Belly dance as we know it today has evolved over time. As it was danced by women, for women, it originally was a way for women to keep themselves entertained and occupied while the men were busy or working or celebrating on their own. It was done at special events and parties, and eventually came to include anyone of any age.

In the 19th century, during the Chicago World's Fair, a dancer named Little Egypt performed what is considered the debut of belly dance in this country. During those puritan times, any kind of dancing that involved the movement of one's hips and belly was considered risque and therefore outrageous. Vaudeville theatres at that time began hiring so-called "belly dancers" for their shows because of the popularity and somewhat forbidden nature of this dance. As each new vaudeville theatre introduced a dancer to its lineup, the performances became more risque, more cheap, and more overtly sexual, until eventually these "dancers" were stripping on stage. That is why there is an incorrect, albeit honest, confusion of belly dance and stripping.

Belly dance is beautiful, but it is family entertainment for a social setting. In the middle east it is not considered a seduction method - rather it is a dance done by men, women, and children at weddings, parties, etc. to celebrate. Those dancers who perform on stage in a seductive or sexual manner do not always understand the cultural and historical significance of belly dance.

It is thought that belly dance was a dance of seduction in a harem or other similar setting. Actually, I have learned through various sources and literature that besides being a social dance, the actual belly movements themselves aided in labour and delivery.

I have been belly dancing since 2001, and have had traditional tap, jazz, and ballet training since from age 5 through age 19. Then I took a few years off, because there weren't really any dance classes available for young adults. Then after I got married I found belly dancing and it has changed my life! It made me more proud of body, even though I'm certainly not a runway model or a size 2! I love my curves and I love that belly dance is about celebrating those things that make us unique women.

********Interested in taking belly dance in Northwest Arkansas?********

Contact me for class information! jenntripp@earthlink.net