Updated 12/31/2020 New Years Day ! - the day when the diet adverts start, the offers from the gym come through the mail and the wrinkle cream ads fill up Facebook. Isn't it wonderful to be reminded that you are old, fat and unfit ! If there is one thing that belly dance has taught me, it is that I am perfect. I don't want to sound self centered (although I am - and that is fine too), but this is as good as it gets. I woke up this morning, therefore I am perfect for the day ahead. I have food for my family, a roof over their heads, time to laugh and smile - that's perfect. My body may not be your idea of perfect, but as long as it processes food, gets me up the stairs and doesn't hurt, then its perfect to me. Being body positive is knowing that today is a happy day, which deserves to be shared in photos. Its about loving that pink jumper but buying it in the size that fits today, so you can wear it tomorrow. Its about knowing that some people don't like your body shape/hair color/height/sex, but that millions of other people think you are red hot - and neither group matter as long as you and the person you snuggle are perfect. Its heartbreaking to see people who put their life on pause, until they are perfect. Perfect is here and now, its you and me - it can't be a wish for the future, when today is already here. I feel sad when students tell me they are too big, too tall, too old, too "not perfect" for belly dance. Its simply not true. Because belly dance works with your body, and not against it, you are perfect for belly dance ! There are no rules, only ideas: when you dance a love song, you don't need arms that open wide, or ankles that can support your weight - you need a heart, you need honesty, you need fearlessness.... A great teacher can help you increase your strength, flexibility and coordination. Some people who take belly dance classes loose weight, some tone up, some get great abs. Everyone gets more confident. Confidence comes from learning how far your body will take you, how it can move to the music, how beautiful you feel and look. Confidence is sexy and sometimes it can be life changing. Take a moment today to say thank you to your beautiful body for all it does for you. Pamper it with good food, lots of water and rest. Put on some music and move, relax and unknot the tensions of the holiday season. Take a look in the mirror and look at the belly dancer. You are the belly dancer, and you are perfect x
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9 Comments
Lorie
1/2/2016 08:30:21 am
This is a fantastic post. It is how I felt when I started dancing and it makes me feel that I must get back to dancing. Thank you.
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1/2/2016 10:50:33 am
Thank you!! I love this post!! You are a wonderful role model!!
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Charlotte
1/3/2016 01:43:36 am
This is EXACTLY the point about belly-dancing. It is an extraordinarily empowering dance form that is accessible to ALL women - whatever their shape or age or ability. It is the ultimate female bonding experience. It can free women from a lifetime of shame and self-loathing; help cancer-survivors recover a sense of joy in their femininity; help abuse survivors recover their power and sexuality; help with grief, depression, divorce, hum-drum boredom. It is wonderful to inspire renewed confidence in your body and yourself after injury or trauma and, it has to be said, absolutely FANTASTIC for your sex-life! I have taught, on an amateur basis, a small group of beautiful women, 35 - 63, of all sizes, abilities and shapes, for the past seven years. I have seen complete transformation in some of their lives and a blossoming of womanly strength and confidence. We get together whenever we can and the whole evening is a bonding experience of sharing time, food, wine, love, conversation and dance in a non-threatening, non-judgemental and joyous atmosphere. I do it just for the sheer love of sharing this wonderful art form with other wonderful women. Thank you so much Sara for sharing your own experience :)
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Kelly
1/8/2016 02:57:59 pm
Thank you! I needed that because I keep saying I'm going to go back to class butmost times find a reason not to go due Tia significant weight gain. Then again I found some excuse not to go because of other reasons. You inspired me. Thank you again
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Caroline
1/1/2017 02:56:46 pm
I would love to do belly dance, but I am much too fat and much too old at 57. Where would I find a teacher who was right for me?
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1/1/2017 05:37:40 pm
Hi Caroline !
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sara shrapnell
1/1/2017 05:38:27 pm
http://hubpages.com/entertainment/Finding-a-Great-Belly-Dance-Teacher
Susan Harper
7/10/2017 12:48:25 am
Caroline, I started belly dancing at 67 years of age and at more than 100 pounds overweight. On my most recent birthday, I belly danced in full costume and make-up at a local pub. The crowd was delighted, even if the band did drop a few notes when I slid out of my cover-up cloak and snake-hipped out onto the dance floor. Belly dance is fun! Signing up for a beginner class is a commitment of only a few weeks. You might be surprised at the age and weight of the other dancers!
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