Belly Dancers

Belly Dance Competitions List with work samples, Feel free to add in comments.

Coming originally from north Africa and the Middle East, belly dancing gained popularity in the United States in the 1970s and has grown ever more popular since then. Now some of the most talented and amazing belly dancers in the world come from America and belly dance dance has found its way into mainstream American pop culture.

Why are so many women from our westernized culture attracted to such an exotic form of dance? Women of all ages and social and cultural backgrounds feel as if the movements of belly dance speak to them, because belly dance offers so many different rewards:

1) Belly dance strengthens a woman's self-confidence. It also promotes 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 exploring their music, dancing and way of life

5)An outlet for artistic & creative and expression -- not to mention a chance to wear the most beautiful costumes and perform in front of an adoring crowd :)

6) the opportunity to escape from the pressures of everyday life for a couple of hours each week and put yourself first

7) A means by which to meet and form friendships with other women by participating in one of the only forms of dance that is solely female based

These are just some of the reasons women are attracted to belly dance, but regardless of the reasons why women come to it and where their interests lie, being involved with belly dance has many positive aspects.

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

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