Belly Dance has been part of local culture throughout North Africa, the Middle East, and as far east as Iran for centuries.
Belly Dance is exotic to watch, but can it be performed by anybody and everybody, or is it just limited to only some countries? What does it take to be a belly dancer? I found answers to a lot of these questions here.
The benefits of belly dance are both mental and physical. Dancing provides a good cardiovascular workout, and helps increase both flexibility and strength, focusing on the torso or "core muscles", although it also builds leg strength. Many belly dance styles emphasize muscular "isolations", teaching the ability to move various muscles or muscle groups independently. Veil work can also build arm, shoulder and general upper-body strength, and playing the zils can build strength and independence of the fingers. Belly dance is suitable for all ages and body types, and can be as physical as the participant chooses.
