The oldest known dance is over 5,000 years old, it was invented for preparation for childbirth by women for women.  Belly dance was and remains a form of exercise for child rearing: it prepares the abdomen, pelvis, and strengthens all muscles which help condition during labor.

In ancient times it was tradition that women helped each other when a loved one was pregnant.  In tradition, women helped one another in many ways like, helping with household chores or caring for a child.  Even though belly dance started as preparation for childbirth, it also became a folkloric dance and now a world-wide phenomenon.

Source: http://apronstringsemily.wordpress.com/2008/05/25/at-arms-length/

Most of the movements in belly dance are some of the same movements taught to pregnant women for exercise.  Our basic stance in belly dance  is used to tuck in the pelvis to prevent injuries when we dance.  Having the pelvis tucked in, helps women gain a center core to the body.  The moves associated with the abdomen help to tone our obliques and over time start to gain flexibility not only in the abdomen region, but overall tone and strengthen our entire body.

Belly Dance movements come natural to a woman’s body.  The movements in belly dance use the hips, belly, head, neck and major regions of the body, these parts of the body are so important when giving birth because all muscles are engaged during labor.  Belly dance can help in making the challenging process less stressful on a woman’s body.

For example, there are many hip movements associated with the dance.  The hip twist or sway, hip drop or  lift, can help massage your belly and relaxes the baby and can also move the baby’s position.   A pregnant woman when in labor lays down in the same position for a long period of time.  It becomes tiring and stressful.  Hip movements can help a pregnant woman stay in the position she need’s to be in when getting ready to give birth.

Belly dance is also a low impact exercise.  It doesn’t cause injury when the movements are done correctly.  The belly is the core of belly dance and it is our center core, according to the law of chakras, the abdomen is our sacral chakra.  This chakra is associated with food and sex.  When a woman becomes pregnant this chakra is awaken and consciousness is elevated.  And belly dance is an earthy dance and one of the reasons we dance barefooted is because it is our connection to the ground, our earth.

Being pregnant and learning to belly dance is a great way to ease the tiresome 9 months.  Even after childbirth, you can always continue the dance, which is a great way to lose that extra weight gain.

Please consult your physician before starting a new exercise regime.  Belly Dancing Diva is not responsible for any injury caused by the reader, Belly Dancing Diva is solely dedicated to informing the world about this ancient and sacred dance that is beloved world-wide.