What is Belly Dancing?

Also referred to as Raks Sharki and Oriental Dance, belly dance has its origins in the Middle East and Northern Africa, and is characterized  by isolated movement of the hips. The belly is only a small part of the dance and when engaged, may be rolled or fluttered into a shimmy. Hips pulse vertically while the upper body remains perfectly still.  Likewise, the chest may draw circles as the head and hips remain dormant.

Origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, when the great Mother Goddess was worshipped and appeased with dance rituals to ensure the fertility of humans and crops and to secure the cycle of the seasons.  In modern times, many Middle-Eastern countries forbid women and men to dance because it is seen as a frivolous activity.  In luckier Arabic societies, women gather together without the men and dance for one another as entertainment. It is traditional for a belly dancer to entertain at Egyptian weddings. The bride and groom are often photographed with their hands on the belly of the dancer as a symbol of fertility. Belly dancing has evolved over the centuries. Many cultures around the world have embraced this art form and infused their own cultural styling. Today there are more belly dancers in the United States than in the rest of the world combined.

The rewards of learning the dance are rich and may be physical or intellectual. Some women maintain, even increase flexibility. Muscles become toned, but the most noticeable strengthening is in the abdomen.  Dancing also provides an outlet for creativity because a dancer visually interprets the music with her body, and costume options allow her to express her individuality. There is a level of skill needed to belly dance gracefully, and many love the challenge of achieving this higher skill level. The exposure to foreign culture, arts and history intrigues others. Last, and perhaps best, camaraderie comes from the number of women who are equally adventurous.

So why belly dance? Belly dancing is just plain fun. Laughter rings through the classroom as women learn to execute head slides and the genie, all the while getting their bodies into better shape. Suddenly getting fit is fun again. Hip-Hip Hooray!