Welcome to the Art of
((( Bellydancing )))

I really don't think the to many people are aware that in the Middle East, they prefer the larger women,
over the more petite. Yes I do admit, the slimmer ladies are a lot better "Eye Candy" for the men.
But........  hehehehehehe ......       We big girls have a secret......
Please read the information below these pics.

This is "Oberon"...............    This is "Shoshana".......

This is me.........I go by "Sandi"

In apprecation of ladies...
As my instructor Yasamina say's:
"Ladies.. if you have the hips,(((( SHAKE'M!!!)))
and for you ladies who don't have the hips.....
Don't worry girls, we'll pad you up!....."

What is Belly Dancing?

In explaining what Belly dancing is, it's origins and background, I have found that the most effective way is to explode some of the more 'popular' myths which surround it.

Myth No. 1 - It's title
The word "belly dance" was never invented in the Arabic world. The correct title for this form of dance is Raksharki, which also refers to a particular type of music, i.e. the music danced to. How did the name come about then? During the 19th century an Egyptian dancer was engaged to perform at a trade exhibition in Parish. She was billed as Little Egypt! When asked what her style of dance was called, "Little Egypt" replied "Baladi" (pronounced Bal-i-dee). The name was mistranslated as belly dance and has been used ever since.

Myth No. 2 - Belly dance is simply sexual titillation devised to entertainment.
Belly dance was developed by women for women, and even today there are many Muslim women who will never perform in front of men. Why do they do it then? Dance is a celebration of life to music and rhythm. When women come together to belly dance they are celebrating the life in themselves and all about them. If all you see is wiggles, wobbles and the dancer's bust being stuck under your nose provocatively, then you are definitely not seeing good belly dance. Belly dance is erotic.
It is sensual. It is above all extremely graceful and when done well is the most beautiful form of dance to watch. It is very hypnotic and should remind you of a snake, whose movement the dancer is imitating. The symbol of the snake is central to belly dance. In the eastern world it represents power and wisdom.

Myth No. 3 Belly dancers are always petite and busty.
Belly dancers vary in size and shape from country to country and age to age, as do all women. I myself am a larger framed female, and Turkey has a very large number of slim dancers, as well as large dancers.  In Saudi Arabia, they prefer the larger ladies over the more petite ladies. They beleive they are a representation of the "healthy, voluptious, and fertile woman" and is simply that it is fashionable to be that way. In some countries big is beautiful. I know of many large Egyptian and American dancers who are incredibly light on their feet and have the beautiful arm and head movements. Their size does not detract from their performance. The beauty of Belly dance is that women of any size and shape can learn it. Belly dance has the distinction of being one of the safest forms of exercise available, particularly for women with back problems. To succeed with Belly dance a woman must be comfortable in her own body regardless of it's size or shape. She must, above all, be comfortable with her femininity, for belly dance is in essence a feminine art.

Myth No. 4 - Belly dancers are always scantily clad.
The dress code varies from country to country. In Egypt, a dancer performing Baladi will be fully covered, wearing a Baladi dress which is usually ankle length. When dancing classical, however, she will be bare in the middle and will use a veil, the type of costume worn being determined by the music. It can also be misunderstood by those who are purely sexist. "Belly dancers" practice an art from. If a Belly Dancer exhibits sexual enticements in a public performance, they are not considered a "true" Belly dancer. But what you do in the privacy of your own environment, is completely up to you. Instructors will tell you, that if you are heard of performing "disrobement" in public while belly dancing, they will not allow you to return to their classes, and will deny having you as a student.