Belly dancing is not a dance of seduction nor did it begin that way. In ancient times the moon had great influence on the feminine cycle and women gathered for rituals once a month. These blood and fertility rituals happened mostly during the night, to the exclusion of men and places chosen for the rituals were specifically elevated and usually on hilltops. The hills symbolized the feminine, as they rise gently above the earth, like the belly. It was on top of the hills, on the navel of the earth that the women of these primitive societies danced. Their dances revolved around fertility and therefore the belly played a major part. The dance was performed to strengthen sexual energy, open the lower chakras and to awaken joy, and to praise the mysteries of life. The women danced their dance, a dance that ultimately corresponded to their body and expressed all the feelings, moods, longings, sufferings and joys of being a woman. Through their dance, they harmonized with the universe. No other dance can express this more clearly and passionately than Belly dance. It is considered the oldest dance in the whole of civilization, traditionally performed for other women and often during fertility rites. In essence, belly dancing is a celebration of femininity, life and is a fertility dance, which enhances a woman’s ability to conceive, and also helps her to give life to a robust and healthy child.
A woman’s body is strengthened by Belly dance and the rolling circular movements and figure-eight are good preparation for childbirth. The rolling movements not only feel natural but assist with the normal pelvic relaxing process to prepare for birth, and at the same time help firm the pelvic muscles for labor and post-pregnancy recovery. Pregnant mothers agree that belly dancing relieves back pain and keeps the body supple. Births are reported to be much easier, relaxed births with the ‘Belly dance baby’. Belly dancing, fertility & childbirth have been intricately linked for thousands of years, from the days of ancient female deity worship to tribal fertility ceremony and existing birthing customs in Arabian villages. Celebrating the miracle of fertility & birth with its original dance reflects gratitude and praise for the creation of life.
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