Posts Tagged ‘forms of belly dance’

Belly Dance

In recent time interest in belly dance has increased by the performance of dancers like Shakira. Shakira belly dancing has become very popular in the entertainment circle. Belly dance is a Western name for an Arabic style of dance developed in the Middle East. Some American devotees refer to it simply as “Middle Eastern Dance”.

In Arabic known as ‘Raqs Sharqi,’ belly dancing as a folk dance is one of the oldest social dance forms in the world. What was once a dance form performed at celebrations and festive occasions by dancers trained in it since early childhood has now morphed into a fitness regimen that is both fun and invigorating.

Most of the basic Belly dance steps and Belly dance techniques used are circular motions isolated in one part of the body; for example, a circle parallel to the floor isolated in the hips or shoulders. Accents using “pop and lock” where a dancer either shimmies or makes a striking motion in her shoulders or hips are common, as are feats of flexibility, rolling one’s belly muscles, balancing various props like baskets, swords or canes, and dancing with chiffon or silk veils.

There are different forms of Belly dancing: Raqs Sharqi, Egyptian-style, Turkish forms etc.. Though it may seem like it, belly dancing is not as easy as it looks. A simple hip shake here and there won’t make the cut. At professionally conducted classes you will be taught to stretch and move muscles, you never knew existed.

The benefits of belly dance are both mental and physical. Dancing provides a good cardio-vascular workout and helps increase both flexibility and strength, focusing on the torso or “core muscles”, although it also builds leg strength. Many belly dance styles emphasize muscular “isolations”, teaching the ability to move various muscles or muscle groups independently. Veil work can also build arm, shoulder, and general upper-body strength, and playing the zils can build strength and independence of the fingers. Belly dance is suitable for all ages and body types, and can be as physical as the participant chooses.

If properly done, belly dancing works the muscles in your abdomen giving you a taut tummy, enhancing your waist line and developing your oblique muscles. It’s not just your abdomen that gets a workout; belly dancing is a complete cardio workout which gets your heart rate up thereby improving blood circulation, helping in overall weight loss and developing stamina and fitness. Other muscle groups that receive focused attention from belly dancing are those in your upper and inner thighs, your arms and especially your hips and backside. Given the facts, this exercise can make you biologically young.