Tina Hobin - Belly Dance for Health, Happiness and Empowerment

First published by Ayni Books, 2015
Ayni Books is an imprint of John Hunt Publishing Ltd., Laurel House, Station Approach, Alresford, Hants, SO24 9JH, UK
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Text copyright: Tina Hobin 2014

ISBN: 978 1 78279 917 7
Library of Congress Control Number: 2015930749

All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical articles or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publishers.

The rights of Tina Hobin as author have been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

Design: Stuart Davies

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There was a star danced
And under that was I born.
(Much Ado About Nothing, 15989, Act 2 Scene 1)

Why would you or anyone else wish to take up belly dancing? Why does it attract people from all walks of life?
How can a sportsman benefit as much from this original and sensual dance as a pregnant woman?
And how can you wiggle your way to a beautiful body, mind and soul?
Why not wrap yourself up in the enticing world of oriental dance, which has tremendous emotional appeal and grace. Let the music envelop your mind, body and soul, and feel the unique movements of this ancient art-form work wonders around your midriff.
(Nikki Hobin)

The belly dance evolved from magic and secular dances, fertility and childbirth rituals, mourning and festivities. From its earliest beginnings centuries ago to the present day, women from all cultures have embraced this quintessential sacred dance.

Like no other dance this ancient art, specifically related to women, can stimulate the unconscious, embody natural healing powers, aid spiritual growth and restore harmony and balance. The rotating, rolling and thrusting movements of the abdominal and pelvic region which have been passed down from generation to generation over the centuries are especially significant, as the abdomen which is accentuated in the dance is an extremely important part of the body, the seat of all sexual and childbearing activities. The purpose of these specific movements in ancient cultures was to encourage sexual stimulation, the original aim being to initiate coitus (sexual intercourse). The birth dance, which is believed to have originated in pre-biblical times, facilitated birthing and celebrated the birth and motherhood.

Over the years there has been a dramatic increase in the popularity of the belly dance in the UK and overseas, not only as a beautiful art form but as a unique form of exercise that has tremendous healing qualities both psychologically and physiologically.

In contrast to other conventional dance forms and exercise which impose movement upon the individual, this ancient dance forms an intrinsic power within one which imposes self-expression, creativity and femininity, boosts energy levels, and although it cannot be claimed that belly dancing is a cure for all, it does help to stimulate the bodys healing process.

Unlike other forms of dance and exercise the movements of the belly dance are based on the natural structure of the body and are a natural, safe and effective way of achieving help to move the body as it is designed to move, without any stress or strain, and this is why it is so beneficial to everyone irrespective of age, size, health or fitness levels.

This low-impact, weight-bearing, gentle, unique form of exercise will enable you to make full use of your muscles in a proper and co-ordinated way which will help to improve muscle tone, in particular the core muscles and those that surround and support internal organs. The movements of the dance also focus on isolations which enable you to move groups of muscles independently.

The moves also stretch and strengthen the pelvic floor, massage internal organs, help to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, lessen tension and depression, improve co-ordination, balance and flexibility, improve posture, and ease low back pain. Although it cannot be claimed that belly dancing is a cure for all ills, the movements of the dance can without a doubt help those with IBS and other digestive problems. Learners with the early stages of endometriosis also found they gained great relief from doing the movements that concentrated on the abdomini. It has also helped those with the early stages of arthritis, fibromyalgia and dementia. Recently there has been a lot of research done on the benefits of dance for those with dementia, and for others it has helped to improve the intimate side of their life, both for themselves and their partners.

Learning to belly dance has also helped those who suffer from other digestive problems, relieved menstrual and menopausal problems, and aided many other health and fitness issues.

As you read through the following pages you will become aware of the benefits of this very unique form of exercise. You will also understand the root causes of illnesses and how, by embracing this empowering dance once practised by ancient cultures, you can stimulate your bodys natural healing power and achieve self-improvement, happiness, harmony, health, vitality and empowerment.

The truest expression of a people is in its dances and its music. Bodies never lie.

(New York Times Magazine, 11 May 1975)

Dance is the language of life, the oldest form of communication in the universe, the essence of which awakens the soul, stimulates the unconscious and embodies natural healing powers. The earthy quintessence of this sacred dance potentially embraces the awakening of feminine consciousness and reconciliation with the divine feminine principle, restoring harmony and balance within the universe.

This ancient art form perpetuates a new passage of spirituality and enlightenment, which channels both physical and creative energies. Its natural rhythm provides emotions of joy, happiness and satisfaction, and enables you to express yourself through freedom of movement.

Managing the Mind and Spiritual Well-Being Spiritual Enlightenment

1. The healing journey

It is exercise alone that supports the spirits and keeps the mind in vigour.

(Cicero)

Irrespective of age, correct exercise in reasonable amounts is good physically and mentally for everyone. Just as babies and children need plenty of exercise to encourage sturdy development, adults also need to continue with appropriate exercise in order to maintain fitness levels, improve mobility and weight control, lessen fatigue, improve ones quality of sleep, and develop an overall sense of well-being. Lack of exercise is a common cause of being overweight, having poor posture, experiencing breathlessness, lethargy, premature ageing, weakness of muscles and stiff joints.

Gentle and sustained dance movement increases the capacity and interchange of oxygen in the lungs, which helps the whole body to function well. It promotes lower total cholesterol levels and higher levels of good cholesterol. It lessens and dispels hormone chemicals which accumulate in the body in times of stress.