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The Health Benefits of Belly Dance

Compiled by Zahirah, Director of Desert Orchid Dance Company™

for the University of Utah Health Fair

Call 733-6371 for class information

1. BELLY DANCE CAN PROVIDE AN ALL OVER STRETCH

     Through a series of gentle warm-ups and a variety of movement an all over stretching can be acquired especially in the spine, hips and shoulder joints. As the dancer works with various movements and props such as veil and cane,  she also increases her skeletal/muscle  range of motion thus promoting flexibility. Stretching warm muscles at the conclusion of her movement lengthens muscle fibers and promotes muscle tone.

2. IT HELPS STRENGTHEN BONES AND CIRCULATION

     Participating in a regular schedule of belly dance which demands prolonged standing and moving strengthens bones in the pelvis, legs, and lower back,helping to prevent osteoporosis later in life. It also improves blood circulation throughout the body as the increased movement pushes the blood through veins and arteries. This can help prevent varicose veins in the lower leg if done consistently.

3. IT'S A CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISE

     Belly dance specifically exercises the heart muscle as the dancer increases her movement to accomplish a mild to vigorous aerobic exercise. Though active enough to increase the heart rate significantly, belly dance is easy on the ankles and knees due to minimum impact.

4. IT HELPS BURN CALORIES

     Regular participation and practice in belly dance can create a change in enzymes that will help a body learn to burn fat more efficiently.

5. BELLY DANCE BUILDS MUSCLE STRENGTH

     Belly dance costumes consist of extensive material and can include coins, beads, and heavy jewelry. This added weight increases muscle strength by overloading muscles. Since the dance is a weight-bearing activity, strength building can occur. This is also accomplished through the manipulation of heavy props such as Ghurka swords, heavy scimitars, veils, canes, and trays.

5. BELLY DANCING INCREASES COORDINATION

     Dancers not only learn new ways of body placement but also incorporate a variety of rhythms. It helps increase neuromuscular coordination and provides an interesting and challenging intellectual activity as improvisational skills are developed.

6. IT IMPROVES PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

     Anorexia isn't for belly dancers! The womanly form of curves and roundness enhances the movements of the dance. The feminine movements reinforce a positive body-image. Belly dance celebrates the feminine, the natural, the individuality of every-BODY, regardless of its size or shape.

7. BELLY DANCE PROMOTES CREATIVE SELF-EXPRESSION AND INDIVIDUALITY

     As women continue to dance they choose their costuming styles and music based on their own creativity and taste. Some prefer the very traditional, some the modern, some an elemental fusion. For many it is a form of good exercise, for others it provides a circle of friendship, for some a spiritual outlet. For most, it is just good fun with healthful side benefits.

1997-2006, Zahirah