Benefits of Bellydance

Thinking about trying a bellydance class? There are many reasons why students sign up for that first session - curiosity, feeling adventurous, seeking a new fitness activity. (I myself had always loved dancing and wanted to learn a style that didn't require a partner.) Whatever brings you into your first class, don't be surprised if you discover much more than you originally expected!

I'm not alone in recommending this; internationally-known dancer Hadia of Canada writes about the Benefits of Bellydance here.

While bellydancing is a great way to enhance your fitness routine, you will quickly discover the challenge and reward of "new" - new ways to move, unfamiliar music, unique costuming, new friends, etc. When you were a child, you were learning new things EVERY day. You were practically bombarded with "new" at school. In adulthood, we often get into comfortable routines and don't stimulate our brains and bodies with the unknown. Stuck in a rut! Bellydancing is sure to get you out of your comfort zone and open you up to forming new pathways mentally and physically.

Bellydancing has put me back in touch with certain aspects of my "inner child" through my love for music (ten years of piano lessons, band, and choir), my attraction to creating and crafting with fabric (Mom started me on the sewing machine when I was seven), and, of course, my love for movement (did I mention those years of choir included show choir, complete with choreography?) Plus, what little girl (or boy) doesn't love skipping around a room, swirling colorful fabric? Put on a drum solo and watch children try to sit still. It's not going to happen. I won't sit still, either! 

Other ways that taking a belly dance class can help you:

Belly Dancers Reap Benefits (from Aging Horizons Bulletin)

Effectiveness of (Belly) Dance on Patients with Fibromyalgia - Click on the "Study Results" tab and then look at the Outcome Measures.  How exciting to see such improvements!

Belly Dance as a Means of Dance Therapy - This article discusses both the physiological and the psychological benefits of Middle Eastern Dance.  There are many citations listed at the bottom for further exploration.

Every Little Girl Should Know a Belly Dancer - I think there are many truths in this article about the potential confidence-building benefits of bellydance. 

Bellydancing Health Benefits - Experienced performer and teacher Keti Sharif shares her thoughts of the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of belly dancing.

Health Benefits of Belly Dance - A dance studio in Atlanta offers this article for prospective students.

Get Moving: Belly dance is an exercise for any body

9 Reasons Every Woman Should Take Out Belly Dancing

Scientists Take a Look at the Feel-Good Benefits of Belly Dance

Belly Dance Your Way to a More Positive Body Image

So DO it!  Sign up for a class and see where it takes you.  You might be surprised.