The Secret Joys of Belly Dance

Hi friends. I'd like to share an article I wrote for the website of Wanda Deagen Dance studio,

The Secret Joys of Belly Dance

Introduction

The joy of belly dancing is undeniable; yet, the source of that joy is obscure, at least within the Western world. In this article, I wish to describe the meaning behind the dance.

If I had to pick one word to describe the way I feel when I dance, I would use connected. I feel connected to my body, to the earth, to my fellow dancers, and to God. In our individualistic culture, a sense of connectedness is fleeting. The reason: Western culture strives to create distance between the mind and the body. The modern epitome of success in the Western world is the intellectual- a person who thinks, rather than feels- his way through life. The body is secondary, and often ignored altogether. When we dance, however, we rediscover the beauty, and the wonder, of the way we are made. The desire to dance begins to flow from the inside out, based on a wealth of energy, creativity, and joy that is hiding within us.

A Dance for Women, by Women

For women in the Western world, the body is often a source of shame. That is why I was amazed to find out that throughout ancient cultures, women celebrated their bodies through dance. In ancient Muslim culture, men were only allowed to be entertained by men, and women were only allowed to be entertained by women. This is the environment in which belly dance was created- amongst women only, as a source of enjoyment for themselves alone.[1] They danced for the sheer joy of it, and for the ability to express themselves through rhythm and song. The movements of the dance celebrated the female form and its stages. By strengthening the natural organs of the female body, the dance was even used to prepare the body for stages in life, such as giving birth.[2] It was thus a bonding experience amongst women. Over time, however, belly dance became a popular form of entertainment for mixed audiences. Imposters in Hollywood have distorted our view of this once sacred dance, making it seem vulgar and scandalous. In the beginning, however, belly dance was not a form of entertainment at all, but rather a source of rejuvenation and affirmation amongst women.

More than just exercise, belly dance is a tool for self-discovery. For Western women, it gives us the chance to see ourselves through new eyes. It is the chance to step away from culturally-constructed views of ourselves, and share a common bond with women throughout the ages and throughout the world. The particular moves of the dance recognize and build upon the unique strengths of the female body. The dance celebrates women as the givers of life, of unconditional love, and as mankind’s connection with the earth. These gifts we carry are inherent; they do not depend on our shape, size, or outward appearance. Once we realize this, our confidence and self-esteem cannot be taken away. Only when we open up to love ourselves, to find joy in the way we were uniquely and beautifully made, can we embrace the world with the self-less love we were born to give.

Mind-Body Wellness for Men and Women

Although belly dance was created by women, its benefits can be shared by all. Belly dance is unique because of its use of isolated body movements. By learning to move each section of the body separately from the rest, we gain a deeper awareness of the body. Through this practice we find that we have neglected certain parts of our bodies. Through a systematic workout of the entire body, belly dance creates a balance and harmony within the body that is essential to overall health. Also, by engaging the entire body, we become aware of stored tensions we would otherwise be unconscious of.[3] When we are stressed or bothered about something, our body reacts, whether we realize it or not. Tension may be stored in our shoulders, in our back, or even in our stomach. By listening to our bodies, we can recognize and heal our emotional wounds, by giving them proper attention. Belly dance requires us to be fully conscious of our bodies for a time, and thus, it creates the time and space we need to listen to what our bodies are telling us. The flowing movements of belly dance also relax the body, giving us a more peaceful state of mind.

An Invitation

No matter what your reason for considering belly dance, I encourage you to try it, and find out what mysteries await you. Whether you seek healing, new depth and awareness, or great exercise, you will find it here. Give yourself the chance to see yourself in a new light, and you will find a new sense of being created in a special way. Face your doubts and insecurities head on, and awaken to a New Day

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[1] Cooper, Laura, Belly Dancing Basics, Sterling Publishing, New York, 2004, p.8.

[2] Al Rawi, Rosina-Fawzia, Grandmother’s Secrets- The Ancient Rituals and Healing Power of Belly Dancing, Interlynk Publishing, Brooklyn, 1999, p.142.

[3] Al Rawi, Rosina-Fawzia, Grandmother’s Secrets- The Ancient Rituals and Healing Power of Belly Dancing, Interlynk Publishing, Brooklyn, 1999, p.101.