Belly Dancing Lessons in Hamilton County, Indiana

According to Wikipedia, "belly dancing" is the Western name for a style of Middle Eastern dance known in Arabic as "raqs baladi" or raqs sharqi". As a workout, belly dancing provides a cardiovascular benefits, increasing flexibility and core body strength. It has recently gained in popularity throughout the United States as both a hobby and a workout for women. If you're interested in trying this growing trend, and you live in Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers or Westfield, where can you find belly dancing lessons to help you get started?

Riverview Hospital offers belly dancing lessons at their Riverview Rehab & Fitness location in Carmel, Indiana. These lessons are every Monday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. over a period of 8 weeks, and the cost is only $50.00 for the entire course. New courses start throughout the year, so it's never too late to get started. You can catch one of these 2008 courses starting on May 5^th, June 30^th, August 25^th, October 20^th and December 15^th. For registration and more information, please call (317) 776-7225.

The Town of Fishers Parks & Recreation department offers belly dancing lessons at their Cumberland Park Building, located at 10580 Cumberland Road. These classes recur once weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30. These cost for these classes is $60.00. The classes start April 2, 2008, so don't miss the fun! For more information, call Susan Wenger at (317) 570-9982 or e-mail her at susanlwenger@yahoo.com.

These are the only two "official" belly dance classes offered in the Hamilton County area, but that doesn't mean these are your only options. A short drive to either Kokomo or Indianapolis can yield several more options for taking belly dancing lessons. In Kokomo, The Gypsy Wagon offers six-week courses in belly dance. You can e-mail for more information at stagesandidpg@aol.com. In Indianapolis, check out Navel Maneuvers. They offer a wide variety of classes, from belly dancing basics to use of veils in belly dance. You can contact proprietor Helena Zahara at orientaldancer@sbcglobal.net for more information on specific classes and times, or check out their website. You can also check with your local gym or fitness center for any belly dancing lessons they may be running in the near future.

Belly dancing is a unique and exciting way to raise both your heart rate and self confidence. It is valuable as an exercise which anyone can fit to their current abilities. Belly dancing studios are popping up all over the market, and there must be something to this new fitness option that makes it so appealing. It is an ancient art making a comeback, and you owe it to yourself to give it a try. After all, what do you have to lose?