BELLY DANCING
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Not too long ago, I was a
regular in the Zumba classes
here on base when the instructor ended up getting posted and the classes shut down. Being one of many disappointed fans of the fad,
I looked everywhere for
another Zumba class in my vicinity, but quickly dis-
covered that even though classes were available, they weren't covered under our family's military family discount cards.
I had to find another way to stay fit while having fun, and when I started asking around, I found an entire subculture of military wives involved in the ancient art of belly dance. At first, I was hesitant to attend a class but after observing, I thought I'd give it a go.
My first class was much more difficult than I thought. The movements didn't feel natural and having little coordination, I felt awkward and out of place among the more experienced dancers.
I returned home that night and promptly looked on youtube for as many videos as possible to get myself "up to par" with the other girls in the class before next week's class.After watching and practicing along with Youtube every morning after breakfast, I was certain I would at least be able to pull off the more basic moves without looking like a dromedary in heat. Of course, every new adventure requires commitment and this was certainly no different. The biggest challenge was from my body to become accustomed to the moves, but the more I worked, the better I got. I felt more relaxed at home, looked better, and felt more... womanly. Even grocery shopping, I felt sexier, knowing my femininity practically oozed from my pores with every step. With Zumba, I looked and felt healthier, but never experienced the sensation of absolute cosmic power as I did after several weeks of belly dance.
TMW Staff Writer
Carrie Oakey