Well why not! Belly Dance is one of the oldest dance forms and can trace it’s roots back to India several thousand years ago. Bollywood is a more recent invention with inspiration taken from traditional Indian dance as well as Hip Hop and Street Dance. Ballroom and Latin has gained new popularity thanks to programmes like Strictly Come Dancing, but the moves should by no means be limited to people with a dance partner (check out my Ballroom and Latin fusion studio classes.
Here is what some of my students say:
Dancing is scientifically proven to be good for both body and soul.
Here are a few of the most commonly cited benefits:
Move and have fun. The human body is not designed for a repetitive workout, which is often what you get when attending a gym. Why limit yourself to a ‘work out’ in the first place when you can have FUN ‘just dancing’! In particular Belly Dancing is low impact exercise, which will help you burn calories, as well as strengthening your core. It works the entire body and in particular the abs, glut and thigh muscles.
Grow strong bones. Dance in general, is a weight bearing exercise, the kind of exercise critical in helping prevent Osteoporosis. Research further more shows a solid correlation between good, high bone mineral density and the kind of exercises that dancers do, which focus on the legs and the pelvis.
Build coordination and get smarter. Yes, you read that right. Dancing works both the right and left hemispheres of the brain together, it builds neuropathways that can increase memory and learning ability. Some studies even show it can ward of Alzheimers.
Boost your immune system. Exercise, including dance, is the primary way to move lymphatic fluid in our bodies, in turn promoting better health of the entire lymphatic system, which is key to having a healthy immune system. So what are you waiting for? Shimmy of that potential cold!
Lift you spirit. We all live increasingly busy lives, so it’s important to take some time out to and wind down and recharge. Dancing is in many ways like a moving meditation, as you can’t stress and worry about work, shopping etc. when dancing. Plus having a laugh with the others in class (yes we laugh quite a lot!) is also a sure way to lift your spirit.
Improve your self esteem and start loving your body. Learning new things and accomplishing goals like dancing can be very rewarding. You might surprised by what you are capable of. The movements in various dance forms draw you into an intimate relationship with your body and may help you to overcome blockages and a negative self image.
Make new friends. This is one of the most precious gifts that especially belly dance can offer. Many important short and long term friendships are discovered through dance.
With all of this to offer, what are you waiting for? Make an hour a week for yourself and come have some fun, challenge and move yourself!
