they break down all of the moves very easily, also they do a good warm up and stretching at the beginning of each class. I record it onto my dvd because their are several classes a day. They are 30 minutes and fly by, then if I want I can do another 30 minute one.
by jo
I think is also very sexy and we couls lern new moves for our man.so where is the nearest school .!
by Sheri
I live in Easton PA where can I find an inexpensive belly dance lesson?
by Rebecca
I couldn't agree more! I've been belly dancing for most of my life, I even do it out on the dance floor when I go dancing with my friends! It's a great way to lose weight, tone up, have fun, and make you feel good about your body all at the same time! Dance on Ladies!
by Arlene
I always wanted to hear information like this about Belly Dancing. I always wanted to know if Belly Dancing could help me tone up. This report encourages me to do it. Thank you
by Hayley Miner
Would LOVE to try. Would you be able to recommend any studios in L.A. that has good classes? Thanks.
by Mind Body Sanctuary - Editor Katherine
Hayley - You may want to contact your local YMCA or fitness center to see if they have a directory or list of classes and instructors to check out.

Sheri - I would recommend you do the very same thing. Check out your local YWCA or fitness centers and see what is available. Sometimes local community centers have classes as well.
by joyce
no classes here,what to do?
by NIKI
HOW DO I REALY MOTIVATE MYSELF TO GET INTO BELLYDANCEING?
by ALIREZA
DANCE IS VERY NICE , BECAUSE WITH DANCING YOU CAN BURN YOUR FAT ESILY . KISS , ALIREZA
by YODIT
I think belly dancing is a great way to make any one feel sexy mostly if you are built with womanly curves like me. I love to do it mostly because it makes me feel sexy and boost's my ego which all of us ladies need in a world where we are preasured to be a size 0. "JUST TRY IT,ALONE, IN YOUR HOUSE, WITH THE RADIO, WHATEVER ,AND YOU'LL KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.''
by lizzanne McMeo
hi i would love to try out belly dancing it sounds peaceful how can i do belly dancing if i am located in Trinidad and Tobago it would be great if you all REPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE thank you
by Ms. Tex
I had read this article before when it was sent to my email> I am interested in taking a class in my area!!! Does anyone offer them in the Metro Detroit Area??
by Heidi
I have taken belly dancing for almost 2 years. Unfortunately, I have had some balance issues and the teacher I took from usually does very fast dances which require a lot of spinning, so I had to take some time off last Spring, but hope to go back in January. It's a great work out, and a lot of fun. You can even find DVD's on-line.
by desiree bolling
where are class in dc?
by carolyn Cole
Can you tell me where they have belly dancing class in gulfport, Ms.
by gladys nelson
sound great were can one from webtv.net/
by Sharon Rich
I started Belly Dancing in the early 70's and traveled with a dance troupe called 'Saphiera" led by Diane Edgrington in Tacoma, Washington. (I found the classes offered at a community college). Dancers today know us as "The 70's Dancers" - the ones that started Belly Dancing in the Northwest. What I gained from the experience has shaped my life. I became fit throughout my core region. This type of fittness gives me a posture that radiates confidence. Belly dancing (BD) gives women a beautiful abdomin and back-no matter how much they weigh. BD is a tool for increasing happiness. No matter what problems you are experiencing-a few minutes of dance practice produces a lot of endorphins. We noticed that after a two hour performance we were all experiencing a runners high that lasted for hours. BD gave me the edge in my profession as well. I work in a male dominated field that was not very receptive to women. I have excelled at giving technical presentations. From my dance experience, I know how to capture audience attention, interact with them and how to manage "mistakes" well. I now give technical presentations at international conferences. Many times event organizers have asked where I learned such "stage presence". It makes me smile because I learned it from Belly Dancing :)
by Linda Yocum
I took bellydancing classes years ago but got away from it and got fat. I'm glad to come across this ad. I think I'm going to start bellydancing again.

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