Am I Too Fat? Belly Dance for Plus-Size Women
92You're never too fat to belly dance! It's one of the few dance styles where it's a disadvantage to be stick thin, which is why it's such a great exercise for us curvy gals.
Thin people often misunderstand the challenges of plus size exercise. It's not the fitness or the stamina that's the biggest problem - overweight people can be fit, too. It's the fact that when you're carrying extra weight, it tends to get in the way. It's hard to sit on the floor and reach forward over your leg, if your belly gets in the way. And let's not even think about "finding your sitting bones"...
But there's one even bigger obstacle...
Feeling Conspicuous
Tell me if this sounds familiar. You finally pluck up courage to go to a dance lesson or gym class. You get dressed in a t-shirt and track pants - black of course - in the (forlorn) hope it'll make you look slimmer.
You arrive at class and find yourself in a pack of size 6 sylphs, all dressed in skintight little leggings and body-hugging singlet tops, with nary a bingo wing or back roll in sight. They then bounce through the aerobics, or turn themselves into pretzels, without breaking a sweat - while you flounder damply at the back. Worse, they start bitching to each other about the size of their thighs. Wow, you think - if that's what they call fat, what must they think I am? A beached whale?
Not many women are brave enough to put themselves through that experience more than once. Thank goodness belly dancing isn't like that!
Belly Dancing is for All Comers
Belly dancing isn't like that for lots of reasons. Belly dancers generally are less judgmental and more sympathetic - and more likely to be all shapes and sizes themselves, because:
- bellydance isn't popular with children and teens - so most of the people in a bellydance class started as adult beginners themselves.
- bellydance doesn't require a lot of flexibility or stamina to get started, so it attracts a lot of women who always wanted to dance but couldn't. Often, they've never exercised before, and it was children who got in the way - so they're a mixture of ages from a young mom whose children have just started school, to a retiree whose kids have finally left home. And they're not likely to be superfit gym junkies!
- Virtually all the moves in a beginners' belly danceclass are done standing up or walking around, and are achievable no matter what your shape. So larger women are more likely to stay in a belly dance class, because they never have to feel left out of anything.
 | Amazon Price: $15.95 List Price: $17.95 |
Home Exercise
If you're really shy about going to a class, you can learn to belly dance at home using DVD's.
By all means work with a DVD for a few weeks to get you started - there are plenty of belly dancing DVDs for beginners. I recommend Michelle Joyce's "Belly Dance Basics" because it really does cover the basics well - but I urge you to give a belly dance class a try. I can almost guarantee you'll be glad you did!
The Next Step in Belly Dance
Once you've been belly dancing for a while, you may be tempted to perform - if not in public, at least at a festival where only other belly dancers will see you.
But that's where things can get awkward for the plus size belly dancer. You'll usually be dancing in a group, and it's likely the school will require everyone to be dressed the same. There are plenty of plus size cabaret costumes available, but many of us are uncomfortable with a bedlah (belt and bra) style outfit, even if it does fit perfectly. Let's face it, a body stocking can only hold in so much!
Some teachers do consider their larger or more mature students, and choose baladi dresses for their troupe (like the group in this clip) - but it's surprising how many schools stick to the traditional bare midriff.
That's why many plus size women make the switch to ...
Tribal Belly Dance
Tribal belly dance costumes are more covering than cabaret outfits, especially the upper arms and back. So if you're attracted to belly dance because of the chance to perform, tribal belly dance gives you a chance to get up on stage without having to bare it all!
Of course, everything has its pros and cons - and the snag with Tribal is that many tribal bellydance teachers use yoga as a warm-up. Yoga is one of those exercises which plus size women can struggle with, because extra flesh has an annoying habit of getting in the way.
Chances are you won't be the only student in the class with that problem - but if it worries you, there is something you can do about it. Buy a plus size yoga workout DVD and spend a few days learning the moves before your first class, and you'll feel much more confident!
Do be careful when choosing your yoga DVD - too many instructors seem to confuse being overweight with being old. Just because you're carrying a few extra pounds doesn't mean you're an old age pensioner! You don't want a "gentle exercise" routine - you want to learn how to work around your limitations so you can do regular yoga with everyone else.
 | This instructor knows what it's like to be overweight and her workout is well designed for larger bodies. This weights workout will slim and tone faster than straight cardio. Amazon Price: $9.99 List Price: $19.99 |
Stamina
One of the drawbacks of being overweight is that you get tired easily. It's hardly surprising - ask those size 6 sylphs to do an aerobics class carrying 30 pounds of potatoes, and see how tired they'd be! If you lack stamina, you'll get hot and sweaty faster, and struggle to complete even a gentle lesson, and that can discourage you from going along to class.
The answer is to build up your fitness, and strengthen your muscles so they can carry your weight more easily. A mix of cardio and weight training will do the trick, and it's also a good at-home workout to do between belly dance classes to improve your strength and stamina.
