Belly Dance

Belly dancing is the oldest dance form still practiced today. As its name suggests, belly dancing uses movements of the torso (shoulders, chest, abdomen and hips) to interpret music. In this way it is different from occidental dance forms like ballet and tap, which use movements of the arms and legs. Because belly dancing is originally folk dancing, it is accessible to anyone who can move, regardless of shape or age. Belly dancing originated in what are now Arab countries, such as Egypt, Turkey and Lebanon. Throughout the ages, it has influenced and been influenced by dance from the countries around it, such as East Indian and Spanish dancing. With modern recording technology and air travel, the cultures belly dancing can be influenced by and can influence has expanded to include North America.

Please see Wikipedia's excellent belly dance article for more information about belly dancing.

The first thing you will learn in belly dance is to move different parts of your torso independently, consciously and gracefully. This is the important work that starts in the beginner class, and continues for a lifetime. This work has many benefits, including increased core strength and flexibility, and increased awareness of posture, which in turn may result in fewer headaches and backaches.

After learning the movements, intermediate students start learning how to put them together into dance. One aspect of this is learning about the music. Another is learning how to take individual moves and string them together into one, meaningful, fluid phrase and, ultimately, dance.