Why Belly Dance???
Because Belly Dance is a belly-marvelous way to express yourself while exercising and having fun!
Belly Dance is a ‘miracle cure’, it encourages a woman to be in touch with her femininity, and to embrace all that she is. Belly Dance is profoundly healing for body, mind and soul. Please read ‘Senta’s Story’ for a testimonial on the healing of Belly Dance.

Benefits of belly dance as a form of exercise:
Belly Dancing isolates parts of body helping to tone and strengthen specific muscle groups
It works on abdominal muscles building better posture
It encourages good co-ordination and balance
It is a relaxing and fun way to exercise

Can I Belly Dance if I am pregnant?
If you have been dancing for a while before falling pregnant, it is very beneficial to continue, however we advise you not to START Belly Dancing while you are pregnant. To suddenly work your abdominal muscles while pregnant, could lead to complications.

Can I belly dance if I am overweight?
Definitely! Belly Dance is an exercise done to your own natural rhythm, so you can dance as gently or actively as you wish! Unlike some other forms of exercise, belly dancing is non-impact, so you can dance without putting too much pressure on your knees or feet. You can get fit and have fun doing it! At the same time you will be able to express yourself in the body that you are in, and feel feminine and beautiful at the same time! And you do not need to wear an outfit that shows your tummy, arms etc – there are many ways to dress comfortably and still look like a belly dancer!

Will Belly Dance help me to lose weight?
Belly Dancing definitely tones your muscles and will help you lose weight – but it does depend on your lifestyle. It’s no good dancing for one evening a week, and spending every other night on the couch! If you are wanting to lose weight, enroll in more than one class a week, and practice at home on the other nights. Belly Dancing will also make you feel more confident and happy, which are just the emotions needed to encourage weight loss! Losing weight is always hard work – but Belly Dancing is fun hard work!

Can I Belly Dance if I have hip/knee/back problems?
If you listen to your teacher and concentrate on technique, then there is no reason why you can’t Belly Dance! If you have had surgery or problems, it is always advised to speak to your doctor before starting Belly Dancing, and please tell your teacher about your problems so that she can help you! Belly Dancing will help strengthen your muscles and body, but you may need to work a little slower and more gently in the beginning.

"A woman without a belly is like a sky without stars."
-Arabic Idiom

Is Belly Dancing easy?
Ever woman is different! There is no other exercise that works the same muscles in the same way, so however fit you are – you will still need to give your body a chance to build up your belly dance muscles! If you have danced before, it can be to your advantage, or to your disadvantage, as you might need to “undo” some Latin or Ballet training to Belly Dance! Having said that – Belly Dance is an expression of yourself, so there are no drastic wrongs and rights, as long as you work on your technique at your own comfortable speed, and don’t compare yourself to the other women in your class!

Can Men Belly Dance?
It isn’t common for men to Belly Dance, but it is done! In fact when the Ghawazee were banned from dancing in Egypt, female impersonators took their place! At Maya Dance Company I choose not to allow men to join or watch a regular class, especially as many of my students are there for ‘their’ time, and might not be comfortable dancing with men in the class or watching the class. I do, however fully understand that men also need to embrace their more feminine, creative side and I am more than happy to teach men one on one, or in a men’s only class, where we can also explore the more masculine aspects of Belly Dance, and find a balance between the 2.
I have also trained to teach male Saidi/Tahtib with Kazafy.

Do I have to perform in public?
No! Maya Dance Company has an end of year concert and plenty of opportunities to dance at Bodyandmind festivals, Shape Wellness Days and Latin and Ballroom Dance Competitions. But you do not have to perform! Some of us are born divas and love the stage, others are belly dancing for themselves and do not wish to dance in public! The opportunities are there when, and if, you are ready to take them!

What do I need to wear for performances?
At Maya Dance Company we abide by the BDASA code of ethics and behavioural guidelines (see www.bellydancingsa.co.za) which outlines some general rules on how your outfit should look, other than that your outfit is your own creative expression of yourself! You might like lots of sequins and bling, or the darker tribal outfits. I try to offer plenty of advice for my students on how to make/buy outfits that will suit them and bring in belts and outfits from Cairo everytime I go over!

What do I need to do to start Belly Dancing?
The desire to start lightening up, having fun, making new friends and to Dance, Dance, Dance!!! You do not need specific clothes for class other than a hip belt. Wear whatever you are comfortable in! Long flowing skirts, gym clothes, show your tummy or don’t! It is up to you how you would like to dress for class – just avoid clothes that are restrictive! I prefer to dance bare foot, but you can get flat ballet shoes or belly dance shoes if you would rather not be barefoot.

Please contact Senta if you have any further questions.