I hope you'll be inspired to give belly dancing a try!
*
Text copyright Marisa Wright
Blue belly dancer by Halyma. Red belly dancer by Dalliedee.
Tribal photo by Alaskan Dude.
More Belly Dancing on HubPages
- Am I Too Fat? Belly Dance for Plus-Size Women
When I was invited to join a belly dance class, I was anxious because I'm a plus-size woman and I thought I'd be too fat to belly dance. - 2 years ago
- How to Learn Belly Dance at Home
If you're wondering how to learn belly dance at home, it's not that hard - unlike most other kinds of dance, it's quite possible to learn and enjoy the basics in your loung room - 4 years ago
- Tribal and Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Costumes
Tribal belly dance costumes are rich and complex. - 2 years ago
- How to Shimmy: Belly Dance Technique
The shimmy is a vital part of any belly dancer's repertoire so it's essential to perfect your shimmy technique. - 3 years ago
- Costume Tips for Mature Belly Dancers
As a mature belly dancer, you may feel self-conscious about your figure flaws. - 2 years ago
- Tribal Belly Dance Hair and Make-Up
Tribal belly dance costume is wonderfully elaborate, and the hair and face aren't left out! - 2 years ago
- Origins of belly dancing
Google and you'll find hundreds of websites claiming that belly dance originated from a Middle Eastern birthing ritual. - 2 years ago
- Teaching Belly Dance: Certification by Shemiran Ibrahim's Method
The belly dance certification program "How to Teach Bellydance" has been around for some years now. - 8 months ago
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Great Hub - I was just looking into Belly Dancing classes since I am already taking Zumba Classes....thanks!!
I think I might give this a try!
I ordered my first belly dance dvd! I am so excited. Thanks for writing this encouraging hub.
Namaste.
This is the most fantastic page I've seen for someone thinking about bellydance. Bravo.
Great hub! You've inspired me to see if there are any classes in my area, I think its definitely something I'd enjoy!
I can totally agree. Im about 5' 8" and weigh roughly 250 lbs. I was totally nervous about being a plus size dancer but I realzied something. believe it or not most bellydancers in the olden days were not skinny especially the gypsies. There is no reason to feel subconscious girls. Not everyone was meant to be skinny or we would have all been popped out of molds when we were born. If your heart and soul is in the dance it won't matter what size you are simply because you are doing the dance for yourself. Anyone who watches a bellydancer performs picks up on not only the skill but the vibe he/she gives off. So, if you enjoy dancing they will enjoy watching what many girls cannot due.I can honestly say I have seen plus size meaning really heavy and they can bellydancer better then I 've seen some skinny girls. It is all in the attitude, and a little advice: have fun, listen and feel the rhythmic beat of the music, " shake what your mama gave ya!"
~ A Plus size bellydancer whose proud to be Big and Beautiful
Great to hear from you, Alura! Well said. Please come back and post a link to your website or any videos you have - I had a quick look on Youtube and found someone who might be you, and I'm curious!
LOL thank you but I'm simply speaking the truth . I got tired of ppl looking at me thinking what could be going through this woman's mind? has she no shame?! I've learned that many ppl when they look at you like that they tend to have issues concerning their own personal image. So, I pity them, because I accept myself for who I am. BTW I don't have any videos on youtube, but i will be at the ren faire in las vegas,nv, oct. 8th 9th and the 10th.
this is such an inspiration to me, i've been wanting to get into bellydancing for so long now but was intimidated by the size of the "skinny" women. let me be in the company of some "real" ladies please and thank you :)now i just have to find classes close to where i live, i'm in long beach, ca.
I will recommend this hub to my elder sister. I am sure it will give her more confidence.
Thank you for the encouragment and advice!
Great article! As a former belly dance teacher it was incredibly rewarding and inspiring to see the confidence grow in my students (of all ages and sizes)! If anyone is thinking of taking a class, Go For It!!!
Great hub! I loooovve belly dancing...all types of it. Love watching the dance no matter what size the woman performing. It's just that beautiful! Belly dancing is Great way to express yourself and a wonderful way to get exercise.
Belly dancing is all about confidence, no matter your size! I actually think dancers with a little bit more to "shake" look better thank skinny ones! :)
It's got to be a great form of exercise . . . amazing that it's an ancient art form, too.
Interesting Hub. My sister is also learning how to belly dance, and her weight lowers her confidence. So i tell her that her weight has nothing to do with belly dancing and she looks great doing it. Am i right?
I agree. It is a great form of exercise. It encourages self appreciation and promotes good health. I love it. Good for you.
