The oldest known dance form, belly dance, known to Western societies, can be an altering life experience.  Belly dance has the potential to strengthen the mind, body and soul.

The first time I saw a belly dancer was on the Sally Raphael Show.  I remember the dancer rolling a penny on her stomach and I was left in amazement.  I was not aware that the abdomen muscles could have such strong control, I couldn’t believe the stomach could move in such a way.

Later in life, during my early college years, I started taking lessons.  Now after about six years taking classes and here and then performing, I can say that it has altered my life in numerous ways.

From the beginning, I was learning about the female form and the way it moves.  I started learning Arabic style belly dance first, then one day my instructor gave me a flyer about a local dance troupe called  Urban Tribal.  They are a dance troupe who are world famous.  So one day I decided to go watch them perform.  Around this time Mardi Love was part of the troupe and yes I had the honor of watching her perform monthly back in the day.  This was the first time I saw tribal style belly dance.  This style is slighty different from arabic and other cabaret styles I was learning.  In tribal, I found what I wanted to pursue in belly dance.

When I first saw tribal style belly dance, it was different from cabaret in different ways.  The dancers wore darker costumes and they were not glittery with sequins like most people are used to seeing.  They wore sticks and what actually appeared to be chopsticks and feathers.  The movements in this style are a lot more challenging then other styles.  The pose is much stronger and the movements require more muscle strength and control. Tribal movements are more visual.  The women in tribal seem free, independent and strong.  I pursued tribal classes and went online to study any tribal videos I could find.

In today’s society, women are expected to be a certain size and act a certain way.  Through this dance, I have learned to accept myself the way I was meant to be.  My spirit has been more brighter and I feel comfortable in my own skin.  The movements are centered in the abdomen which for women represents the center of life.  Sexuality and sensuality.  The movements are very feminine and also can be a great way to massage away any tension in the body.  Along the way, you make lifelong friends who share the same passion and dedication for the dance.  Aside from the altering life experience, it is a great workout.  You can tone your abdomen without crunches while having fun and dancing.  The dance has also brought mothers and daughters, including grandmothers closer.

I was living in San Diego and I could almost say that I have studied with every single teacher there.  Through the process, I still consider myself a student and someone who will continue to learn and grow because the dance is ever evolving.  The dance has helped me to evolve as a woman.   If you are feeling down or need a new workout routine or just want to try something new, why not try belly dance.  It is a grat workout for the mind, body and soul.