Alternative fitness: Bellydancingby Siobhan Pestano
Could shimmying your stuff on the dancefloor
translate into an effective workout? We sent our guinea pig to find
out!
| | Bellydance
(or Raqs Orientale, to use its classical name) is considered the
oldest dance form, originating in the Middle East and now combining
influences from Egypt, Turkey, Greece and Lebanon. Although it has
strong 'nudge-nudge' associations as the dance where women shake
their bazookas at leering men, it was in fact, traditionally
performed by women for women, and is a sensual, not a sexual dance,
which unashamedly celebrates the female form. |
Feeling that my humble form would rather like being celebrated, I
took myself off to try a class with 'the doyenne of bellydance',
Jacqueline Chapman (pictured). I found myself participating among
approximately 40 women and the class was divided in two, with
beginners (anyone dancing for up to 18 months) on one side, and
intermediate to advanced (many of these wearing beautiful sparkly
costumes) on the other. Obviously popular.
We started off with breathing exercises, Indian head pushes,
stretching, and lots of posture checking – including an exercise
involving vaginas and imaginary pencils to illustrate pelvic
alignment, as you do... The majority of the class was spent working
through a number of moves, each first demonstrated by Jacqueline,
and then practised to music, while she moved round the class giving
individual advice. Just when I thought I'd distinguished my Egyptian
hip drop from my Turkish hip lift it would be time to practise some
figure-of-eights or the camel walk (which looks better than it
sounds – honest!).
Theoretically easy enough, but for a beginner in a large,
fast-paced class it seemed quite daunting. This is one case where
I'd definitely recommend getting the accompanying DVD to help your
progress – it gives you plenty of opportunity to scrutinize and
practise moves in detail and helps you get the most out of the group
session, as well as providing a fun workout at home if you can't get
to a class.
Bellydancing is great if you get bored
with repetition, as there are many different moods and rhythms. It's
non-competitive and there's no limit on age or fitness level
As workouts go, it didn't seem too punishing (although
my thigh muscles were positively screaming at one point), but I'm
sure if I'd spent less time standing around looking bewildered it
would have felt more strenuous! My thighs felt fine the next day,
and I was quite pleased to see a slightly firmer-looking tummy after
all my undulations!
Bellydancing works the whole body, particularly the legs and the
area between breastbone and knees - waist, hips, abdomen and pelvic
floor, helping the body gain suppleness and flexibility, and toning
thighs, stomach and bottom. Unlike many other forms of exercise, it
works the pelvic bowl, which can improve a variety of conditions
including period pains, lower backache and slack pelvic muscles. The
abdominal rolls and pelvic tilts are also believed to massage and
stimulate internal organs.
While bellydancing can be particularly good during and after
pregnancy (but always consult your GP first), it's not suitable if
you're in the first six weeks of pregnancy – the bearing down
against the pelvic floor is the opposite of what your body should be
doing at that time.
Bellydancing is great if you get bored with repetition, as there
are many different moods and rhythms. It's non-competitive (the
atmosphere was very social and supportive) and there's no limit on
age or fitness level, as you can pace yourself. The dance really
complements fuller figures, and regular dancing will enhance
feminine curves rather than giving you a gym hardbody.
No special gear needed – just loose, comfortable clothing.
Anything tied around your hips to emphasize the movement really
helps - bellydancing belts are wonderful (but not essential for
initial outlay).
Those keen to 'shake
their shimmy' in front of friends or lovers can expect their dancing
to take form within three to six months, although accomplished
dancing takes three to four years. It's not that easy – but it is
gorgeous... I shall be persevering!
Siobhan tried bellydancing with Jacqueline Chapman. For
information on other classes or instructors, contact http://www.bellydancer.org.uk/ or call 0208 300
7616.
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