14 News, WFIE, Evansville, Henderson, OwensboroNew Way to Tighten Tummy

New Way to Tighten Tummy

Reporter: Shannon Samson
New Media Producer: Rachel Chambliss

Contrary to popular belief, belly dancing didn't start out as a dance of seduction performed by a concubine to titillate the sultan.

It's properly called Oriental or Middle Eastern dancing, and for centuries, men, women and children have done it for fun, especially at weddings or festivals. It just so happens to be a great workout, too.

Instructor Leah Robling explains, "It's just a full mind, body, spirit experience, and that's really what I was looking for. So I fell in love."

Classically trained in jazz, ballet and modern dance, Robling discovered belly dancing while living in California.

Now, back in Evansville, she teaches it at Mermaid Dance Studio as an art form and a way to exercise.

"It's a really low impact, aerobic workout. So, it's easy on the joints, but yet, it really still taxes the muscles. So, you're still getting that muscle toning and strengthening," she explains.

Chautauqua Benjamin says it's a welcome change of pace as a complement to her cardio and weightlifting routine.

She says, "You're having fun. You're learning more about your body. You're not just lifting and trying to get through the workout. You're really enjoying it, and it makes the time go by."

Overtime, Oriental dance has fallen victim to sparkly costumes and other Hollywood flair. But its true intention was to reunite women with Mother Earth through sensuous patterns, emanating from the torso. And traditionally, it didn't matter how big it was!

Robling says, "It is considered abundance to have hips and belly and some girth. That's the root and the heritage of the dance, not a skinny, small model body...If you are focusing on you and your body and the shape of the movement, it will be mesmerizing. I guarantee you. I've watched women, who were just in the moment, in the movement, and being who they are and expressing themselves, and it's gorgeous."

An intense 60 minute belly dancing session can burn more than 300 calories, depending on your size and metabolism, and it tones the muscles, too.

Belly dancing classes are offered at Mermaid Dance Studio, located at 102 SE 4th St in downtown Evansville. It's $40 for five classes a month. For more information, call (812) 431-5202 or check out their Web site.