Video and text courtesy of the Lancashire Evening Post
Lebanese Sana Virdi has been belly dancing since she could walk. In this week's video you get to join her class and shake your belly to some Arabic grooves. Warning: not for the weak of hip!
For Arabic women, this form of dance is expressed in their daily life and it is also a celebration of happiness.
With a shawl tied around their hips, they share the joy of dancing together.
Most Arab women can belly dance without ever having learned it in a dancing school.
This ancient dance is passed on from mother to daughter in the knowledge that it is essential for her body and soul as a woman.
'How graceful are your feet in sandals, O queenly maiden!
Your rounded thighs are like jewels,
The work of a master hand
Your navel is a rounded bowl
That never lacks mixed wine,
Your belly is a heap of wheat,
Encircled with lilies.
(song of Solomon)
Brief History
Some say, it was originated by the Phoenicians which links it back to ancient times, and most evidence links it to the Middle East, North Africa and as far as eastern Iran.
It was used to support childbirth and the celebration of birth, beauty and creativity.
Health & Fitness
Arabic dance is no longer confined to the world of burning sand. It is spreading through the west as a unique and exciting way of keeping fit, and is being recognised as a skilful physical art form which combines exercise and creativity.
The benefits of this ancient female dance are both physical and mental. It is a good exercise that helps flexibility, feel energised and build self confidence.
Whatever shape or age, Arabic dance offers you the chance to reassess your own self image, sometimes negative self image, in an atmosphere of support rather than competition.
Many western women are fascinated by this form of dance and have discovered that through Arabic Dance they have come to explore aspects of their essential femininity with which they had lost touch.
Sana teaches Belly Dancing courses at Lancashire College. For more information on forthcoming courses, see the Learning Breaks page. |
