It's autumn and the changing of the weather often sees a lot of people getting sick. But that kind of "bug" is not what I'm talking about! I'm talking about the belly dance bug. You know, the one that sort of sneaks up on you during the first month you start to study oriental dance, and suddenly you feel almost like you are addicted to it and can't get enough of it. You find yourself shimmying your shoulders while you are driving and constantly listening your first cassette over and over because the earthy rhythms make you feel good. You go anywhere in town to watch a belly dance show. You develop a voracious appetite for belly dance videos and books, and you ask your teacher a lot of questions about the dance and its history.
Well, that bug is quite normal. Whether you sought out your belly dance instructor, or you just happened to try a class, it is very common for women to fall in love with this art. On my journeys across the U.S., I see so many dancers, both professionals and hobbyists. It is interesting to hear why the belly dance bug managed to take such a steadfast bite on so many ladies. Background, age, weight, nothing makes a difference. The common denominator is, the bug bit them all. Let's take a look at the reasons why.
As you are aware, the minority of oriental dancers do it professionally and full-time. These folks are the ones who the bug bit the hardest. They are artists in their own right and no matter what obstacles they may encounter, they perform and instruct this dance form with a love and tenacity that advances the evolution of the art form. Thank God for the artists, or our art form would die.
There are more folks to teach and perform on a semi-professional level. What I mean is, the people who perform and/or teach on a part-time basis. Of course, it is hard to earn a living in the arts, so it is not surprising that there are many dancers who would love to do it full-time, but just can't make ends meet that way. These dancers are skilled and their talents are wonderful for introducing the general public to oriental dance. While the artists mentioned above are teachers' teachers, the semi-pros are great at opening the door to the world of Middle Eastern dance to someone who knows nothing about it. This can be via shows and entertainment, or via classes. The semi-pro's spread the belly dance but to the masses.
The majority of people involved in Middle Eastern dance are the hobbyists. Of course, that's where all the pro's start. The belly dance bug bites for usually one of three reasons. One of the most popular reasons people start to take belly dance classes is for the pure enjoyment of it. It is a lot of fun and very relaxing. You find that you might have a day filled with tension, but when you go to dance class, your stress just melts away. I can assure you that this feeling never goes away, no matter how professional you get, no matter how many classes you have taken. It is a wonderful side-effect, and really lets the bug settle in as a permanent resident.
As well as aiding your emotional health and stress, many people seek out belly dance class as an alternative way of getting exercise. This dance form really works out your entire body, not just your belly! And it doesn't feel like you are exercising, even though you are. Primarily, it is anaerobic exercise, until you are advanced enough to be able to dance at least 20 minutes without stopping. One of the health benefits I love the most is that belly dancing keeps my weight down and lowers my cholesterol levels. A fun way to stay health? No wonder the bug bites!
Thirdly, and in some ways, more importantly, women who get involved with oriental dance know that it is a superb way to explore your femininity. In this day and age, femininity is often stomped on, abused, ignored, or shoved aside. As women, we take on super-women roles, holding down a job and running a household and raising children. Who has time for femininity? Well, oriental dance lets you be a whole woman, in the full sense of the word. No other dance form encourages women of any age and of any weight to join. No other dance form offers opportunities to perform to women who were not raised on professional dance classes. You are accepted totally for yourself and, in fact, the more voluptuous you are, the better! Using dance to connect with yourself as a woman and with others as women is a fantastic reward that only the specific world of oriental dance can bring.
I think getting bitten by the belly dance bug is a fabulous thing. If you have recently been bitten, then welcome! If you are a veteran then you know all about what I am talking about. Let's go out there, troops, and spread the bug! If you ever have any ideas how I may assist in this quest, please feel free to call, write or email me at any time!
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©1998 Jasmin Jahal