Shakira and later Katrina Kaif fuelled the craze for belly dancing

Belly dance was not so popular over a decade ago in India. People even considered it to be cheap and vulgar, but in the past few years it has gained tremendous popularity.

I remember when Shakira visited India for her concert in 2007 and I took her Samba dance class at 6 am, one of the topics we discussed post our dance session was how belly dance was not so well received by the Indian audience. I remember telling her then, “Now that you have come and shown India what belly dancing really is, it will be a rage soon.”
After Shakira, came sensational Katrina Kaif in Tees Maar Khan when she sensuously danced to Sheela ki Jawani. All the ladies wanted to do what she did, and all the men waited to see the erotic moves on the ladies.
I could say this with confidence because I know in India a celebrity endorsing an art holds more value than the art itself. It is a sad state, indeed, as the true benefits and beauty of the art is lost on this. But let’s look at the brighter side, at least the art is noticed and gets due recognition.
But belly dancing or ‘Raqs Sharqi’, as it is traditionally referred to, is not simply sensuous, it has a large history behind it and a tradition that runs deep as our classical forms, apart from the fact that it has wonderful health benefits. Unfortunately, very few understand the effects it has on the human body. The graceful hip drops, rolls, and pivots of this dance form utilise muscle groups in the abdomen, pelvis, trunk, spine, and neck, working with the body instead of against it. Unlike ballet, which can potentially alter and deform the skeleton, or other dance forms that work against rather than with the body’s physical inclinations, Raqs Sharqi is based on movements that come naturally to the female form. There is a wealth of health benefits awaiting those who practice this form of dance.

Improved posture and muscle toning
Our spinal column contains more bones and ligaments than any other part of the body. Its 33 vertebrae are stacked together in a column joined together by cartilage and ligaments. During the dance, the movements like hip drops, circles, figure eights, and shimmies put the joints and ligaments in the lower back and hip through a full range of gentle, repetitive motion. This movement helps increase the flow of synovial fluid, also known as nature’s lubricant, in these joints. When movements are done properly, the pelvis is tipped forward, or tucked somewhat; a neutral position that can help prevent lower back problems.
Raqs Sharqi can help relieve stress to the back, counteracting the almost constant compression of the disks that occurs from sitting and a sedentary lifestyle.

Improves gait
Toned muscles improve posture and help prevent back pain that can be caused by the unnatural curving forward of the spine that occurs when muscle groups are weak. Improved hip flexibility can lead to improved balance when walking as well.

Strong upper body
Arms and shoulders are exercised when doing lifts, circles, or the rippling motions of snake arms, toning muscle. This toning effect is often evident early on, since holding the arms aloft is an important element of the dance, even for beginners.

Strong bones with least injury
Raqs Sharqi is considered a low-impact exercise, meaning the risk of injury is minimal when movements are done correctly. The benefits of belly dance can be enjoyed by women of all ages; men and children are participating in the dance as well, and reaping the same benefits.

Weight loss
A well-done Raqs Sharqi can burn up to 300 calories per hour. This estimate will vary, of course, depending on the intensity of your dancing. Combined with a healthy diet that involves sensible eating, this dance can without a doubt be part of a sound weight loss programme. For even better results and enhanced cardiovascular benefits, try combining the flexibility and muscle strengthening of Raqs Sharqi with an aerobic routine, such as swimming or bike riding, on the days you don’t have class. Your entire body will feel the benefits as the aerobic exercise works large muscle groups, and the dance enhances strength and coordination of small muscle groups in the trunk, hips, and arms. Also, exercise physiologists have always recommended alternating one form of exercise with another for maximum benefits.

Preparation for childbirth
The movements of Raqs Sharqi make an excellent prenatal exercise regimen that strengthens the muscles used during the childbirth process. The toned abdominal muscles and natural hip tucks, which are similar to the “pelvic rocking” taught during prenatal classes, teach the expectant mother how to move her pelvis. For women who desire natural childbirth, this form of exercise through dance, with its emphasis on muscle control not only facilitates natural childbirth, but also makes an excellent post-natal exercise that helps encourage abdominal tone. During those first weeks after giving birth, when caution is needed while healing from the birth process, these movements work the muscles gently and effectively, if done very gradually.

Stress reduction
In this day and age of almost continuous stress, the subtle rhythms of Raqs Sharqi and the traditional movements are calming. The repetitive movements of the dance and the concentration needed to do them can help a mind filled with daily stress to “let go” for a while and relax. It’s hard to worry about deadlines at work when you are thinking about getting that next drop just right, or while making sure that you are in time with the music.

What Shakira told me about belly dancing
Belly dancing classes are excellent as part of rehabilitation from injury; it is, however, important to check with your own medical provider before starting any new form of exercise, especially if you are over 40, pregnant or have medical problems. Most injuries related to overdoing for the beginner can be avoided by warming the muscles first and by remembering to do some basic stretching afterward. Listen to your body’s signals.
Raqs Sharqi is a fun, healthy way to exercise. It can be a creative outlet that conditions, tones and allows a woman to tune into the natural movements of her body. It can refresh, relax, and/or exhilarate. So why wait? Join in this centuries old dance!