Is Bellydance Misunderstood? 

A student recently asked “ Zumba classes are usually packed! Why are bellydance classes smaller?”

I’ve noticed this firsthand - as a bellydancer who loves me some Zumba (back in the day with Stacey E <3)  Years ago, I even tried teaching beginner bellydance in a format similar to Zumba for members at the local gym - it never took off! Yet my own traditional format bellydance class a mile away was full of paying students! It was so perplexing that I’ve pondered this “mystery” quite a bit.

Is Bellydance Too Hard?

Beginner bellydance is NOT too hard but it is different.

Zumba is a simplified version of basic latin dance steps taught in a style fondly known as “follow the bouncing butt”. Overall, Zumba is a dance workout (like Jazzercise) with very little attention to formal technique. A lot of instructors even throw in a “bellydance song” and noodle around with snakey arms. You don’t have to remember anything - you show up, follow the leader, go home. Zumba is a fun, universal friendly way to decompress and get in your cardio without thinking too hard. 

Bellydance leans harder into actual dance technique and focuses on creating something beautiful. You are a student rather than an attendee. Most bellydance students are drawn to the potential of creative expression and empowerment that comes with seeing skills evolve.  It feels like a journey of self. Yes, you are learning movement skills like any exercise but bellydance movements come from within - that’s a lot of self awareness that benefits your body and your brain.

“Hard” is relative and sometimes more mental than physical! 

But , Bellydance IS More Intimidating, Right?

Ahhh, how we are going a bit deeper into the female psyche!

Consider this…a Zumba class has party vibes with an instant dopamine hit. Classes are almost everywhere so you can show up when it’s convenient, blend into the crowd and just sweat it out following the instructor’s lead, and leave. 

Bellydance…the moves and music are WAY LESS familiar & the you have to notice your body rather than just fling it around. For example, I immediately ask students to greet their bellybutton, to draw shapes with their hips, to think about their shoulder blades and their feet and then draw all that awareness together. Can you SMILE, too? This level of body awareness and expression can feel frustrating, vulnerable as maybe even a little (gasp) sensual.

That’s powerful stuff! Even scary, especially in a world that gives side-eye to those of us bold enough to try it.  In fact, when a new student starts my class, my first thought is “What she is seeking for herself from this class?”. 

Let’s Talk Culture Differences

Zumba is marketed as fun, energetic, and fitness-focused. Even Zumba music is familiar because Mexican & food culture is almost everywhere here in the US. Nobody judges someone when they mention their Zumba class. It’s JUST fun exercise, for the masses.

Sadly, Bellydance struggles with numerous stereotypes thanks to decades of societal labels, Hollywood movies, and cultural “foreignness”.

I hear things like:

“Ooo, sexy (wink, wink)”   “I’m too old/chubby”  “My body doesn't move THAT way” “I can’t dance THAT way in front of people!” 

There’s a lot to unpack in the above comments  (and the underlying beliefs that perpetuate them).

Yet, the reality is bellydance is one of the most body-positive, age-inclusive, low-impact creative movement practices out there.  It’s just been branded with misconceptions instilled by people who want to gate-keep us from feeling empowered and beautiful - INSIDE.

(I’m working on rewiring this mindset one student at a time!)

What Makes Bellydance Worth Exploring?

Zumba can give you a good sweat. 100%! I also love that it’s made dancing more relatable to so many people.

Bellydance wins by offering you an emotional “glow up” on top of all the physical benefits of all dance styles.

The self-awareness that you develop in classes grows into confidence outside of class. Confidence positively shifts our concepts about body image. Self-care time becomes a need instead of a luxury for others. Our outlook does a 180 and that has a positive ripple effect in all aspects of our life. On top of that, you gain a community of curious, diverse humans and welcoming space to move in a way that works for your body instead of trying to keep up with 132 BPM music while going the wrong direction!

TL:DR

If you want a sweaty, no-strings-attached “come and go” dance fix? Zumba your heart out!

If you are craving something richer and more connected to YOU? Bellydance is a treasure trove!