Belly Dancing for Good Health

by Jeanne Cimillo
Ahva Halma has been a Bellydancer for 35 years and a Hula dancer for 25 years and is certified in Masala Bhangra. Ahva is a Registered Nurse and Yogafit trained. Dance is her passion and she has dedicated her life to it.

Ahva has been teaching belly dancing classes at the butterfly rainbow center monthly. She wishes to teach this form of dance to as many people as she can. Belly Dancing is unlike most forms of aerobic classes. The movements that are taught come natural to the female form and it has a wealth of health benefits too.

Belly dancing an help with weight-loss, it tones not only the abdominal area, it tones the arms, back and pelvis. Rita Taylor stated that though many people think belly dancing looks hard, the movements flow easily and is a natural motion that anyone can do.

In my research, I found many know belly dancing as a middle-eastern form of folklore dance that seems to be catching on more and more in our western culture. The graceful movements seem to flow naturally and they do. Other form of dance work against the body and can do harm to muscles and joints.

Belly dancing has many health benefits besides toning of muscles:

Weight loss
Combined with a healthy diet that involves sensible eating, belly dancing can without a doubt be part of a sound weight loss program.

Preparation for childbirth
The movements of belly dancing make an excellent prenatal exercise regimen that strengthens the muscles used during the childbirth process.

Stress reduction
In this day and age of almost continuous stress, the subtle rhythms of belly dancing and the traditional movements are calming.

Building the back muscles evenly.
Belly-dancers use their torsos a lot-much more than ballet, modern or tap dancers.

Aiding digestion.
Through the movements the internal organs are gently massaged to improve digestion.

Ahva teaches belly dancing on Fridays. Check out the schedule and try it. Belly dance your way to a better and healthier you!