Learn How To Belly Dance and Feel Fit

Learn How To Belly Dance and Feel Sexy.

The history of belly dancing has extensive roots in places like Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

It's a dance that was traditionally done by women for women, and the belly dancer played a significant role in child birth rituals.

The flamboyant dance was also performed in worship ceremonies to the Mother Goddess in the Middle Eastern countries.

Originally whenever professional belly dancers performed, the belly dancing costumes worn by the women showed far less of their bodies as they do in modern times because it was considered a sacred dance.

The women were fully clothed, and used exaggerated movements to create the belly dancing moves.

This exotic art form has a lot of folklore attached to it, and was even done to remove demons during a trance ceremony called The Zar in North Africa.

While the precise origins of belly dancing are debated strongly among dance subscribers, it is generally believed that the "oriental dance" as it's also called descended from a reigious dance.

In North America belly dancing has a traceable history as far back as 1876 when it was publicly performed at the Philadelphia Centennial which is the first world fair ever held featuring the arts along with manufactured soil, and mined products.

In some cultures belly dancing lessons began at an early age for the young girls in the tribes, and they were able to perform publicly by the tender age of thirteen. The belly dance was done by women of all shapes, and sizes as a form of self-expression, and to entertain at various functions such as weddings.

In the fascinating 1972 John Carney Documentary below on belly dancers Jamila Salimpour, and Bal Anat the history of belly dancing is explained in a visual demonstration of the intricacies of the ancient art form.

Belly dancing classes are becoming more of a main stream form of exercise, and is no longer shrouded in mystery although it is still forbidden in some Middle Eastern countries.

It provides an excellent work out for the entire body but especially the hips, and stomach.

It's a great social activity for women of any age and encourages empowerment, and self-expression through being aware of the muscles in the body which are intentionally isolated.

The great benefit of belly dancing is it tones the muscles, and you don't need to be a specific body type to learn how to belly dance.

Belly dancing costumes which are quite elaborate is known in the western world as the bedlah an Arabic word for suit can be purchased at specialty stores or online at a reasonable price.

It's not always a requirement for beginners of belly dancing to wear the entire belly dance outfit however, it's not a bad idea to become familiar with the movements using the essential pieces of a belly dance costume if you plan to eventually dance publicly, or show off your new belly dance moves to your friends, and loved ones.

A few months ago I walked past a belly dancing school and decided to stop in out of curiosity.

I was so enticed by the laughter, the music, and sense of enjoyment that the women in the class had as they went through the steps demonstrated by the instructor that I immediately signed up for a trial class.

My first belly dancing class was probably the most awkward feeling I ever experienced in front of a bunch of complete strangers, and I was more than a little nervous when the class began.

However, by the end of the class I was so proud of my new belly dancing moves, and grateful for the support of all the women that I committed to the beginners class once a week for three months.

I've now started the level one classes, picked up a beautiful red belly dancing costume for myself as a reward, and can feel the strength in my body improving every week.

I'm no longer what's considered a young woman by any means but I can honestly say that I look forward with great excitement to my Tuesday evening belly dancing classes, and seeing the wonderful women I now call friends.

If you're a woman of any age looking for an activity that will strengthen your body, reduce stress, and provide an opportunity for positive community involvement, learn how to belly dance, and feel sexy plus get fit with this beautiful, ancient traditional dance for women.