Belly Dancing!

Inspired by a book I picked up at the used book store, and by the pleading of my husband (LOL), I decided to take up belly dancing again. I have not danced much since Sophie was born. Although the movements certainly helped during my pregnancy and labor with her. (But that's another post.)

Anyway, belly dancing is perhaps the oldest form of dance. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Oriental. Indian, and Middle Eastern cultures. Although many people today think of it as a seductive dance intended to entertain men, in fact men have only been permitted to observe this unique art form in its more recent history. traditionally bellydance was performed by women for women as part of ancient fertility rituals and Goddess worship ceremonies. Women have danced together to honor Mother Earth in spiritual ceremonies and were taught to dance as a way to celebrate and worship their Goddess, for sexual fertility, and in preparation for childbirth. Bellydancing's undulating movements and its focus on the hips, abdominals, and chest suggest a connection to female fertility, in both conception and labor.

I began dancing in 1998. (the photo above was in 2002) I took private lessons from a Nigerian student at the local university. She taught the traditional 'Raks Sharki'. A beautiful dance full of meaning and tradition. I also studied books and videos on my own, to further the skills I got from my instructor. There are also many, many websites devoted to bellydance in all forms. And now bellt dancing has gone mainstream, its everywhere. And its a total workout for body, mind and spirit. It sculpts and tones your body with a low impact, fat burning workout, and it actually promotes a positive mental attitude about your body. Women who bellydance feel more confident and at ease with their bodies. After all Goddesses come in all shapes and sizes. Watching a belly dancer (and being a belly dancer) I can see that each shimmy and graceful undulation is and expression of strength and femininity.

I have danced for family, friends, my husband and a birthday party. But mostly I dance for myself as a way to honor my womanhood and my Goddess. It is a tribute to Her who gave me the woman's body that I have. Here is a video clip that I love, showing the power of belly dance as prayer, aptly named 'Prayer' And at the top of the page is a youtube video of two of my favorite things, belly dancing and hula hooping together. Enjoy!