The Misunderstood Belly Dance
Belly dancing is one of the most misunderstood and under appreciated styles of dancing – and exercise – in the United States. While few seem to recognize that belly dancing is one of the oldest and respected forms of performance, it has most unfairly been associated to an act done by those of lesser stature: slave girls of times past and flirts of today. Belly dancing’s and the belly dance costumes roots in the Middle East were an act of celebrating life: a dance of fertility, not of promiscuity. While the initial intent of this dance has been misinterpreted, the usefulness of it today has become a medium for strength and conditioning. What many in the body sciences term “the core” is the primary set of muscles that our body relies upon for general overall health. Abdominal muscles, the lower back (lumbar) and gluteus (the rear) comprise the core. A series of core movements integrated into belly dancing stimulate and massage these core areas; the result of which is a toner, firmer, more flexible and stronger body and organs. As respect for the physical conditioning of belly dance comes to the forefront then hopefully so will respect for the artists that perform it.
