Read this mantra if you want to develop love and admiration for your own body

This is my body
There are many kinda like it
(and none just quite like it)
But this one is mine
 
My body is my temple
My body is my home
This body, the only one I can call my own
 
My body gives me life!
I must master it as I must master my mind
If I am to master my art
As well as my life
 
Without me, my body is useless
Without my body, I am useless
 
I must use my body true
I must work on it each day
Love it, respect and cherish it
In every possible way
And use it to overcome life’s challenges
Dancing through difficulty
Turning life into play
 
Through depression, stress or anxiety
I will dance
If I feel anger, sadness, or pain
I will dance
When I am tired, bored, uninspired
I will dance
Through rejection, disappointment or betrayal
I will dance
In sickness and in health
I will always dance
 
I will learn my body’s weaknesses, its strengths, its parts
Its flaws, its quirks and everything that it loves and hates
 
And I will nourish and maintain my body
For utmost health and function
As long as I live
 
I am one with my body
 
Before the Universe I swear this creed
My body and I are the vessels for our art
We are more than survivors of life
We are the masters of our life
We are the saviors of our life
So be it, until the day we die

(This Creed is an adaptation of the USMC's "Rifleman's Creed") 

Has the idea of joining a belly dance class been nagging you for some time, but every time you get the chance, you back out at the last minute because you are afraid of the unknown?

If so, it sounds like you are suffering from a case of "cold belly!" Like cold feet, cold belly is a doubt strong enough to prevent you from doing something you were planning on doing, in this case, going to that belly dance class you've been wanting to try! And believe it or not, this "cold belly" phenomenon is is more common than you think! 

Maybe you're afraid of having to bare your belly, or you think the class will be packed with young, mean women who will make you feel bad about yourself. Or maybe you're insecure about your lack of dance experience and you picture a class full of experienced dancers, making you think you won't be able to keep up with everyone else. Maybe you think you're not fit enough to try out this dance, or maybe you just don't feel like getting up and going out after you've already settled in at home for the night...

Regardless of the reasons behind your apprehension and inaction, the fact of the matter is that you are not alone in feeling this way! In fact, the majority of women who show interest in belly dance classes never actually end up showing up for one!

But isn't that a shame? Because the reality of most belly dance classes in the US (and certainly the reality for our belly dance classes at SharqiDance in New Jersey) is that they are a gentle, friendly and fun environment for women (and sometimes men and non-gender binary folks) of all ages, levels, shapes, and sizes to learn how to move their bodies in incredible ways and how to express themselves artistically through dance all while falling in love with Middle Eastern music and culture!

Most people start belly dancing because they think it will be a fun way to exercise. But most people stick with belly dancing because of the amazing connections they make with the incredible people they meet in class and in their local community, all while challenging themselves--inside a supportive environment--to keep getting better and better at this rich and evolving art form! 

There is nothing to fear. You don't even need to show your belly to belly dance! In fact, most people in class actually don't.

You also don't need prior dance experience to start belly dancing, and there is no age too young or too old to start. And guess what, you can become quite good even if you start late in life without any prior dance experience, because belly dance is low-impact and easy on your body!

This also means you do not need to be fit to start belly dance, and you might be glad to learn that the belly dance community embraces a much wider range of looks, body types and sizes than society at large!

That doesn't mean the dance is easy, it just means that with guidance from a good teacher and practice, consistency, and time, it can be done well no matter who you are or what you look like!

Does that sound like something you should be scared of? We think not!

It's time to stop letting the weeks, months and years go by, and just give belly dance a shot already! Just imagine where you could be in one, five, or ten years if you just take that chance and get started today! You might discover a fun new thing to do every week, or you might uncover a lifelong passion. Or maybe you'll find that belly dance is not for you, but you won't know until you've tried!

So, are you ready to try out a class?