cover story     music notes    theater arts     que pasa? opinion cafe     motion pictures   cd reviews     party scene

Now that we've set the record straight, let's hear what the pros have to say about this Middle-Eastern dance we Americans have come to know as belly-dancing.

"Egyptian style belly-dancing, which has become the most prominent form, involves tiny, sharp movements that really helps strengthen stomach muscles as you are doing a lot of stretching and learning a lot of control over your body," says Pat Ford, owner of Dancers of Eclypse Belly-Dance in North Phoenix who has been teaching belly-dancing for eight years.

"There is a certain mystical element to this type of dancing, it grounds you with the earth while releasing you to the universe.

"What I find so incredible about this dance is the way it has helped so many of my students come out of their shyness and gain a tremendous amount of confidence."

Ford compares belly dancing to acting, as it allows you to let a part of yourself out of hiding that you would not otherwise reveal.

"It is a way to connect with people, with yourself, and ultimately the universe," says Ford. "When you can look someone in the eye and really connect with them while dancing, it is the greatest feeling on earth. I have had students come to me with hesitation, stiff and worried what other people will think. When they learn to relax into it their love for the dance and moving overcomes all restrictions. I really have no idea where I would be without belly dancing."

Joyce Daniels, owner of Ali Baba Dance Studio in Phoenix who has been belly dancing for 15 years, views belly dancing as a perfect way to release the mental and physical stress most of us muddle through daily.

"I find a lot of my students getting into belly dancing when they are going through a change in their lives," says Daniels. "This dance teaches the same basics as martial arts - mind control into a relaxing feeling. I try to get my students to slow down, relax and jump off this rocket ride we call life. It is great for your self-image and can really stimulate self-adjustments for both your body and mind."

For Ava Fleming, belly dancing really just "fell into her lap" when she saw a belly dancer at a Greek restaurant and was instantly struck by her elegance, poise and self-control. She immediately enrolled herself in an Egyptian belly-dance class and feels that she could not be without it ever again.

"My main goal is to try and educate people on what belly dancing is rather than what it is not," says Fleming. "It is not just sexy and sensual, it truly forces you to take an honest look at yourself and is a great place for women to be as it focuses on beauty, both inner and outer. People perceive belly dancing as seductive because movement is concentrated on the hips. It is a body awareness type of activity, but in the sense that you pay more attention to taking care of yourself and realizing the need to rejoice with your body."

Since she discovered belly dancing, Fleming has been overwhelmed by the endless benefits this dance has brought to her life.

continued -->

 

cover story     music notes    theater arts     que pasa? opinion cafe     motion pictures   cd reviews     party scene