Belly dancing is a hobby I started a few years ago for the workout benefits, the art and for my husband (eye roll haha). Belly dancing is a ton of fun with enormous health benefits.
Though it can be used sensually and privately, it's an ancient style of dancing believed to have started for expectant mothers. It's excellent for an entire body workout of strengthening/lengthening of the spine, core muscles (essential to birth) legs and upper body by isolating every muscle group.
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| Baladi dance 3 mos pregnant with Eran |
Belly dancing helps prevent osteoporosis, arthritis and offers PMS relief. More importantly, it's a nice gentle workout during (and after) pregnancy to help prepare the body for later/heavier stages of pregnancy, labor and delivery.
Belly dancing can be safely performed all through pregnancy and immediately following delivery depending of course, on the form of delivery. I was on strict bed rest during my pregnancy with my son Darian, but once I had him I was back to exercising and belly dancing. Currently, I'm continuing to dance and I'm almost 8 months pregnant with my son Eran and will continue until I deliver.
If you're one of those moms who wants to stick to an entirely natural birth then I recommend it. Though I wasn't planning a natural birth for my son Darian (I'm a wimp) all the belly dancing played a role in managing 43 hours of labor.
There's no set body type to belly dancing. Historically, heavy women have performed. In my class we have a very mixed group of pregnant ladies, older and full figured women who enjoy dancing because it makes them feel beautiful and sensual.
Schools are literally everywhere. The more you practice outside of class the better you'll get faster. As with all things, practice makes perfect and it all depends on you. Granted we can't be Saida (she's absolutely amazing!) right away, but it's worth the effort. You can learn belly dancing in a non-judgmental and fun atmosphere for whatever reasons your little heart desires. Check your area!
