Belly Dancing for Every “Body”
By: Lisa Missen
Moksha Belly dance-Health and Wellness.

The modern culture in which we live has forgotten what the original perfection of the female body was. Archeological finds from the 5th century revealed a very different type of body image that was worshipped and seen as nature created, so how have we traveled from that time where we honored the strengths and substance of a woman’s form to seeing it as something imperfect? Well, Middle Eastern Belly dancing has not forgotten that all women are beautiful, no matter their body shape or their age. As the oldest documented dance form in the history of mankind dating from the 11th century, it continues to evolve today. Not only is belly dancing fun and social but it teaches women how to be fit for life and love the bodies they are in. Belly dancing teaches self-esteem and personal courage by accepting something new to help them learn just how their bodies move, to move gracefully and with control and to do so within the social camaraderie of the dance.

Belly dancing allows a platform for positive re-enforcement in a safe environment. Whether belly dancing in a class atmosphere or a performance troupe, women learn to share, interact and communicate in a positive expression in a peer equal team environment. There are no individual “stars”; the group is the “star”. Learning team work is a key aspect to social and work development showing that everyone has value and input. Dancing solo instills additional self-confidence by being self-disciplined and not having to rely on others for re-affirmation. By showcasing their accomplishments either in the privacy of their own rooms or in front of SUPPORTIVE groups of parents, family, community and most importantly, their peers, the solo dancer can transform her inhibitions and shyness while demystifying the stereotypical preconception of what belly dancing is assumed to be.
From a health stand point, Belly dancing can build better bodies. A strong instructor teaches posture and the importance of lady-like grace and fluidity of movement. The natural dance movements strengthen and tone the upper and lower back, the rib-cage, pelvic floor and stomach. As a weight shifting dance it develops bone density, hip stability, balance and strong legs. Veil work and arm/wrist movements tone and strengthen the arms and wrists while adding graceful balance to the posture. The low impact vibration increases lymphatic function helping the body protect itself better. Aerobically, it works the heart and lungs for individuals who are not active in sports or phys-ed. The multi-stimulation of the music, movement and visual awareness aids mental clarity and helps reduce stress. As a performance vehicle, it builds self-confidence and positive self-image by building on levels of skill development and ability. Belly dancing is just fun so you feel great, positive and relaxed all thanks to the release of natural endorphins.

Belly dancing breaks down the misconceptions about female body types. Women are constantly bombarded by the media and peer groups that they must look a certain way. Middle Eastern belly dancing has been danced by women of all ages, children to grand-mothers, and every body shapes since it was first recorded in the 11th century. The women danced in the privacy of their own homes with other female family members and with their community at celebrations. Belly dancing still is a living, evolving art form created by women for women.

Belly dance has always been an empowering force behind the strengths of women through both hard ships and joy. Women living with tumultuous issues, grief, depression or stress can use belly dancing as an outlet or a form of self expression. By allowing their unique character to come through, the dance enables them to focus ON THEMSELVES and not what other people think or say about them. Belly dance enforces that you are a lady at all times in manner and action and that your person (mental and physical) is special and sacred for you alone to control, respect and cherish.

Belly dance exposes women to another culture. It can open their eyes to the traditions, customs and etiquette of another region removing the barriers that racism, intolerance or a lack of exposure or education can cause .Breaking down misconceptions and years of media bombardment by attaining history and knowledge allows the dance to be familiar, accessible and seen for its all encompassing benefits. The generic term of belly dance is explored by its geographical regions, instrumentation, religion, dialects, customs and population demographics. This is the study of dance ethnology that helps preserve dances that are endangered and nearextinction due to war, environmental disasters, Westernization and cultural repression. The visual appeal of the costumes and accessories can provide creative expression in a tasteful manner for women seeking a creative identity.
A conscientious instructor will explain how to costume appropriately for their age and to enhance their attributes and camouflage the areas they are working to strengthen. Make-up, hair styles, body gestures and inflections as well as music and instrumental appreciation can all be areas to explore and enjoy as it relates to belly dance.

Personal confidence outside of the class can develop with patience, clear instruction and a positive, encouraging attitude. Women become enabled to work in an environment, free of judgment or ridicule or self-doubt along side their peers, comfortably and confidently in a safe place. By learning the different movements associated with the many different forms of belly dance, women learn to break down the movement by minute segments and individual isolations. As belly dance originates from graceful natural body movement, women are able to take sections of movement that appeal to them and confidently use them outside of the class room at school dances, weddings and social events. This removes any feelings of awkwardness where dancing is involved and instills the “I can” or “I will” confidence removing from the common vocabulary the “I don’t know how” or “I can’t” or “I shouldn’t.”

Whether belly dancing is accepted for the all-encompassing health benefits, (both mental and physical) as the builder of self-confidence and positive body image or the courage maker of the performer, when utilized with honesty, integrity, respect and joy, it can become the vehicle for the emerging spirit of the dancer to engage the spirit of the music and communicate this confidence and freedom to all it touches.

Lisa Missen
Owner: Moksha Belly dance-Health and Wellness.