Benefits Of Mid-Eastern Dancing - Plus An Exhilarating Evening!

(A True Story, However, The Names Have Been Changed)

Enjoy –

We were a troupe of four ladies. Even though all of us were professionals (dental hygienist, real estate entrepreneur, medical administrative assistant, and business manager), we were participating in the Benefits Of Mid-Eastern dancing for fun and exercise.

An exhilarating evening was about to begin.

The starlit sky seemed to bounce off of the moon and end up in Aviana’s glistening eyes. Likewise, her angel soft blond hair fell softly against her slim, tanned shoulders. Of course, with satchel in hand, she and her lightly tanned exquisite friend, Serena, headed towards the dressing room. Albeit, amidst soft lights and hustle and bustle, the Mid-Eastern dancers awaited their entrée on to the dimly lighted stage.

Happenings In The Dressing Rooms

Indeed, the smell of perfume permeated the air. By the same token, safety pins, makeup, deodorant, perfume, chiffon veils, and water bottles were on a table at the end of the dressing room. But whoops they all forgot to bring hairspray.

A Visit To The STAR’s Dressing Room

For this reason, off Aviana meandered to the next dressing room where the “STAR” Liana, — thought to be the best in the World in Mid-Eastern Dancing was applying her makeup as her helpers were tending to her costume and fixing her thick black tresses. Not to mention, with apprehension in their eyes, her helpers said, “do not touch Liana’s (The STARs) gown.” Of course, Aviana never would have, but they did not trust anyone. While she headed back to the dressing room with her hairspray in hand where Serena, Braelynn, and Danica were getting ready for the big event; she had an ache in her heart that the other troupe of ladies would have even thought she would disrupt their outfits.

The Perfect Chiffon Custom-Made Outfits

The pink chiffon beaded with gold and silver (made by herself), felt soft and flowing against her skin, as Aviana attempted to fit it just right on her tiny body. With mixed emotions of hurt and wonderment, she anticipated the event that was before them.

Aqua, gold, and lilac chiffon filled the room as her teammates attempted to ready themselves for the affair. The guests anticipated the event that was about to take place. Mandarins, drums, and flutes let their music fill the auditorium and soothe the innumerable guests. This exhilarating evening brought the largest audience (over 1000) that Serena, Aviana, Braelynn, and Danica had had the opportunity to present themselves as accomplished dancers. Plus they were opening for the “Best” mid-eastern dancer in the WORLD! What an opportunity!

Our Teacher Danica Made The Exhilarating Evening Possible

This exhilarating evening came about because Danica was the leader and teacher of the group, and she herself was an accomplished dancer who had actually danced her way around Europe including a presentation for the King of Belgium. She filled a half glass of Chablis for each of us to relax us as we waited for this rendezvous. The Cue was given and the four buoyantly sauntered onto the stage. Due to the bright lights on them, they could not see the spectators.

Finally On Stage!

Swaying to the music, the dancers rhythmically swept the fans off of their feet. This was their first really big event, but the witnesses thought they had been doing this forever. Swirling the chiffon veils across their lithe bodies, the spellbound spectators held their breath in awe. As they finished their last number, they intricately made their way backstage.

Liana, the STAR, was now making an entrance on stage. But she saw Aviana and gave her a raised eyebrow and an “evil eye,” as if to say; “you better not top my act.” Liana’s grace and agility brought the audience to a standing ovation. She really was the “Best.” It truly had been an exhilarating evening!

Why Mid-Eastern Dancing And Just What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Mid-Eastern Dancing?

Why Was This Event An Exhilarating Evening?

Mid-Eastern Dancing (More commonly referred to as “belly dancing), is a graceful and poised form of art. Plus it helps give women confidence, a sense of accomplishment and a time to embrace their bodies.

Mid-Eastern Dancing has become a very celebrated type of dance. However, the benefits of mid-eastern dancing are enumerable. Mid-eastern dancing is known for its rhythmic, intriguing dance moves. But did you know that the health benefits of mid-eastern dancing are innumerable? Danica taught us that Mid-Eastern dancing is the only dance that incorporates every part of the human body including the neck, fingers, and toes. It actually originated in Ancient Egypt and the Middle East.

When You Get Started With Mid-Eastern Dancing You Will Be Sore At First, But The Benefits Of Mid-Eastern Dancing Will Overcome The Pain!

You will use some muscles that you did not realize you had when you first get started. But the soreness will cease after your body gets used to the moves and you will have a sense of wellbeing.

When I was actively doing mid-eastern dancing, my waistline decreased significantly and my friends wanted to know what I had done to slim my waistline. They thought I was wearing a corset or Spanx but no, it was all-natural.

Where We Started Out Practicing And Learning About The Benefits Of Mid-Eastern Dancing

We actually started out practicing in Danica’s basement in her home, working at our moves three nights a week for three hours straight (and then enjoying a salad afterward). Furthermore, our bodies felt lighter, we had more confidence and better self-esteem.

