Want to try something new that is good for your body and soul? How about belly dance? The ancient art of belly dance is making a modern day comeback due to sexy M-TV shots of Shakira and Britney Spears gyrating and shaking it. Classes are overflowing with wanna-bes who want to sport a bare-bellied look and the moves to go along with it.
The desire to dance like Shakira and Britney may bring women of all ages and sizes into classes, but a strange thing happens once they get there. These women usually end up happy being just who they are, loving their bodies, and feeling more confident and feeling sexy in their own skin.
A newcomer to class might be surprised by the unabashed display of bare bellies. Some are flat and muscular, some bulge with the weight of too many days in an office environment, but most are proudly displayed in all their womanly glory. The teacher guides the students to move this seat of womanly power in undulating, snaky ways- shaking up that root charka energy and reviving the awareness that the joy of femininity is for all: maiden, mother, and crone.
As the pace of class steps up, the music may change to more exotic and fast paced fare. The women dance freely, encouraged by the jingly hip scarves around their hips, which bounce in time to the music. Perhaps this is the first time since puberty they’ve enjoyed themselves while in the company of other women. Perhaps they are discovering that feeling sexy and alive can happen without a man around!
It’s wonderful to witness women realize that sexy is not just for the nubile, flexible, and trim. It comes from the inside out. It’s a state of mind that comes from confidence and acceptance of who you are. And when you feel that within, you can take it everywhere you go. It doesn’t depend on what you’re wearing or what you look like. It radiates unmistakably where everyone can see it. There are many ways to achieve this, but belly dance sure is a fun one!