Belly dance is an ideal workout for women trying to conceive, women who are pregnant, and women who have recently given birth and are ready to get back into shape. No one knows the precise origins of the diverse women's dance traditions collected under the term "belly dance," but many cultures have used belly dance techniques since ancient times as ritual and therapy for childbearing.
My friend Esperanzita sent me this article from Pregnancy Today several months ago, explaining some of the benefits and history of prenatal belly dance.
I started belly dancing about one year before I conceived Nux Gallica. I have not been able to find a teacher or class I feel comfortable with in my city, but I learned some moves from instructional DVDs, free lessons on YouTube, and free lessons (from various teachers--a great resource) on www.bellydanceboulevard.com. Because I have not taken any formal lessons, my dancing is not what I would consider "show quality." If I ever wa…
My friend Esperanzita sent me this article from Pregnancy Today several months ago, explaining some of the benefits and history of prenatal belly dance.
I started belly dancing about one year before I conceived Nux Gallica. I have not been able to find a teacher or class I feel comfortable with in my city, but I learned some moves from instructional DVDs, free lessons on YouTube, and free lessons (from various teachers--a great resource) on www.bellydanceboulevard.com. Because I have not taken any formal lessons, my dancing is not what I would consider "show quality." If I ever wa…