Sensual, but not sexual: Belly Dancing myth dispelled
Not only is belly dancing beautiful, it's one heck of a work-out
11:31 a.m. Thursday, July 12, 2007
Watch the video above to see how the crew of Good Morning Kansas, including weatherman Blake, did at their first attempt at this dance.
Over time the ancient art of belly dancing been equated with stripping, though true belly dancers will tell you it has nothing to do with stripping.
Maya Zahira, director of the Maya Zahira School of Belly Dance, works to educate the public about the its real purposes: strengthening the body, mind and spirit and uniting women.
"This idea of it being stripping is kind of a Western fairy tale that people have," she said.
She said it was and continues to be an activity that builds up communities of women and allows them to support each other.
Contact Maya
Maya Zahira and her dance troupe perform all across Northeast Kansas and in Kansas City, Mo. They also instruct several classes throughout the year for beginners and those looking to sharpen their belly dance skills. For information on performances or classes call (785) 979-4681 or log on to mayazahira.com.
"Belly Dancing, or the most part, throughout history, has been practiced by women in the company of women only," Maya said.
Belly dancing is practiced all over the globe. In more recent history, belly dancing is practiced in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and North Africa, she said.
Dancing can be a great workout, and Maya knows that better than most.
She has lost 100 pounds over eight years by eating right and belly dancing.
And burning calories is a big reason some women participate in Maya's classes; you can burn up to 400 calories in a half an hour, she said.
Maya says the dance also promotes health of the spine and joints.
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