Belly dancing is an ancient dance style of North Africa and the Middle East believed to be at least 5000 years old and is both a celebration of the female spirit and a physical display of the strength and beauty of women.  Traditionally, women and girls performed this dance in private for each other to celebrate the female spirit.  Belly dancing emphasizes intricate and isolated movements of the hips and rib cage, such as tracing distinct patterns like figure 8's and circles.  Movements can be graceful and slow or powerful and fast with posture and poise being of utmost importance.  Belly dancing developed simultaneously throughout the countries of the Near and Middle East.  Over thousands of years a variety of styles emerged from Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco and their neighbors, where it is known as "Danse Orientale" (Dance of the East) or "Raks Sharqi."

Why Belly Dance?

Belly Dancing is a gentle form of non-impact exercise.  The practice of belly dance develops strength, increases energy, nurtures the creative drive and builds self-confidence.  Belly dancing allows you to celebrate your own body's uniqueness.  It provides exercise for every part of the body and is a wonderful form of self-expression.  Like any other form of exercise, belly dancing will burn calories, tone muscles, increase flexibility and is fun!

Belly dancing can be learned in bare feet; however, soft sole sandals, shoes or dance slippers are suggested.  Comfortable clothing or workout wear is recommended for class.  Students may choose to tie a scarf around the hips to accentuate the movements.

Students will be introduced to:

• Warming up with slow graceful movements
• Correct posture and breathing
• Isolation and movement of hips, abdomen, torso, arms, shoulders and head
• Isolation exercises that tone muscle groups used in the above movements
• Cool down stretching and relaxation

In addition, complete dance choreographies, development of dance improvisation skills, Middle Eastern music styles and costuming tips will be presented to enhance students' enjoyment and performance level.

Who Can Belly Dance?

Today, the ancient art of Belly Dancing is experiencing a profound renaissance around the world as women, girls and even men of every age, race, religion, shape and size are discovering the soulful movements and compelling rhythms of Middle Eastern Dance and music.  Regardless of your fitness level, you can enjoy belly dancing for personal enjoyment, to relieve stress and get physically fit.

Belly dancers come from all walks of life, but they have three things in common:  they love the music, they love the movements and they love people.