This is a great way to actually change the shape of your body naturally. There is no age limit. One does not have to practice mid-eastern dancing to become a professional. You can do this at home for yourself and the benefits that it will bestow on you.

Do You Need To Show Your Belly?

There is no need to “show your belly,” to learn belly dancing. When we first started out, we wore work-out outfits, and then Danica slowly built us up to wear the traditional outfits. We had them custom-made for our bodies and we actually helped bead and make part of the costumes ourselves.

This type of dance is great for all ages. The more you try this dance; you will become more comfortable with your body and you will have more confidence when wearing your clothes too.

What Do Mid-Eastern Dance Teachers Expect From Their Students?

Most teachers will have you practice your art form in front of a mirror or mirrors. Slowly you will become more comfortable seeing yourself and you will notice the transformation that this awesome exercise has on your body. You will have a better self-image, feel better, be lighter and other, and a happier person. It was one of the happiest times of my life.

Not everyone will have a perfect body, but if you work at it, you can be the best person you can be and become comfortable with the way you look.

It can be such a beautiful, elegant dance. You may experience the emotions that go along with this ancient dance.

More Benefits Of Mid-Eastern Dancing – Create Your Own Costumes

You can choose the colors that you want for your own costume, or if you are not planning on “an exhilarating evening,” your leotards are just fine. It is a dance that will never die. There are many different types or forms of mid-eastern dancing. We learned the softer side of the dance, using veils and costumes made of soft silk. Danica did not allow us to work our bodies with “bumps and grinds.” It was a very classy elegant form of the famous dance.

The Beauty And Elegance Along With The Benefits Of Mid-Eastern Dancing

The natural movements that consist of mid-eastern dance inspire the beauty and elegance of the ancient form of dance. Albeit, it is actually something like low impact aerobics with high energy steps with different types of combinations. Besides, you will find that it is a very healthy fitness routine that will make you feel like you have had “an exhilarated evening!’

In addition, you will also experience physical benefits such as improved fitness, coordination, and symmetry. Plus the benefits of feeling invigorated and alive! Women will notice better-toned stomach and pelvic muscles along with upper arm muscles.

Further Benefits Of Mid-Eastern Dance:

If you practice this type of dance at least three times a week, as we did, you will notice a gentle healing of your mind and body. At the same time, you will notice an increased metabolism and an improvement in your exercise or fitness levels. They will be far better than ever before.

Did you know that a person can burn up to 300 calories in one three-hour dance session? Burning up calories is another of the benefits of Mid-Eastern dancing along with these wonderful improvements in your body. But you will notice that it is also a great brain exercise as well. You will notice better memory, focus, creativity, and coordination.

Dance is a great way to manage and relieve stress. It is hard to make good decisions when you are under stress. And since Mid-Eastern dancing will help you relieve stress, you will be able to make even better decisions. With a healthy mind, you are in control!

Benefits Of Mid-Eastern Dance For Your Body!

Since mid-eastern dancing incorporates a lot of abdominal movements, it actually will aid in your digestion as long as you do not dance or practice dance on a full stomach. We used to dance for three hours in the evening and then have a salad afterward.

By strengthening your abdominal and pelvic muscles through Mid-eastern dance, women will notice less menstrual cramping. Plus they will notice better blood circulation.

On the whole, Mid-Eastern dancing strengthens the entire core of your body. Because of this, you will notice less back pain. Of course, when you are practicing this type of dancing, like any other type of dance you must maintain proper posture. Otherwise, you will inflict unnecessary pain on yourself.

So get moving. Also, there have been no actual injuries noted with belly dancing.

***Although it would not hurt for you to speak with your doctor before you undertake any new type of physical exercise to make sure you are healthy enough to work out.

Types Of Exercises For Mid-Eastern Dancers:

Weight Training:

You need to be very strong in order to perform all of the moves necessary for this type of dance. You will be holding poses with your arms and legs for long periods of time. Start out with light weights to tone your legs, arms, and back.

Yoga/Pilates:

You will be using your core a lot for Mid-Eastern dancing and practicing Yoga or Pilates or both will help strengthen these muscles. These exercises help to build up the muscles in your Core.

Swimming:

You need to make sure your heart is in shape for Mid-Eastern dancing. Therefore, swimming is one of the best exercises for this purpose. Jogging and running are good too, but swimming is the best.

Stretching:

Stretching your muscles is IMPERATIVE. This will make you more flexible. Some of the ways to do this are by taking longer strides when walking, holding in your stomach, and stretching your arms up and out.

Exercises to Improve your Balance:

By building up your core muscles to build up your leg strength so you can stay straight and not fall over.

Bending The Knees

Bend your knees, just as it says. Try doing this at least ten times with each leg.

Stand On One Leg:

Standing on one leg will help to improve your balance. Stand on each leg separately. If you need to, hold on to something at first, then try doing this without a brace.

Leg Raises:

Raise each leg at least ten times holding the pose for at least three to four minutes.

Walking Heel-To-Toe:

All you do is walk by placing the heel of one foot in front of the toes of your other foot. If need be, start out by using a table or chair to hold on to.