"Middle Eastern dance is not just a beautiful dance that touches peoples hearts. It's much more to it than that. Everyone can learn something when it comes to this dance form - about female strenght and about human strenght.One becomes a stronger person through the dance - maybe because one gets better control over one's own body and mind. The dance teaches you to get in touch with your inner self, and you achieve better harmony between body and soul. One learns to express oneself, dare to show a part of oneself - be more direct and dare to see people in the eyes.
The abdominal region is a nerve center, and it seems like stimulation of this particular area gives more energy. Today's western, material world with its "sick" ideals does not give much room for nurturing the soul. Through Middle Eastern dance one's feelings are expressed and the soul nurtured. The dance also teaches you to befriend your own body and how to listen to it.
Women that have suffered from incest or eating disorders can easier achieve a more healthy relation with their body again. The dance is designed for the female body - no matter age or size. It is a fantastic way to prepair for childbirth and to prevent the problems one may suffer from after labour. The movements strengthen the pelvice, the muscles and makes you more flexible."
Siw Amira Øksnes