Belly Dance

Fiona dancing at 38 weeks pregnant
This ancient dance gently strengthens the abdomen and pelvic area, benefiting the womb and preparing the body for the work of childbirth, as well as being a beautiful and joyous way to celebrate womanhood and pregnancy.
Belly dancing whilst pregnant is an excellent gentle form of exercise and is highly enjoyable, and dancing in the postnatal period can help to regain strength and tone in the abdomen and pelvic floor as well as being a great way of honouring the curves of the new mother.
My love of belly dance began when I started learning Raqs Sharqi (traditional Egyptian dance) in 1992, and I have been dancing ever since! I have studied dancing from various Middle Eastern cultures and continue to learn with esteemed dance and teachers such as Karine Butchart, Amel Tafsout, and Morocco.
Whilst studying for my Shiatsu in maternity care post graduate diploma, I researched the history of this ancient dance in depth, and discovered that some of it's roots lie in preparing a woman for childbirth. In Middle Eastern cultures, women traditionally danced for themselves and each other, and only in relatively recent times has the dance become associated with performance and voyeurism. The dance is a way for women to come together and celebrate, also having the effect of enhancing fertility as the movements strengthen and bring energy to the abdomen and pelvic area. Many of the movements mimic those made during labour and birth and so 'belly dancing' is a way of sharing birthing wisdom between generations. I offer belly dance as birth dance classes for pregnant women as a way of connecting with this bodily wisdom of birth preparation.
Belly dancing whilst pregnant is an excellent gentle form of exercise and is highly enjoyable, and dancing in the postnatal period can help to regain strength and tone in the abdomen and pelvic floor as well as being a great way of honouring the curves of the new mother.
My love of belly dance began when I started learning Raqs Sharqi (traditional Egyptian dance) in 1992, and I have been dancing ever since! I have studied dancing from various Middle Eastern cultures and continue to learn with esteemed dance and teachers such as Karine Butchart, Amel Tafsout, and Morocco.
Whilst studying for my Shiatsu in maternity care post graduate diploma, I researched the history of this ancient dance in depth, and discovered that some of it's roots lie in preparing a woman for childbirth. In Middle Eastern cultures, women traditionally danced for themselves and each other, and only in relatively recent times has the dance become associated with performance and voyeurism. The dance is a way for women to come together and celebrate, also having the effect of enhancing fertility as the movements strengthen and bring energy to the abdomen and pelvic area. Many of the movements mimic those made during labour and birth and so 'belly dancing' is a way of sharing birthing wisdom between generations. I offer belly dance as birth dance classes for pregnant women as a way of connecting with this bodily wisdom of birth preparation.
In my classes, I teach correct postural alignment and show you exercises to strengthen and protect your core abdominal muscles and pelvic floor.
If you wish to further this work, I can highly recommend the MuTu system - a complete 12 week rehabilitation DVD and online based programme to heal diastasis and support the pelvic floor. It is vital that this area is strong and supple for your future health so that you have the strength and energy to enjoy your family. |
Belly Dance Circle

What does it mean to move the belly?
How would it feel if you were free enough to move your body?
Do you want to let go, dance and feel joyous with other women?
♥
Come and discover the joy and freedom of moving your body at the Belly Dance Circle - a safe and friendly space to tune into your body and explore Middle Eastern dance inspired movements.
The Dance Circle is suitable for all women, from complete beginners to those who have been enjoying Middle Eastern dance for years. We will focus on technique, posture, breath, and most importantly, how it feels to move the body and enjoy dancing with other women.
This is the yoga of dance, the heart of the belly. All women are welcome!
Come and explore what it means to move the belly, lift your heart, and drop deeply into your femininity.
♥
We will have time after dancing to sit and have tea together.
Please contact me for more information. I am not currently teaching due to a spinal injury, but hope to be back on my feet soon.
How would it feel if you were free enough to move your body?
Do you want to let go, dance and feel joyous with other women?
♥
Come and discover the joy and freedom of moving your body at the Belly Dance Circle - a safe and friendly space to tune into your body and explore Middle Eastern dance inspired movements.
The Dance Circle is suitable for all women, from complete beginners to those who have been enjoying Middle Eastern dance for years. We will focus on technique, posture, breath, and most importantly, how it feels to move the body and enjoy dancing with other women.
This is the yoga of dance, the heart of the belly. All women are welcome!
Come and explore what it means to move the belly, lift your heart, and drop deeply into your femininity.
♥
We will have time after dancing to sit and have tea together.
Please contact me for more information. I am not currently teaching due to a spinal injury, but hope to be back on my feet soon.
Belly Dance Classes for Pregnancy and Birth

Belly Dance - a traditional way to prepare for birth
Dance your way to a happier and healthier pregnancy and a quicker and easier birth!
Learn birth dancing moves inspired by belly dance to relax and uplift you, strengthening your body and encouraging your baby into an optimal position for birth whilst learning valuable birth preparation skills.
I am currently recovering from a spinal injury and hope to offer these classes again soon.
Please contact me for more details.
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