Belly Dancing for Health and Fitness

Belly dance is one of the oldest dances in world history. Belly dancing is both a beautiful form of dance and a great way to exercise. It’ll help you stay in shape and allow you to express your personal creativity. It is natural to a woman’s bone and muscle structure with movements emanating from the torso rather than in the legs and feet. The dance often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in sensuous patterns, weaving together the entire feminine form. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of belly dancing is the isolated movements performed by the abdomen. These belly movements may be circular, rolling, angular or vibrating. Belly dancing is generally performed barefoot, thought by many to emphasize the intimate physical connection between the dancer, her expression, and Mother Earth.

Who can learn belly dance?

Anyone and everyone can learn how to belly dance. Belly dancers come in many different shapes and sizes, ages and skill levels. Belly dance is both a beautiful art form and a great form of exercise for women (and men) of all ages. Most belly dance moves come naturally to the body, so you don’t have to be young to begin learning. Belly dance is also beneficial to the body, both physically and mentally. Belly dance is a dance style that anyone can learn, and with practice and patience, perfect.

What are some of the benefits of Belly Dancing?

Many people have discovered the many health benefits of belly dancing. Besides providing a fun, low-impact workout, belly dance strengthens and tones the entire body while developing balance and grace. Belly dancing also improves flexibility of the hips and back as well as increases core strength.

What should you wear in a class?

You don’t need to buy anything special – you probably have exactly what you need already!
You will need to wear something you can move freely in. Although it doesn’t necessarily need to be skintight or show skin, it should be something that fits close enough to your body, like a comfortable, knit top and slacks/shorts or workout clothes or leotard and tights.

Your feet need to be able to move. Bare feet or dance sandals are best. A pair of socks can be as an alternative.

A large scarf, shawl or coin sash will be very helpful.  They  help you isolate your hips from your waist and torso. Coin sash is the best, it  makes noise and motion to help you see and hear the direction and accents your hips or dance movements are making.

About the Instructor

Natalia is a Ukrainian performer and instructor of the ancient art of Belly Dancing. She discovered Belly Dancing in 2008 while on vacation in Egypt. Having been fascinated by the exotic and miraculous rhythms of Middle Eastern drumming and the exiting and graceful moves of its dancers, she started to take classes and workshops in order to learn the fine art of Belly Dancing.  While living abroad, she has never stopped practicing. Her love for dancing and desire to share this exquisite dance led her to become a performer and an instructor at the Royal Phuket Marina in Phuket, Thailand. Natalia invites everyone to explore this beautiful art form as a new and creative way to keep in shape.

Natalia will have classes for kids and adults on Wednesdays (kids) from 5:00 – 6:00pm and Fridays (Adults) from 6:00 – 7:00pm. Come to Fusion Fitness to experience the cultural and fitness benefits of one of the world’s oldest dance forms!