Oriental Dans is more commonly known as Bellydance. It's origins are obscure and may reach back almost to Eve herself. It is believed, however, that it began as a way for the women of a harem to entertain each other and as a natural way to prepare for childbirth. The latter is the reason why it was traditional to perform while pregnant. It is known that the dance has always been performed at weddings. In "Thousand and One Nights", these wedding performances were usually done by the bride herself upon being presented to the groom and showcased in 6 or 7 different gowns and this constituted the ceremony. In the Middle East today, Oriental Dans is the common dance on the street (except in those areas which are strongholds of religious extremists) - as common as any dancing we might see as we go about our business.
And it has numerous health benefits. For about 15 years or so there has been an increase all over the world of bellydance as a form of exercise for weight loss and well-being. Why is that?
Oriental Dans works with a person's muscles, not against them. Especially is this true for the feminine body, but there are many male dancers out there who benefit as well. This is an exercise regimen that is low impact and less likely to result in injury. Also, there are forms that match almost any ability and learning level. It keeps the joints fluid and flexible (arthritis patients, here's your routine!). It promotes better balance and can include strength training without the person feeling like they are strength training. Most importantly, it focuses on a positive self-image.
What do I mean by that? While most exercise programs focus on the end result - the perfectly fit and skinny body that every woman and man is "supposed" to have - Oriental Dans is about enjoying the journey. A person forgets that fitness and weight loss are the goals. Instead, these becomes happy side-effects of regularly doing something the person enjoys. In other words, this is truly fun! The fact that there are professional bellydancers of literally all shapes and sizes re-shifts the perspective: it's not what you look like, it's about how you feel. Do you feel thin? You are. Do you feel beautiful? You are. Do you feel graceful, energetic, sensual, alive? You are. Do you feel funny, glamourous, and joyful? You are. Because all of those qualities shine through in the dance and suddenly no one cares that you've got 20, 40, or 100 pounds to lose.
And before you know it, it's gone. I know. Over a period of a year, Oriental Dans has helped me go from 200 pounds to 169 pounds- and dropping.
But besides weight loss and overall fitness, the dance is especially ideal for moms-to-be. If a person is pregnant, some moves must be avoided or modified for the baby's safety, i.e. no deep, sharp hip drops and careful with the 90 degree angle backbends favored in the Tribal Fusion form of the dance. It is, therefore, probably a good idea to practice it within a class and after consulting a doctor under those circumstances. However, it has been noted that Oriental Dans helps to strengthen the mother's abdominals for childbirth and promote the overall well-being of the womb, etc. Also, the gentle rocking of hip circles and shimmies helps the baby to be positioned properly for the big day. In view of this, there are many classes that cater primarily to pregnant women.
So the next time you are wowed by a bellydancer, remember all of the health benefits associated with practising this most ancient art form.
(Sketch is part of a series of sketches by Sabne Raznik called "the Salome Series" and is currently available at Raging Rapid Art Gallery.)
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