Belly dancing: 11 benefits for your body and mind

If you are looking for activities that improve your relationship with your body and mind, but you are easily bored with ordinary things like going to the gym, know that belly dancing may be the ideal solution for you!

With a list full of benefits, it promises to bring out the feminine side, develop sensuality and improve the body. Check out our tips and learn all about this amazing activity!

belly dance history

Originating in the eastern regions, belly dancing is an ancient activity recorded since Ancient Egypt. It brings dance-related movements to fertility gods as well as elements of nature.

It is also believed that belly dancing was part of a ritual that celebrated life and brought fertility to a woman. In addition, the dance served to prepare them to be mothers. After all, the movements strengthen the pelvic region, thus facilitating the moment of delivery.

From traditional and private to cultural and public, belly dancing has become popular as part of Arab culture, being a common dance at all important Arab events.

At weddings, for example, the presence of dancers is essential. In addition to serving as entertainment for the guests, the bride and groom also perform a ritual as a way of ensuring fertility in the union.

In Brazil, dance is seen as a super positive activity and full of benefits for the body and mind. Therefore, it is an interesting and fun alternative to others that can be boring, such as the gym.

Types of belly dancing

Check out the main types of belly dancing and the characteristics for each of its styles!

• Dance of the seven veils: in this type of dance, the dancer makes a presentation with seven veils tied, all of different colors. They represent the seven chakras that will be opened during the show.
• Dance with accessories: it is performed with a very old and characteristic object, the snuj. Made with metal pieces similar to castanets, it can be used by both the dancer and the musician accompanying the dance.
• Sword dancing: This style of belly dancing uses the sword as a representation of balance and skill in dancing. The sword can be balanced on the head, chest or waist, conveying sensuality through its movements.
• Dance of the Five Elements: It represents devotion and has a more ritualistic aspect, depicting elements such as water, fire, earth, air and ether. It is divided into five phases, each with its ideal representation.
• Pole dancing: As a version of the male Tahtib dance, its movements are not very delicate or sensual. Its rhythm is cheerful and fun, with dancers who dance smiling and lavishing joy on the audience.
• Chandelier dance: with Greek or Jewish origins, the candlestick dance is quite ancient. Its main purpose is to illuminate passages such as wedding, birth or anniversary. Its execution requires care and balance, demanding slow melodies for good movements.

Belly dance clothes and music

Although it is full of veils, scarves and accessories, at the beginning of classes these clothes are not mandatory. Some props help to mark the movements, being useful to better understand the meaning of each step. That’s why slowly adding embellishments to your regular activity outfit is the best option.

Therefore, the tightest and most comfortable clothes do not interfere with the movements, being perfect for the practice of belly dancing! Over time, you will find it easier to adapt to other models and pieces that will enrich the grace of this style.

As for the soundtrack, Arabic songs are ideal for practice. However, it is necessary to know how to choose among the styles that best suits each type of dance.

The five most common Arabic musical styles for this practice are: folk music, classical music, modern music, percussion solos and taksin.

11 benefits of belly dancing

1. Improves posture and spine
2. Shape the waist
3. tones the muscles
4. Stimulates the digestive system and ovarian functions
5. Combat sagging
6. Relax the body and mind
7. Deepen your relationship with yourself
8. Improve your connection with your body and mind
9. improves flexibility
10. Relieves menstrual cramps
11. Helps in healthy weight loss

In addition to helping to relax the mind and keep the body in shape, the main benefit of belly dancing is related to well-being and self-compassion. When you feel your body better, you start to respect yourself more and have a more intimate relationship full of self-love.

That is, belly dancing has the power to connect women with their interior, awakening femininity, sensuality and acceptance. And believe me, when you feel good and regain that good connection, even the way you walk will look different and special!

belly dance step by step

When it comes to dance, nothing better to exemplify the movements than seeing it all in practice, right? That’s why we’ve separated some videos of choreography and tutorials that can help you get started and become more interested in this style. Check out!

Belly dance tutorial for beginners

In the video, the teacher and dancer teaches some basic steps for those who are starting to dance.

Basic belly dance class

In this video you will learn some basic principles about this Arab dance, to understand the essence of the movements and start the practice.

Hip fitting and disengagement training

The video teaches about the main hip movements, which help with posture and are the basis for various movements in belly dancing.

Choreography for beginners in belly dancing

This video is ideal for you who want something more practical, like a fun and elaborate choreography to play at home!

Belly dance choreography tutorial

This video brings another option for those who want to copy the choreography and train this wonderful dance style at home. Ideal for beginners!

We hope these tips have helped you to get to know this dance full of benefits, joy and femininity better. Did you like the content? Then check out the other articles on our blog too!