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Whether covered from head to toe in a burka or wearing jeans and a t-shirt, women celebrate the art of belly dance all over the world. Today’s belly dance has many roots and ties in traditional, folkloric, and ethnic dances from around the world. Traditions of the dance come from Egypt,Turkey, and Lebanon; from the Americas, the Islands, and Africa; from Europe, Russia, and India. While the true origin of belly dance is unknowable, it is known that women were dancing in the times of Ancient Egypt and other cultures. Women around the world danced for ceremonies, for birthing rituals, and for themselves.
While the most common misconception is that belly dance is done to entertain men, we are not going to deny that there is a healthy sense of sensuality. Belly dancing for many woman is about learning to love and embrace their own body shapes for what they are. Most of us are not stick-figures, and we’re never going to be. Belly Dancing accepts woman of all shapes and sizes and encourages them to free themselves from today’s notions that only skinny is beautiful.
The art of belly dance is about learning to free your inner muse, finding camaraderie with other women, and getting to tone your muscles at the same time. As it is with any dance, you can really get a good workout. The dance teaches you to isolate small muscles in your body and move in ways you didn't know your bones could.
Belly dance can be done by anyone, of any age, any shape or size, and from any background. You don’t have to bare your belly and you don’t have to be in to pink sequins and glitter if you want to belly dance, there is a style to fit everyone’s personality. Today, there are multiple forms of the dance being performed and taught. Not every style is for every dancer but we think each style has something to offer.
- Saya of Sisters In Dance
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