The Magic Of Belly Dance Is Love

Dancing is an ancient tradition which has been used for thousands of years to celebrate happy events, and is rooted in expressing love. From antiquity up to the present, dancing has been a traditional part of wedding celebrations and celebrations of birth in many cultures. Both weddings and childbirth express the power of love - romantic love and love for a new baby.
In particular, belly dancing has ancient roots in weddings, fertility, and birth celebrations; love songs often accompany these dances. Some cultures still have a loving tradition of female friends dancing around a laboring woman to support her efforts during the birthing process. Not surprisingly, modern evidence shows that having supportive women friends present during labor helps a woman during the birthing process.
Love shows in a smile, in dance movements, lyrics, and in holding the arms out in a loving gesture-all part of dancing. Smiling is especially important in dancing; dance instructors often remind students to smile during performances. A smile communicates joy and love. "Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing," said Mother Teresa.
Reaching out to help others

Charitable giving is an act of love, and many dance events benefit charities. Dancers often organize benefits and perform at fundraiser's for charities that support research and cures for diseases. Dancers also sponsor charitable performances for senior citizens in nursing homes and non-profit events that benefit schools and other organizations.

I organize an annual charity performance at a nursing home. The elderly in nursing homes deeply appreciate young people coming to perform for them, and our group brings smiles to many faces. I was touched when the director of the nursing home told me that the residents look forward to my group's performances so much that they post our pictures where they can see them all year long.
Dancing through a crisis

One of my friends organized a support group for cancer patients and their spouses. She was inspired to do this by her own experience with cancer, believing that dance and social networking help in coping with the stress of a cancer diagnosis. This group meets regularly for ballroom dance classes, salsa classes, and other partner dances. Dancing helps these couples express their love and support for each other. Moreover, caring and support can make a tangible difference in health outcomes.
Love creates the biology of happiness and positive energy

Research shows that women facing cancer who are members of caring support groups have better outcomes than those who are not. Over and over again, research shows that knowing that someone loves you helps survival during life's greatest challenges. Dance classes are a great way to meet new friends; many close friendships are forged through dancing.

Furthermore, scientific studies show that by merely observing acts of loving kindness, the observer's immunity is enhanced. Showing love towards animals directs positive energy to them too. In an Ohio State University study, rabbits receiving identical high-cholesterol diets had different health outcomes depending on whether or not their handlers regularly hugged and petted them. Partner dances such as ballroom and salsa include a loving touch, since hand-holding is often a part of these dances. This is a beautiful way to connect with your mate.

Other studies have shown that having a pet to love is good for human health. Some dancers involve their pets in their performances; a professional husband-wife dance team includes their little dog in their Oriental-inspired theater performances.

Express your love today A dance student told me that she started taking belly dancing classes for her husband's benefit, as a loving gift for him. Some belly dance students create dances for their spouse in celebration of a special anniversary. Show your love for someone special today! Here are a few ideas:

Think love: send good wishes to all your friends and family, especially those who are sick or coping with stress or sorrow.
Talk love: tell your loved ones that you are thinking of them.
Read love: look for the theme of love in everyday stories in the news. Charity concerts, stories about pets, and wedding announcements are love stories.
Sing love: sing a love song to yourself in the shower.
Dance love: dance in the privacy of your home, dedicating your performance to a loved one.
Give your loved ones a smile and a hug today!

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