Belly Dance for a Happier, Sexier You!

How many people want to be sexier, sultry, and more graceful? No, not pole-dancing sleazy, but beautiful, revered sexy? This writer found a great way to improve your sexy opinion of yourself, without losing weight, without surgery, and without a trail of mistakes involving everything from secret lovers to forbidden business establishments. The secret is an ethnic form of dance, dating back to the ancient Middle East.

Raqs Sharqi (pronounced Roks Sharkee) means "Oriental Dance" or "Dance of the East", and is the Arabic word for belly dance. It is in debate exactly when and where this dance originated, but some ideas link it to prehistoric dances of fertility. Wherever it came from, it all involves the same type of movements; round, circular movements of the hips and tummy, along with snaky arm motions and rolling shoulders. It can also involve the use of a veil, flowing and shifting at the will of the dancer. The swaying of the belly dancer is mesmerizing; she/he captures the audience in silent admiration.

Belly dance is a form of dance that adults can reasonably undertake and fit into their lives, just as personal enrichment. Unlike ballet, which most adults would be put off by its rigorous and dedicative nature, belly dance is not extremely difficult, just challenging at times. With a little practice, anyone can learn the movements. The dances and steps are attractive to the eye, and encourage feelings of connectedness and freedom. You feel and look good despite your size, shape, or whatever! Take a look at my references for sites to begin learning belly dance on your own, and enjoy yourself! Classes are available in most cities if you are interested in instruction, and are usually only 30 minutes or an hour out of your day, once or a few times a week.

In my personal experience, belly dance has been a real way to change my opinion of myself. Between dieting and working out, dance has been a great way to channel my frustrations of not being so perfect, and translating it out beautifully and tangibly. Since I began belly dancing (and by the way, I have yet to go to a class), my opinion of myself has soared, despite little results yet from my diet and workout training. The wonderful grace behind the movements really allows you to disappear into the music, and release physical tension. When you are finished, you feel relaxed, worked-out (belly dance is great cardio), and pretty! And feeling pretty, especially to women is often as important as any other success in their lives. Also on the plus side, when you feel confident enough, try demonstrating your skills for your loved one! You'll be amazed at his/her attention and response, even if you feel it wasn't as perfect as you would have liked.

References

Belly Dancing moves and how to learn from videos

http://www.shira.net/howtomove.htm

Yasmina's Belly Dancing Site with Video Clips and Music, History, and more

http://www.joyofbellydancing.com/

A Site for Obtaining Belly Dance DVDs, including Veena and Neena's which are highly recommended

http://www.pyramidimports.com/dvdsandentertainment/bellydancedvds.htm

"Belly Dance." Microsoft® Student 2007 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006.