Carolyne Taylor

Belly dance is an umbrella term for the dances of Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, the Middle East and North Africa. Each of these places has their own style, from Egyptian Raqs Sharqi, to Algerian Rai.  Unlike the stereotype, it is not a dance done for men, but a dance usually done by women for women. The hips are used a great deal; however it is not a sexual, but a sensual dance. The movements of belly dance comprise basically of fluid curves, such as circles and figure eights, and strong contractions and extensions, such as drops and twists of the hip. The Shimmy is another movement that is associated with this dance form. These kinds of movements have been used by women for many reasons throughout the ages. Uses of the movements include as entertainment, to help ease childbirth, as social dances such as during weddings, for fitness and for ritual purposes.

Orange Women, © Laila Sahwa

Belly dance comes in many styles to suit different personalities. These days, the belly dancer has a huge repertoire of emotional, spiritual, artistic, entertaining, sensual and enjoyable ways of expressing herself. Over the years, I have seen shy women transformed into confident performers, middle-aged women gain a new skill and appreciation of their bodies, and ladies discover something that they can do for themselves to switch off from family and work pressures. For many women, belly dance becomes not just a hobby, but a passionate interest, which enhances their lives in many ways.

Belly dance is not only of psychological benefit, but also can be physically healing. The posture lengthens the spine, and flexibility of the back and joints are gently increased. Muscles, particularly the abdominals, are strengthened, and fitness levels can be increased. Spiritually and emotionally, belly dance opens up new areas of cultural awareness, increases awareness of body and posture, can increase self-esteem, encourages women to express their emotions through dance, increases appreciation of music and rhythm, and has huge social benefits.

Belly dance can be expressive or choreographed, solo or danced in groups, traditional or fantasy. Costumes can be small and sparkly, or elegant and demure. It is a dance that is kind to the body, and therefore suitable for all sizes and shapes of women.

Raqs Sharqi

Age is also no barrier- i know of dancers who are retired. There are also many dancers with serious health problems, but because the dance is not competitive and should not be damaging to the body, these dancers can move within their comfort zone without feeling pressurised to be perfect.

Introverted ladies find that dancing on their own in private can be a spiritually uplifting experience, whilst extroverts can perform to their hearts' content. Most women fit somewhere in the middle, and learn the joy of moving past their anxieties to enjoy performing for friends and other dancers.

For further information on belly dance, Carolyne (aka Shamira) has a website at www.spiritdancer.co.uk . She teaches and organises workshops and performances in Somerset. She has been dancing since the late 1990's and specialises in Egyptian Raqs Sharqi style.