This topic is very close to my heart; being ill myself, it really affects my dancing. I was already very ill when I started taking up classes, but I thought it would be good for my health to do some light exercise. Not that belly dance can be called light exercise! But I did not know that back then. It was not my intention to become a professional dancer, I somehow stumbled into starting to teach belly dance and later performing as well. It was very hard, because I tried to keep up with teaching classes in different towns, travelling a lot. In the end I had to quit because I got a burnout. After a period of rest, I decided to plan my classes and performances much more carefully. Performing appeared to be the better choice for me; less exhausting and better payment. Still I always kept some classes going and teaching workshops, because once you are addicted to teaching it is hard to quit!

Some people prefer teaching over performing, once dancer, *Shanazel* says:
“I no longer dance professionally, because my arthritis has become a debilitating problem for me, but I am generally okay during class, though I do less demonstrating and more walking around class and offering suggestions than I used to. After class, I can barely get myself out of the car because I have stiffened up so much, especially when the weather is going to change. I simply cannot do as much at the same intensity that I used to. However dancing keeps me from stiffening up even more.”

Personally I think if it was not for belly dance I would be much more ill by now (two of my illnesses are fibromialgia and chronic fatigue) But then again, there are times when I cannot dance at all. I have temporary quit teaching, and have been asked several times if I want to start teaching again. It is tempting, but my health is more important. At the moment I am happier performing and that is what I do now.

Teaching classes has been a real problem for me, I can only teach one hour at the time and then need to recover. That means I cannot make ‘blocks of classes’ like all other teachers do. That is much better regarding travel expenses and time. In Holland I used to teach at home for that reason.

*Adiemus*,
a dancer who also has fibromyalgia like me was another dancer who started dancing while she already had health issues: “I have chronic pain and found that although I get sore after dancing, I’m much less stiff, and the soreness goes quickly. Research suggests that moderate exercises are good for both musculoskeletal pain and depression – and been positive for people with anxiety, fatigue and other chronic health problems. Dance is a positive factor in my life, helps me express myself, allows my creativity to flow and gives me a chance to get out and meet people and enjoy things that I would not get otherwise. It is great to switch my verbal brain off and switch my feeling brain on. You can always pop in to my blog: HealthSkills Weblog ”

*Teela:*
“I don’t have chronic *illness* per say but I do have asthma usually induced by extremely cold weather, I have slight scoliosis of the spine and the ongoing one; hip issues. I was born with hip problems. I have reached an age where if I dance too much in one day I end up taking aleve and using capsasium rub to get rid of the pain. This comes up usually during workshops. I also can not sit too long or my hips hurt again. I find the dancing actually helps keep my hips stretched and moving. Does it slow me down? I try not to let it. Since I do not teach or dance professionally, its not an issue. I am just aware of what I need to do and do it.”

*Khanjar*:
“Prior to starting dance, I did suffer daily with severe lower back pain and sciatica following a couple of industrial injuries years ago, something that would just not go away no matter whatever I tried. With belly dance, I am surprised and relieved the back pain is now under control, for I have few problems with it, the dance has strengthened the core muscles enough to support the area. I also came to this dance with chronic depression, something that I remember, was lifelong. The depression is still a problem, but the dance lifts the spirits massively, an effect that lasts a few days.”

As a last not I would like to say: if you have a chronic illness, please consult your doctor prior to taking up belly dance classes.