The Healing Effects of Oriental Dance

It is a challenge to succinctly describe the benefits of Oriental Dance, or Middle Eastern Dance (often called bellydance).

To begin with, there is a hybrid nature to this dance, where some people are more familiar with the public performance of the dance as a complex art form, while others are more appreciative of the personal therapeutic benefits.

This article is directed more to the latter aspect, although there is a definite relationship between the two.

People of the Western World try out Oriental Dance for various reasons : new friends, a new hobby, a new way for recreational exercise, a chance to explore their sensual side, or "because they always wanted to do it," etc. They often stay on for other reasons. One of these reasons is that they discover the dance is rich in different, satisfying aspects of healing and power.

In its pure form, it is body-friendly and does not require leaping, hyperextension of joints, or abrupt movements. Cross-over from other dance forms can give interpretations similar to ballet, modern dance, or jazz, but at its heart Oriental Dance uses gentle, natural movement.

The movement follows patterns of circles, waves, and the natural flow of energy. People new to it comment that they use muscles they didn't even know exist in the human body. From its multi-ethnic roots, it is a complex dance form with two major centers of expression ---upper spinal area (emotion & power) and lower spinal area (earthiness & survival instinct). For example, subtle and fluid undulating movements of the torso are generated from an awareness of muscle contraction and release and how, in combination with the muscles, the breathing, ligaments, fascial tissue and skeleton work in synchronicity. Even when stationary, the bones and muscles work in a constant dynamic of slight movement, toning, and adjusting of the posture.

Sometimes even visualizing the movement gives the same feeling as actually doing it. Consequently, the benefits continue long after.

Some obvious benefits are : better circulation through increased blood flow ; stress reduction through reduced blood pressure ; increased flexibility in joints ; and energy balancing throughout the body. Some of the more striking benefits derive from the body / mind response to the eastern & middle eastern musical rhythms where the right (creative) hemisphere of the brain is activated. People often mention a sense of exhilaration ; feelings of transformation within the self ; catharsis ; a sense of increased energy or rejuvenation ; feeling simultaneously activated and relaxed ; a sense of bonding or unity, if a group experience.

It is little wonder that the release of endorphins (miracle pain killers of the body) can help to eliminate pain, speed recovery from various injuries, alleviate discomforts of certain physical conditions and surgeries, as well as contribute to overall physical well-being. There are many real-life testimonials on websites documenting that the gentle stretching and isolation techniques of Oriental Dance can provide relief from whiplash, scoliosis, menstrual cramps, arthritis, breast cancer surgery, bulemia, rape and sexual abuse, depression, and basic issues about having a woman's body.

This activity sees people of all ages, shapes, and sizes beautifully interpreting the dance and forming social friendships. This dance teaches that every size is a good size. It is "a dance for women and for men who privilege the feminine."

Dancers sometime embrace archetypes that embody central issues for them, for instance, the concepts of earth goddess, gypsy dancer, sensual queen, sweet young nymph, matriarch, etc. This creates feeling for them and gives the dancer power, a gift, a voice. It can be a statement against the bonds of a patriarchal Western culture. At heart, it is a woman's dance of self-expression reflecting woman's essence, skills, power, sexuality, and spirituality.

On a personal note, as a teacher I do not promise specifics to newcomers. Everyone's experience will be different on the intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. My philosophy is to have fun with one's time and reinforce that everyone is a valuable human being with much to offer. Oriental Dance is one of many worthy activities that could be considered as ongoing preventative health care. Someone wishing to explore Oriental Dance should seek a supportive environment where there is encouragement and co-operation. Follow your heart and your hunches, go where you feel welcome, avoid venues where you don't feel honoured.

By Patricia Prokopchuk