The 'belly dance' is very ancient - at least 2.000 years old, but most likely much older than that. It has its roots in folkloric versions of dances from Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco and so forth.The correct name of Belly Dance is "Raks Sharki", which translates from the arabic as "Dance of the East" or "Oriental Dance". European travellers of the last century, unaccustomed to movements of the hips and torso in the dances of their homelands, labeled the dance they saw in the Middel East, "belly dance". This very ancient dance has been danced through the centuries by women and men (yes, men!) at their own family gatherings. When we think of this dance today, we most often think of the dance performed by professionals in the Middel Eastern night clubs.
A very small but vocal minority of dancers has waged a campaign to expunge the term "belly dance". Their fear is that the term "belly dance" cheapens or degrades the image of the authentic dance and doesn't give credit to some of its ethnic influences. In Hollywood and western movies the focus was often on sexual titillation rather than the dance as an art: the dance became popular entertainment. It is this IMAGE, not the terminology, that has been the real source of discomfort concerning this art form.
Belly Dance : an efficient and pleasant fitness tool!
The Belly Dance for the most graceful fitness training - more elegant than aerobics, more efficient than problem zone gymnastics. Move your hips, the rest will follow! Belly Dance possesses a richness of movement that comes from deep muscular control ( internal control). This control gives this particular style its unique "fire." This dance requires the skillful isolation and controlled movement of every part of the body. Its most distinguishing feature is its isolated movements of the abdomen. These abdominal movements may be circular, rolling, angular, or vibrating, and are unique to this dance. But bellydance is a form that involves every other part of the body too, isolating major muscle groups and working them in isolation or in opposition to other parts of the body. Kaouthars classes are for anyone wishing to enjoy themselves doing something beautiful, healthful, and fun. This dance is about joy, life, emotion, and taping into the soul.
Belly Dance : A stress remedy!
Kaouthar's work can also be a powerful tool for stress management. Undulations, vibrations, shimmies, and more energetic movements aid in eliminating tension and stress while aerobically working the system. Special and powerful drum rhythms are used. The repetitiveness of the beat, the focusing of the mind on the music, and the energy of the movements work together and release the stress and the negative energy enhancing peace and relaxation. The power of this art form is great. Those who practice this ancient dance find a healing oasis in the turmoil of our times. Creating peace within ourselves is the first step to creating peace around us.
This dance is for EVERYONE young, old, thin, and amply figured alike. Many will increase their health considerably (depending on how much effort is put forth, pre-existing health conditions, etc.) It's not your weight, but how you express your feelings and passion in the dance. Understand that this is a "gentle" and yet intensive form of dance, and when done correctly it will protect the joints, spine, etc. This is opposed to aerobics, ballet or funk in which there is social pressure to be thin and where the movements seem to be awkward if you're not
Is Belly Dance also for pregnant women?
The common belief (in the West) is that belly dance is an invitation to men. In fact, in the arab world, as long ago as the 7th century until now, belly dancing was and is performed by women, for women, The first function of belly dance was to enhance the fertility, pregnancy and delivery; and to restore the body and the vagina's muscles after the delivery.
The second function was (and still is) to put the women in contact with their sensuality and feminine power.
The third function is a social one: create through the celebration of the dance a solidarity, friendship and intimacy amongst women, a natural women power. And at last it is an agreable tool that women can use in their private space for their pleasure and the pleasure of their men/lovers.
But the first and essential function of belly dancing was calling for spiritual and physical assistance during childbirth.
They called on the gods while grounding themselves with their barefoot dance, sending their force into the earth through their hips. Tensing and relaxing their stomach and genital muscles, they imitated the vital movements of labour in a celebration of fertility and womanhood.
The dance was one of control and continuous motion, a skilful rippling of the muscles of childbitrh. It trains women to be strong and ground, yet gentle. It's this duality that is needed during birth.
Belly dancing is also essential after birth, to restore the inside and outside muscles around the belly area.
It gives to the uterus, the stomach and most important to the genitals muscles their elasticity and strength back.
In the Arab world world women belly dance through the whole pregnancy, and 3/4 weeks after delivery, they start dancing again.
Belly dance is a physical art, which combines fitness and elegant dance movements. It emphasizes strength and grace. Whether you are a housewife, a career woman/man, or still a student, who is worn out by life's tasks, dancing will help you push away your regular image, and let that hidden woman/man take over. It is an occasion to bring out that veiled dancer or even a dance performer.
Belly dancing will add passion to your life. It will develop a new type of confidence in you, which you can use to full advantage,
especially when it comes to that special man/woman in your life. Belly dancing will introduce him/her to the hidden you, which will extremely delight him/her. It will do as much for him/her as it will do for you. This can bring a new dimension of pleasure to your relationship and lovemaking.
It will also influence your general appearance. It will habituate you to stand correctly, where your chest is elevated, your stomach pulled in, and your head held upright. It even enables your movements to be naturally attractive and graceful.
It consists of light/strong gymnastics that are exceptional in maintaining fitness. It challenges overweight, poor circulation, insomnia, weak muscles, stiff joints and early aging. It is an exceptional remedy for stress and depression. A daily half an hour session of belly dancing will leave you both refreshed and relaxed. It is also a unique dance where you learn to move different parts of your body quite independently from others. The bodymuscles will never become flabby, yet you will maintain their gracefulshape.
