Have you ever told someone that you belly dance and get
a reaction like “Why would you ever want to do that?!”
Too many folks do not understand the beauty of this art
form nor how women transform into their most fabulous,
feminine selves. Without them trying it, you can’t really
expect someone else to believe you. But there are some solid
facts that you can give them about why you belly dance.
Here are ten great reasons why someone will be a happier
person if they belly dance:
1. Increased dopamine in the brain: Dopamine
is a chemical in the brain that is associated
with feelings of pleasure
and happiness. Belly dance
increases your brain’s dopamine
production, providing mood
enhancements and balancing
your emotional state. It
lowers feelings of anxiety
and depression. An increase
of dopamine also helps you
to move towards things that
provide
positive
rewards,
so that once you discover
belly dance, you will want to
continue to shimmy!
other kinds of stress. While some days it is hard to
get yourself to the class, afterwards you can attest
that you feel great, relaxed and don’t regret having
gone. It might even be the best part of your day!
4. Slow down cognitive decline: It is wonderful that
belly dance is an art form that can be started at any
age. Unfortunately, the older we get, the less capable
our brain functioning becomes. Studies have
shown that regular dance class improves mental
performance and brain health, aiding memory and
learning. So never back off of that choreography
2. Energy booster: Ever have
a really great dance class and
then feel even more energized
after you were done? That’s
because belly dance performed
as a regular low-intensity form
of exercise increases energy
levels by at least 20%, fighting
off fatigue. Increased energy
enhances overall well-being
and happiness.
3. Stress reducer: When you
struggle to take a tough dance
class, you might feel that the
class itself is a form of low level
stress. Know that the more you
subject yourself to the ‘stress’ of
dancing, the better your body
and mind will adapt to handling
October 2016
The Belly Dance Chronicles
55