Oriental Dance, also known as belly dancing is one of, if
not the most sensual styles of dance. It is also one of the most beneficial
forms of dance there is healthwise. In addition to the great calorie burning
affect of belly dancing there are other health benefits that this form of dance
has become famous for over the centuries.
Belly dance has a long and proud history dating back to the
dawn of civilization. This style of dance has in its history been used as both
an act of worship and an act of seduction. Not always in exclusion of the
either as this form of dance is believed by some religions to be a boost for
fertility of newly wedded couples.
Belly dance is a style of dance that doesn’t need
participants to be in optimal physical condition in order to begin. In fact,
the low impact nature of this form of movement makes it an excellent choice for
those who are not in ideal shape to begin with. This form of dance works the
muscles gently with the jarring effects of impact aerobics and other exercise
methods. It also works the belly, which is often the problem area for many who
aren’t in the best of shape. You should also find that you will strengthen your
back through belly dance as you progress. This will also help with almost every
aspect of your physical fitness routine. More importantly for those who are a
little (or a lot) out of shape is the belly dance burns an average of 300
calories an hour. This means that if you practice one hour a day you are
burning over 2,000 calories per week.
For those who celebrate their womanhood, there is no better
form of dance to express that joy. Belly dance has a long history as a
celebration of being female. From being used in ceremonies in the temple to
being used to entice and seduce the unwitting belly dance is a celebration of
simply being a girl.
If you are afraid to begin your belly dance lessons in a
class full of other men and women you can always opt to purchase videos and DVD
lessons. There are many of these lessons from which to choose, even lessons
that focus on the mental and/or healing aspects of Oriental dance if that is
where you feel you need to focus your efforts. Belly dancing is a great deal of
fun in addition to being a decent form of getting much needed physical activity.
If you plan to belly dance, you should understand that the
costume is part of what sets the mood or the tone. While you do not need all
the bells and whistles, the general consensus is that baring your midriff puts
you in the state of mind that is most suitable for belly dancing. For this
reason it is recommended that you wear clothes that bare your belly such as
low-rise yoga pants and a sports bra or some other belly-baring shirt for your
practice sessions. This also helps your instructor see if you are making the
moves correctly.
If you decide to play a part in belly dancing classes,
congratulations! You will be joining an historic group of women that date back
to what many believe is the very beginning of time. You should also have a new
hobby that is both enjoyable and healthy.
