Belly Dance is uniquely designed for the female body. The dance of the
Middle East is a dance characterized by smooth, flowing, complex, and
sensual movements of the torso, hips, spine, shoulders, and stomach muscles.

Belly dance is naturally performed barefoot; initiating the intimate
physical connection between the dancer, her expression, and creation.
Flowing veil dances, snaky arm movements, and sensual floor work are all
part of this mystical Dance.

Dance has been a fundamental part of expression in every phase of human
history. Movement of the human body in rhythmical patterns has been used to
give expression to life experiences since before the use of material
substance and word. To the ancient civilizations and to primitive peoples of
the past and present-day world, almost nothing is more important than
symbolic movement – the dance.

Belly dancing dates back to as far as 4,000 B.C. and is depicted on ancient
Egyptian hieroglyphics. Many of the movements were performed in rituals to
the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient times.

There are many rhythms used within Middle Eastern dance all stemming from
one main rhythm. Some of the common rhythms used for Belly Dancing are as
follows:

Maqsoum, Ayyoub, Fallahi, Malfouf, Masmoudi Kebir, Wahida, Beledi, Saiidi,
Zaffa (wedding march), Karaatchi, Ciftetelli, Karshlama, Samaii Thaqiil etc.

Belly dance can be done standing, kneeling, lying down or walking. The
circle is a Sacred Shape and is the very foundation of the dance. Moving
the heart in a circle strengthens and flexes the upper abdominals. Moving
the hips in a circle massages the internal organs, including the pelvic
floor and also conditions the lower abdominals. Tension is released by
moving the wrists, shoulders and ankles in circles and by rotating the
spine in small circles.

Accents introduce a faster rhythm and they are the power of the dance
because they provide an outlet for inner impulses. Hip thrusting teaches
control and builds concentration for focusing on one body part while the
rest relaxes.

Shimmies, all the different varieties, are the endurance of the dance. They
require intense concentration and control of deep inner muscles.

Bellydance is a "goddess" dance, a sacred dance. The inner soul is drawn
forth and expressed through movement. It is the responsibility of the
performer to present the dance in such a manner as to create respect in the
viewer and to evoke the magic, mystery and power inherent in the art form.
In bellydance we find expression of all the human emotions - joy, sorrow,
anger and passion.