Belly dance, built around four core moves — body waves, chest circles, expansive figure eights, and vertical pendulums — is also called belly-dance (from the English words “belly” and “dance”). Some trace belly dance back more than 10,000 years to what is now Tibet, where men of the Hettite race reportedly performed it during military rituals. In his book “Yoga – A Way of Life on Earth,” researcher and historian Gennady Stetsenko describes the Hettites as the strongest people on the planet. These warrior dancers practiced a form of dance yoga to develop and strengthen their physical and spiritual powers. Over time, that yoga evolved into what we now recognize as belly dance.
Today it is usually performed by women; during the dance, the performer appears to overflow with natural forces, as if taking control of the elements. With bare feet she draws support from the earth while her hands reach out to the air. The swirling movements suggest the play of flames, drawing energy from the fire element. The smooth, wave-like motions of the abdomen represent the water element. In this state of harmony, the woman accumulates inner energy through her body and transmits it to the surrounding world. During belly dance a woman can evoke pleasant memories or imagine herself as a happy mother and wife, a successful businesswoman, or a well-known public figure. Throughout this harmonious dance, the psychological qualities she acquires show up physically: the dancer’s face reflects inner joy and love. With consistent practice, that state can become a habitual and integral part of her being.
Part of belly dance’s unique sensuality comes from the exposed abdomen. Just below the navel is the Svadhisthana chakra, which governs physical pleasure and sexual energy. A chakra is an energy center. By revealing her belly, especially the navel, a woman showcases sexual energy that often intensifies during the dance. In a sense the navel serves as an energetic gateway into the body. That gateway opens a path for the elements to flow into the dancer’s body.
The rhythm of belly dance matters: its vibrations enhance blood circulation and increase blood flow to the pelvic organs, which can boost sexual desire and sensitivity. Improved pelvic blood flow also supports metabolism and can benefit sexual health, pregnancy, and childbirth while easing menstrual symptoms. The workout engages the muscles of the calves, glutes, thighs, back, abdomen, and shoulders, strengthens bones and joints, and promotes good posture, a graceful gait, and precise coordination of movement. Joint flexibility makes movements smoother and more graceful. Belly dance involves all sections of the spine, improving circulation to the spinal cord and brain. Proper breathing during the dance saturates the blood with oxygen and can help reduce the risk of colds. Additionally, belly dance stimulates many bodily processes: fat burning, increased metabolism, lower cholesterol levels, and improved resistance to infections. Dancing is a hobby that boosts mood and energy, improves sleep, and builds self-confidence.
A dancing woman who enjoys her performance captivates attention and enchants with her movements, filling the space around her. Immerse yourself in the world of belly dance, and you’re likely to have unforgettable experiences!
