I began belly dancing about 6 years ago as a way to do some exercise and for stress release.
I began to learn that the dance form had its roots in childbirth; the dance was actually performed by women for women. Morocco, a well known American dancer, on her website talks about a conversation she had with Farah Firdog a dancer from Bahrein that in the 50‘s a woman in labour would be surrounded by other tribeswomen. Men not being allowed. The purpose to hypnotise the woman into an imitation of the movements with her own body helping to facilitate the birth and reduce pain.
As women move into hospitals to give birth they are denied the comfort and muscular aid of what is an ancient folk ritual.
One of my favourite stories is again from Morocco, she talks about an opportunity she had in the 60‘s when she was called to go to marocco and be part of a birthdance. She was dressed in costume from top to toe and had to pretend to be unable to speak. When the labour started a group of women went through the village gathering together they sang, danced undulating their abdomens stronger slower then flutters.
A hollow had been dug and lined with lambswool. The woman gave a gasp and a baby boy was born, followed 15 minutes later by another. After the cords were cut and placenta buried in the hollow the women zagreeted in welcome. The father then came to the tent and his sons were taken to meet him.
During my practise as an independent midwife I observed women naturally performing the figure of 8. If a labour is becoming prolonged and I think that the baby may not be straight into the pelvis I will encourage her to stand, I will ask her to do a figure of 8 showing her what to do.
The camel move where the abdomen is undulated can help prevent a baby from getting into a posterior position one where the baby lie can influence the length of labour. Another advantage in our western society many pregnant women struggle emotionally with their changing body.
In a bellydance class we are taught to stand proud and think about posture. We open up the space below our chest enabling more space for baby. The class is full of women of all shapes and sizes and it does not matter, celebrating each of us for who we are. We feel like and are, beautiful graceful women and have fun.
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