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Lindsey Smitley
Mr. Maakestad
English 104- Section 91
29 March 2013
The Spirit of the Belly and the Inner Goddess Within
Belly dancing is an art, practiced by many women of all shapes and sizes around the
world. There lies a rich history in the music, costumes, and different styles of dance, but most
importantly, the psychological effects that most women encounter when belly dancing: Strength,
self-esteem, and the unity that is created within a tribe of belly dancers. A feminine bond, or
sisterhood, forms when dancers come together to immerse themselves in an ancient art that has
been bringing women together since the biblical times. How does belly dancing improve a
woman’s mind, body, and soul? Belly dance allows women to feel comfortable in their own skin,
improve their self-esteem, and empower themselves by doing so.
Belly dancing is far more than hips. It is a supplement of confidence and also improves
the inside and outside of a woman. Not every belly dancer has to look like a famous international
dancer like Rachel Brice
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, but they must accept their own beauty and self-expression. This
ancient art celebrates women’s curves and neglects societal norms that imprison women to a
certain expected body shape. According to Wendy Harris’s interview with Sue Lewis, a local
belly dance instructor, this ancient art is fit for any woman. “A lot of women in this world don’t
have the shape to be a ballet dancer. For the rest of us, there is belly dancing” (Harris). The
typical “dancer” body is only a mere image of a woman that doesn’t always exist. Belly dancing
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Rachel Brice is a tribal belly dancer, the founder of the Indigo Belly Dance, and a regular
performer in the world-famous dance troupe, the Belly Dance Superstars.
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glorifies the natural beauty of all women and it has for thousands of years. “It is kind of New
Age, but what the heck…It’s ancient New Age”, says Lewis. Belly dancing has a significant
amount of antiquity to offer and it has been carried out successfully through the centuries with
old values that never lose their touch. The natural feminine physique is the most beautiful in
belly dancing and not much has changed since the ancient times.
Belly dancing exclusively pertains to women and how they would accentuate their
feminine qualities. Women are expected to move gracefully and work each movement into their
dance, even if it isn’t a part of the choreography. According to Andrew Hammond, “There is a
connection between belly dance and the ability of Arab women to carry things on their heads—
the pelvis moves freely while the head and the burden never move” (236). Everything in a
woman’s life is expressed through her dance and the story she tells with not just her hips, but her
eyes, ears, hands, chest, and feet as well. In Grandmother’s Secrets: The Ancient Rituals and
Healing Power of Belly Dancing, Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi expresses how a woman should look
and feel when portraying a certain emotion while belly dancing. “Open and alert, the eyes
experience all the excitement of dancing…The sensuality of dancing starts with the ears and the
sound in your ears keeps you upright,” (Al-Rawi 72-78). Posture seems important, but the
meaning of each movement stands above all. Each expression or movement conveys an emotion
that helps each dancer tell her story.
A dancer can divulge her mind and soul through her body language. She silently hints at
her story and lets the music do the talking. However, her costuming suggests who she is before
she even begins to dance. A deep history lies within belly-dance costumes and they have a very
strong relationship with both, the dancer and her disposition. In agreement with Margret Anne
Deppe, women tend to feel a certain way when wearing a particular outfit, as they would for any
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specific belly dance costume. “Students kick off their shoes, wrap the ornate hip belts around
their waists, drape the brightly colored veils across the shoulders and begin to sway with the
music, even before instruction begins” (Deppe 3). Body language and movement carry the
emotion, but clothing sets the mood before the music even starts. Without movement or sound, a
peculiar costume can send a significant message about the dancer before she makes her first step
out onto the dance floor. While exerting all of these features, a belly dancer should also receive a
favorable result.
Creating art of any kind rewards the both the artist and the spectator with positive energy
and a strong spirit. Also, connecting with nature is essential for a real belly dance experience. In
addition, the first rule of belly dance (before one even dances) is to embrace oneself and be
prepared to share with other cultures. According to Pina Coluccia, Annette Paffrath, and Jean
