Coming originally from north Africa and theMiddle East, belly dancing gained popularity in the United Statesin the 1970s and has grown ever more popular since then. Now someof the most talented and amazing belly dancers in the world comefrom America and belly dance dance has found its way intomainstream American pop culture.
Why are so many women from our westernized culture attracted tosuch an exotic form of dance? Women of all ages and social andcultural backgrounds feel as if the movements of belly dance speakto them, because belly dance offers so many different rewards:

1) Belly dance strengthens a woman's self-confidence. It alsopromotes creativity and self-expression.
2) A new & creative way to get a workout, get fit &increase flexibility & balance
3) A way to find ones inner power, beauty and femininity
4) A method of learning about different cultures through exploringtheir music, dancing and way of life
5)An outlet for artistic & creative and expression -- not tomention a chance to wear the most beautiful costumes and perform infront of an adoring crowd :)
6) the opportunity to escape from the pressures of everyday lifefor a couple of hours each week and put yourself first
7) A means by which to meet and form friendships with other womenby participating in one of the only forms of dance that is solelyfemale based

These are just some of the reasons women are attracted to bellydance, but regardless of the reasons why women come to it and wheretheir interests lie, being involved with belly dance has manypositive aspects.

Women find in belly dancing a way to express their own voicesand feelings. Happiness, flirtation, pride, hurt or jealousy... allof these emotions can be conveyed through dance. And, for a woman,who may have a work environment in which expressing her femininityis frowned upon, she can find through belly dance a way to exploreand bring to life the many faucets of her feminine spirit. She canput on beautiful make-up; don stunning costumes & leave thecares of her everyday life behind. Discovering the beautifulfaucets of your femininity and exploring the different ways toexpress them belongs to the exciting process of becoming involvedwith belly dance.

So, whether you want to dance in front of a crowd, for a smallgroup of friends or just for your cat, belly dancing gives you theopportunity to gain self-confidence, explore the many uniqueaspects of your personality, escape from your everyday life,discover the rare beauty of your body, and connect with otherwomen. What more could you want? Come into the mesmerizing light ofbelly dance and come dance with us!!!