Beginner Belly Dancing Lessons

The art of belly dancing has long played an integral part in the cultures of Egypt, Greece, Turkey and the Middle East, just to name a few. Although some speculate that it may have religious origins, very little is known about the early history of this ancient dance style, and its mysterious beginnings are often subject to debate.

Belly dance is improvisational in nature, and the movements are meant to emphasize the roundness of the female form with circular motions isolated in one part of the body. The elaborate costumes also serve to exaggerate the movements of the dancer, sometimes adding percussive accents to the music through the use of coin belts or finger cymbals, also called zils. Additionally the dance can often employ props like swords and veils.

Today belly dancing has become a very popular means of exercise and weight loss due to the fact that it targets every muscle group. Whether you call it belly dancing, oriental dancing, or Middle Eastern dancing, the rolls, pops and shimmies of this ancient art will challenge the body’s strength and flexibility, and provide an intense cardiovascular workout.