Love Your Body: Belly Dancing!

Hello there my beautiful readers,

Since I've been having so much fun with my belly-dancing lately, I'd thought I'd do a little write-up about what it is, and why I think it's so damn great. So, here we go.

"Belly dance" is a western term for a traditional arab dance known as raqs sharqi, or "oriental dance". It is native to the Middle-East, but is now popular world-wide. In popular culture, the rise of belly dancing is probably attributable to the Latin American singer Shakira, although a range of pop stars have used belly dancing moves in their film clips. I know I was one of many teenage girls who vowed to learn to belly dance after seeing the film clip for the hit song Whenever, Wherever . I was totally intrigued! Check out this little video of Shakira strutting her stuff to see what had me so hooked:

Most of the movements in belly dancing involve isolating different parts of the body (hips, shoulders, stomach etc), and one of the most famous moves is the shimmy (which, I was suprised to learn is created by moving the knees past each other at high speed). It all looks pretty complicated, right? One of the reasons it's taken me this long to try belly dancing was because I thought it must be really hard to do. While it is in some ways - for example, co-ordinating the movement of only one part of your body at a time - the basic movements are actually pretty easy to learn. In fact, if you've got a few minutes you can learn some basic moves right now:

Belly dancing is a non-impact, weight-bearing exercise, which puts minimal stress on the knees and feet. It is suitable for all ages and all body types, so no excuses! You're not too old, and you're definitely not too fat - some of the sexiest belly dancers have plenty of meat on their bones! Plus, the level of intensity in the movements can be adjusted to suit the individual. Belly dancing can burn as many calories as light jogging, swimming or riding a bike, depending on the level of intensity you use.

Other advantages of belly dancing include:

• Reducing the risk of osteoporosis
• Strengthening the heart
• Increasing circulation
• Strengthening trapezius and abdominal muscles
• Ability to move muscle groups independently
• Increased flexibility in torso and back
• Hip movements strengthen the legs and long muscles of the back

Awesome right? Plus, women who belly dance tend to become more positive towards their sexuality and their bodies. I know that belly dancing makes me feel unbelievably sexy. It is also believed that the belly dance was traditionally taught by the wise women of the group to prepare women for preganancy and childbirth - the movements strengthen the abdominal and pelvic region, apparently making childbirth less painful. Not that I'm planning to give birth anytime soon, but I can still appreciate all the positives!

Well, there you have it - belly dancing is a fun, fabulous exercise that makes you feel sexy and confient, while giving you great abs. So, what are you waiting for?

Until next time, xo.