About Belly Dance

Belly dance is a Western-coined name for a traditional Middle Eastern dance. The term "Belly dance" is a misnomer as every part of the body is involved in the dance; the most featured body part being the hips. Belly dance takes many different forms depending on country and region, both in costume and dance style; and new styles have been invented in the West as its popularity has spread globally.

The book, Belly Dance: The Sensual Art of Energy and Spirit (Coluccia, Paffrath, and Putz 2005) argues that belly dancing is suitable exercising for people of all ages, since it is low impacting. It works along the lines of strength training due to the use of the upper-body (arms and shoulders) and lower-body are used to intensely when isolating the hip movements. For people with a risk of osteoporosis, this is an excellent preventative exercise.

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The Art of Middle Eastern Dance Art, Classes, Culture, History and other great information

Belly Dance A website that aggregates all information about Belly Dancing

Middle Eastern Dance in New England A directory of classes and events in New England

Middle Eastern Dance Resource Guide

Visionary Dance Productions a seattle based dance organization dedicated to providing tools to help you become a successful belly dancer!

Zaghareet A magazine dedicated to american belly dance

Students dancing at a local venue