Belly Dancing …
NEXT SERIES: September 18, 2008 @ 6 & 7:15pm
Classes held at UWEC - McPhee Dance Studio.
Contact University Recreation Services for information.
Call University to register: 715.836.3377
http://www.uwec.edu/recreation/Wellness/index.html
History shows evidence of dance dating to as far back as 5000BC when tomb paintings depict early dancers. People think as early as 3000BC- 1400BC some cultures believed the gods invented dance; dance was revered as a means of cultivating both body and soul. For many, many centuries people of all different cultures as well as geographic locations have been practicing forms of dance for expression.
In some cultures, men, women and children often performed dances to celebrate joyous occasions such as a wedding, the birth of a child, or circumcisions… much like we would do the "Hokey Poky", or the "Chicken Dance". In other cultures, women would gather and dance to celebrate fertility, birth, and the body as a vessel for life. Often times men were not even allowed to watch which I’m sure comes as a shock since the greatest misconception about belly dancing is that it is intended to entertain men. Although it is a dance that both men and women alike can take part in, Belly Dancing is natural to a woman’s bone and muscle structure with movements originating from the torso, hips, and chest, rather than the legs and feet.
Another misconception about the dance is that you have to be skinny or have a nice looking abdominal region. The truth is anyone of any shape or size can enjoy and benefit from this form of dance. Whether you are looking to get in shape and improve flexibility and coordination, to having a fun hobby that nurtures self expression, sisterhood, and culture, Belly dancing could be for you.
Oh, and for all those who think they are too old, Bert Balladine once said,
“You haven’t got anything to dance about until you’re over thirty-five anyway."
Peanut Butter and Gypsy...
Local tribal belly dancing troupe Peanut Butter and Gypsy performs at various locations throughout the year. Click below for more info.
www.peanutbutterandgypsy.com |
