If it wasn't for Sol Bloom we still wouldn't know what belly-dancing is. Bloom is considered to be the first person to popularise belly-dancing in the United States; he brought Middle Eastern belly-dancers to the Chicago World Fair in 1893 - One of whom was none other than the famous "Little Egypt" herself.

From there belly-dancing spread to the rest of the world.

To a lot of people belly dancing seems impossible to do. You don't think that you'll be able to shake your hips like that and still keep smiling. You too would smile if you realised how many health benefits it has.

The most distinguishing feature of belly-dancing is certainly the isolated motions of the abdomen. These circular, rolling, angular and vibrating movements are all based on natural body movements and it is exactly this that makes belly-dancing such a safe form of exercise for people of any age.

The flowing movements of hip drops, rolls and pivots that are done during belly-dancing utilise the muscle groups in the abdomen, pelvis, spine and neck and rather than working against the body they work with the body. During belly-dancing, the joints and ligaments in your lower back and hips are put through a full range of gentle, repetitive motions. If the movements are done correctly, the pelvis is tilted forward and these movements help to prevent lower back problems. It is not only the muscles in your lower body that are exercised. Your arms and shoulders and upper back are also exercised and strengthened, when doing the snake-like movements.

Here are the main benefits of belly-dancing:

• Improved abdominal tone and strength
• Improved circulation / especially of the internal organs
• Strengthening the pelvic & gluteal muscles
  
• Prevention of lower back problems
• Improved posture
• Improved hip flexibility
• Enhanced flexibility and suppleness
• Relieves stress