Pocket of Joy: Heavy Metal Belly Dance

The ability to dance to the beat of your own bum is one of the best perks of being a human person. Sexy or sensual dancing to whatever makes your muscles want to stretch and flow and make space in your spine and hip joints, no matter how weird or dorky or trashy, is a great way to stay strong, healthy, and happy in your own skin during a time of continued social isolation. There are people who make good money posting video tutorials or performances of sensual dance, but it's also freeing and empowering to dance when, truly, no one is watching. You can dance with or for a sexy partner, or you can dance for yourself alone. Doing the tango or learning to salsa dance with your lover can be a great way to spice things up, but your most important and intimate dancing partner is always yourself. When you know that nobody can see you, it can help you loosen up and discover the movements that feel good from the inside, no matter how they look on the outside.

One of my favorite ways to work out inside the privacy of my home is to belly dance to heavy metal or outrageous Eurotrash. I don't often show other people much of that, but fortunately enough other people do that you can easily find online tutorials that can help you discover what makes your own body sing. You can search for online instructors, and you can also find inspiration shared by students of dance who don't mind showing their work. For example, Nicole Byer invites followers to witness her pole dancing education on Instagram, challenging sexy dancers everywhere to level up from the sweaty strip aerobics trend of the 2000s.

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A post shared by Nicole Byer (@nicolebyer)

I'm grateful to all the amazing dancers who offer up their journeys and joys and instructional expertise online for all to see--especially for those of us who prefer to follow this particular type of bliss in the privacy of our homes rather than a public gym or studio. When you're alone at home, it's the perfect opportunity to throw yourself a mask off dance off!

Happy sweating!

Comments

EsperanzitaDecember 27, 2009 at 4:42 PM
Speaking of Carmen Electra's world famous aerobic striptease...I need to go do mine. Damn Christmas goodies make me gain weight!
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Jean Michelle MiernikDecember 29, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Strip aerobics would not be possible for me this winter unless someone was stoking the fire! Or if I could sensually strip only down to my long johns. I've definitely slacked on my belly dancing... mostly because it requires bare feet and an exposed midriff to check my posture. Belly dancing in fuzzy slippers and a sweatshirt is... slippery and sloppy. There is an awesome "lying on the couch" workout in last month's Glamour that I have been doing instead. Eh, whatever works.
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