Yes!
In many ways, that is true. Bellydance is a wonderful form of exercise and can build muscles you didn't even know you had. Doing hours and hours of shimmies will build thigh muscles, dancing on the toes builds the calves and muscles of the "core", manipulations of the abdomen and ribcage train the diaphragm and abdominal muscles, and there's plenty of work for the arms and head to do, too!
So why am I starting this blog?
There are many concerns that are specific to bellydancers, which come up the longer you engage in the art form. Repetitive stress injuries from doing the same movement in a choreography 1000 times, sensitivities to metals that are in jewelry like "kuchi" (which is made from who knows what!!), acne and skin disorders from wearing loads of makeup and skin bronzers, energy issues from being up too late dancing 3 gigs back-to-back and having to work the next morning, to name a few. These are just a small sample of the issues that come up, and as any seasoned dancer knows, there are loads more!
On another note, health is not just the physical body. Bellydancers often run up against emotional crises, mental worries and concerns about performing, feeling burned out and uninspired, and having crises of faith, all of which contribute to less-than-optimal health.
The mission of this blog is to explore the myriad of concerns of the bellydancer, from fresh-faced newbie to seasoned pro, and to create a community of discussion of how we can re-create this beautiful dance form in the spirit of health and well-being!
Dance on, lovely sisters (and brothers)!
In Peace and Health,
Anwar Asad
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