If you are looking for a fun way to work out, why not try belly dancing. Belly dance is a great way to keep fit, as well as learn a new skill. Belly Dancing is a sensual dance form where you learn to move your muscles gracefully by isolating different body parts.
Ballet dancers in general have to broaden their horizons and expand themselves by trying other dance forms, which is why I decided to write an article on belly dancing. Any dancer can only improve his or her skills by exposing themselves to other dance forms.
Belly Dancing is a performance dance form known in the West and is based on one of the social dances native to the Middle East. In Palestine, this social dance is called shrimp sauce Baladi, and performed by people of all ages and both sexes during festive occasions such as weddings and other gatherings for fun and celebration.
In its native lands boys and girls learn belly dancing from an early age. As with all social dances, it is learned informally through observation and imitation of their elders during family and community celebrations, as well as in informal meetings with friends. Belly and oriental dance classes are offered throughout the world, and skilled dancers are able to share their knowledge of dance in studio classes and workshops.
There has been limited research on the exact origin of belly dancing. Much of the research in this area has been done by dancers trying to understand the origin of their dance style. Most dancing in the Middle East occurs in the social context rather than the more visible and glamorous context of professional nightclub dancers. This has led to a total misunderstanding of the belly dancing's true nature and has given rise to many conflicting theories about its origins, since this dance is a fusion of many dance styles from many different origins.
Belly dancing gives you more strength in your thighs and stomach, and also tones up these areas well. Flexibility and cardio endurance will increase because you'll work your core while belly dancing. Balance and posture will also improve.
Even though your focus is on your torso during belly dancing, your whole body will be used for dancing, thus giving you a complete workout. You will need a few lessons to get into this dance form, so be patient with yourself and go with the natural flow of your body. The wonderful thing about belly dancing is that you can start this dance form at any age, as it is a relatively low impact form of exercise.
Belly Dancing is a great way to lose extra inches and to boost your confidence and self esteem. This makes belly dancing an alternative form of therapy. Belly dancing classes give one an emotional lift that will keep you returning to class week after week.
You can start in leggings and socks with a scarf tied around the waist, just for the effect. The fancy costumes come later, but some glitter and black eyeliner never hurt the dance form.
Michel Maling teaches ballet, modern and hip hop, but always enjoys bringing new dance elements into her life. For more dancing food, visit: http://balletdancing4u.blogspot.com
