Belly Dancing is empowering, creative, healing, fun, and easy to learn. Belly Dance or (Oriental dance) is about 5000 years old. Dance is one of the most ancient forms of art and was a mixture of many cultural elements. There were dances to celebrate weddings, victories, and many social events.

 

Traditionally, belly dance was a way for women to prepare and recover from childbirth. The basic movements of hip drops, hip lifts, shimmies, figure 8’s, belly rolls, and undulations, it engages and strengthens all the muscles in the stomach, pelvis, and abdomen. Because the participant is on their feet, it is also considered a good weight bearing exercise routine. Belly dance is good for blood flow, lymphatic drainage, massages vital organs, aids in digestion, and has a soothing effect for female concerns because the basic movements work with the body rather than against it.

 

Belly dance is a wonderful way to increase flexibility and strength to the spine while at the same time has a calming effect on the Central Nervous System with the gentle undulations that stretch and lubricate the muscles, tendons, and ligaments along the spine. Posture plays a key role in stretching and creating space between the 33 vertebras of the spine.

 

As a moving meditation, it opens and nourishes your energetic skeleton. This includes the Charkas, 12 Organ meridians and the 8 Extraordinary Vessels that enrich your body, and spirit while it calms the mind. This make belly dance a great way to reduce stress; it’s subtle rhythms along with the movements have a calming effect for your entire being.

Many women and some men have enjoyed the health benefits and fun of this dance.

 

Meditation is a way to calm the mind, sooth the body from the stress of daily life. Moving meditation as in Chi Gong, Tai Chi, and many forms of Martial Arts helps to center and calm you into a peaceful present place. Belly Dance is another opportunity to experience the body, spirit, and mind connection. One of the ways to know that an inner calm has arrived is when time disappears for you.

 

 

 

Jeannie’s Belly Dancing Classes are currently offered at:

 

Strathcona Gardens Recreation Center – Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30

Campbell River Community Center – Fridays at 5:00 – 5:45 

Quadra Community Center – Fridays at 9:30-10:30 until the end of April.

 

 

 

 

Other Interests and Ideas:

 

An introduction to Belly Dance – 2-3 hour class $15 per person.

 

Afternoon Retreat-

        Great for those who would simply like to try something new and fun. It's a great way to share time with friends and family while getting some new ideas of how to move and feel energized.

 

 

Mother and Daughter Home Party

        It's a wonderful idea for birthdays, gatherings or just to enjoy a few hours of fun, food, and laughs with other inspiring women you know.

 

Quadra Island Belly Dancers have a Halfa

        tentatively booked for sometime in April. It's a great time to come and celebrate with other women. We'll keep you posted.

 

 

Middle Eastern Drumming with Bruce 

        call   923-6858