Benefits

Belly Dance is a different approach to well being. Firstly, I am free to have FUN, meet other woman, be myself, relax, and just give myself some happiness. Belly Dance integrates spiritual and physical aspects – a great combination. What I found significant to belly dance is that the smaller underlying muscles get used, whereas in conventional muscle regimes they focus on the larger, more obvious muscle groups.

The isolated motions of the abdomen are certainly, the most distinguishing feature of bellydancing. The movements are circular, rolling, angular, some soft and flowing and some strong and vibrating. Movements such as hip drops, undulations, figure 8’s utilize the muscle groups in the abdomen, pelvis, spine and work with the body rather than against the body. During belly dancing, (if done correctly) the posture is kept with the pelvis slightly tilted forward (this opens your back to allow for better range of movement), your joints and ligaments in your lower back and hips are put through a full range of gentle, repetitive motion which help to prevent lower back problems. We also focus on using the muscles in your legs (hamstring, quads, gluteus) which tone your body and take pressure off your hips. Your arms and shoulders are also exercised when doing the snake-like movements, therefore your whole body gets a workout.

Since the movements are all based on our natural body movements, it is exactly this that makes belly dancing such a safe form of exercise for people of any age or size . No dance experience is required. Belly dance is good for you. It is a stress reliever that promotes flexibility and muscle strengthening and toning as well as improving posture, ridding the body of cellulite and helps with co-ordination.