The History Of Belly Dance

Belly dancing is based on one of the oldest forms of social dancing in the world. The exact history is unclear, but we do know that when it started, it was quite different from the glamorous solo dancers we see today. Belly dancers were not slaves for their sultans as seen in Hollywood movies. Rather, the women and men would dance among themselves in private gatherings. In fact the men were not aloud to look at the woman dancers! If the woman had male musicians playing for them, the musicians had to be blindfolded!

One of Xylia's favorite theories is that the dance started as a way to help mothers-to-be develop the muscles needed for childbirth.
The unclear history of belly dance doesn't matter. What does matter is that it:

•  Grounds you to your inner spirit and with the world around you
•  Gives you self confidence.
•  Corrects posture and after just a few lessons you will find yourself standing taller and feeling good about yourself.
•  It is a great way to get in shape and tone your body, especially your core.
•  Anybody of any age, any shape, any size and any sex can bellydance. 
•  Most importantly it's FUN!