Belly Dance with Zorya

"Belly Dancing" is an ancient art form dating back thousands of years in the Middle East. The name is a misnomer, a clever marketing trick devised by the merchant who first brought belly dancers to America. It was the Chicago's World's Fair in 1893, the edge of the Victorian Era. A glimpse of a woman's ankle was scandalous at the time. Sol Bloom was just 23, and in charge of the Midway at the Fair. He brought in dancers from Nothern Africa, who wore their traditional gauzy blouses. You could see their navels through the sheer fabric, and Bloom dubbed the traditional dancers of his "Street in Cairo" exhibit as "Belly Dancers." And the crowds flocked to see and the name stuck.

 

You don't have to show your navel to be a belly dancer. (Bad joke alert: where do belly dancers learn their craft? At the Navel Academy!)

 

Modern American Belly Dance takes many forms, and is a great way to express yourself and unleash your creativity. I love that all women (and men!) can enjoy belly dancing -- no matter what their background, ability, age or size. It is a way to express yourself and celebrate the beauty within you. It's great exercise and fun! Please join me sometime, and I'll prove it to you.