About belly dance
Belly dance is a popular name used to describe the dance associated with the women of the Middle East and North Africa. It is also known as Oriental Dance or ’Raq’s Sharqi’, which literally means ’Dance of the East’.
Believed by many to have originated from a fertility or goddess worshipping dance in North Africa, belly dance evolved over time by drawing on influences from Gypsy, Spanish, Indian and Persian music and dance. Introduced to America in the late 19th Century, it was soon influenced by dance styles popular in Western culture . Today, there are many different styles of belly dance including Egyptian, Turkish, Lebanese, American Tribal, Gypsy and Folkloric.
Traditionally danced by Arab women as a form of celebration at social family events, belly dancers have today taken this artistry to all ends of the earth. And it’s now performed in theatres, international cultural festivals, Arabic clubs, restaurants, private parties and more.
With its enigmatic and joyful qualities, it has now become a dance that thousands of women from all around the world are drawn to, regardless of race, culture or age.
Health benefits
Belly dance delivers benefits to the body, mind and soul
Regular belly dancing hugely strengthens and tones the core muscles. Training also helps to improve posture, stamina, flexibility and co-ordination.
With its meditative movements and symbolic gestures, belly dance helps you to relax your mind and become more in tune with your body. Releasing tension and stress, it also helps unlock emotional blockages and balance chakras. While its sensual movements encourage you to embrace your femininity, lose inhibitions and feel more empowered – developing freedom from within!
