| To many people belly dancing conjures up images of | | | | Other health benefits include an even, all over body |
| Middle Eastern mystical ladies dancing around in veils | | | | toning, and the aerobic element of the dance helps |
| and sequin studded costumes. And while the colorful | | | | to increase the metabolic rate and blood circulation. It |
| costumes have captured the imagination of women in | | | | would also help anyone who experiences stiffness in |
| the western world, belly dancing is also fast becoming | | | | muscles and joints. Generally, any physical movement |
| an addictively fun way to meet new people and stay | | | | of the body, as in dancing, is better for your health |
| fit. | | | | than none at all. |
| Throughout the west and particularly in the US and | | | | Many of us spend far too much time sitting in front |
| the UK there are now many establishments and | | | | of computers and driving cars, so a few hours a |
| individual trainers offering belly dancing lessons. Belly | | | | week spent dancing has got to be almost as good as |
| dancing groups are sprouting up all over and there | | | | a workout in the gym. |
| has been a dramatic rise in belly dancing acts in clubs | | | | Before you consider joining a class, you might want |
| and for private functions. | | | | to try out the various routines at home first. There |
| In some areas you'll find belly dancing troupes and | | | | are some very good training videos on the subject |
| tribal belly dancing tribute acts all competing for | | | | suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced |
| audiences and venues. So why is this particular dance | | | | levels, and all cover the various styles and techniques. |
| fast becoming very popular, and not just with the | | | | If you're a little shy and think you might make a fool |
| ladies? | | | | of yourself then learning at home is the answer. |
| The answer is the social scene, fun and fitness. It's | | | | Then when you feel confident enough you can join a |
| similar to the reasons why people in their droves | | | | club or classes in your local area and impress |
| joined line dancing classes in the past few decades. | | | | everyone with your new found skills. Your friends |
| The fun was to dress up in cowboy or cowgirl | | | | and family will be impressed to. |
| outfits and dance as a team. So it is with belly | | | | And don't forget to keep an eye on your improving |
| dancing groups, only the costumes are much more | | | | body shape as you progress through the lessons. |
| colourful. | | | | There's no better incentive to keep on belly dancing |
| Contrary to popular belief you don't need to have a | | | | than seeing a dramatic change to your figure and |
| big or flabby belly to perform this dance. The | | | | feeling a lot healthier too. |
| movements are focused on the hips and lower back | | | | Finally, belly dancing is suitable for women of all ages |
| and therein lies the health benefits of performing this | | | | but it is also practised by men too. At least it is in the |
| routine. Many people, usually later in life, will | | | | Middle East, so it won't be long before western men |
| experience problems with their hips and regions of | | | | decide to get in on the act. Why not get your man |
| the lower back, so this exercise is just what the | | | | involved now and double the fun? |
| doctor ordered. | | | | |