Love this hub! I love all of your hubs! I actually practice belly dancing every night before bed. I tend to be an insomniac,I have arthritis and I'm a bit over weight. I've found doing belly dancing at night for about an hour helps stretch my muscles and loosen my stiff my joints. Then I take a hot shower. This ritual has helped me fall asleep easier and more comfortably. I recommend belly dancing for everyone men and women. Its fun and its fit!
belly danceing is hard
@dracaslair, have you ever tried it? In my opinion, it's one of the easiest dance forms to learn, because the moves are natural. You may not think so, but it's all in your mind. You isolate your hips every time you stand in line (try it sometime - imagine waiting for a bus, with your weight on one leg, and then check what your hips are doing).
@dracaslair I have found belly dancing to be easy compared to tap, jazz or hip hop. I like the flow of the movements and I dont feel as the form is a critical as in ballet. As Marisa Wright stated, the movements are more natural
Great article. Thanks
I am thinking of trying it while down in perth as i read it was good for weight loss
Thank you, Marisa, for your witty thoughts and feelings about movement/exercise classes and being plus-sized. I share them. I teach Yoga for Round Bodies classes, and am so happy to do so, because I remember what it was like in the beginnings of my search for classes and venues that felt comfortable for me, and teachers who knew how to work with me. It is was inspired me to become a yoga teacher, so I could teach these classes myself! So rewarding.
I have thought about doing a "Belly-Dancing & Yoga for Round Bodies Retreat" at some point, at a lovely venue... I think it would be an incredible combination!
Great article, Marisa. Thank you for your candor and lightheartedness.
BTW, what the heck is a "bingo wing"??
Tiina, a "bingo wing", also known as "tuck shop arms" in some places, are the flabby bits where your triceps ought to be!
thank you!i've never tried any dance classes before but i have thought that i would like to try belly dancing im a big girl but i do know many men prefer larger women compared to our thin sisters. maybe this is something i can learn to perform for my man privately and later have the confidence to dance at gatherings and festivals.i'm also excited to learn about the tribal costumes,i'm really uncomfortable with my upper arms you have gave so many answers and i thank you!
Sheryl, I started belly dancing with the intention of only dancing for "my man", but it's such a supportive sisterhood I soon got confidence to dance in public. Go for it!
Hey girls,
Just checking back to see how everyone was doing and hopefully I was able to give a confidence boost to ppl who may feel uncomfortable in their bodies. Remember, the music you dance to doesn't matter as much as how you feel it moving your body to its rhythm. The beats and rhythm in middle eastern music are similar to the pop and rock music us westerners have. just find the beat and you can dance to any music that is played. Well, take care everyone and here is a little piece of wisdom for those worried about outsiders and their comments : No one can make you feel inferior without your permission. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt. Shimmy Shimmy everyone.
I am also a plus sized dancer and recognize what you are writing about costuming for groups. The slim dancers love their cabaret costumes. They fuss about the littlest aspects of their own looks, but they tell me I look 'great' in a two piece costume that doesn't do my body any justice. What really helps is that our teacher is filling out a bit...
I think you look great. Its all about grace in your movement and charm on your face. You have the latter and I presume you also have the former from your picture. Anyway who cares! Do it for you! Answer-NO you are not too fat
women are never to fat to belly dance.or are they ever
to fat show their bellies.because all women have nice
bellies.and they have pretty belly buttons to.
This is a great, inspiring article! I look forward to seeing more of what you have to write!
Great article. I'm 5'7 and 200lbs, and most retailers class me as plus size. I am a Tribal bellydancer and I teach. I try not to over do the Yoga, even though I love it, because many of my students don't share my love for the stretches. I always tell my students that it doesn't matter what size or shape you are, everyone has a dancer inside ... somewhere :)
Hey, this is great!! Thanks so much for this.
I'm a plus-sized granny. I've been taking belly dance lessons off and on since 1976. (Okay, mostly off. My last lesson was about 1995.)
I've taken lessons in about four states now, I think --- even a couple at the Serena studios on Broadway. It wasn't taught by Serena Wilson herself, but we did get to say hi in the hall to her. She's a really nice person, just like you would guess from her videos.
My most recent --- about fifteen years ago --- dance instructor really disapproved of Serena. I'm still not sure why, exactly. I never got far with that instructor.
Thanks again for this great inspirational and informational hub.
Lately, I've really wanted to start Middle Eastern dance again -- but, now it's my knees. They're so arthritic, poor things. I don't know if I can stand and move for a solid half hour or more.
Looking for some zills to play, though.
Huntgoddess,dont let your knees hold you back! I gave up flamenco because it was too hard on my knees, and switched to belly dance. I know several ladies who have bad knees and they just do what they can, and still enjoy it.
I love belly dancing and all its flair! I like how it is always your own personal challenge, and even if you do not want to be a performer for the public you can still stay in shape in a more healthy and natural way without over straining your muscles and in the long term you gain more confidence and you feel more alive. It can help alleviate beginning depression and fight off personal demons through every move. It is a great thing to start if you want to learn a more effective workout for any woman.
I love the art I wood liketo invite any plus dancers on my live tv show u can call me 1718-4569119
Thank you for fighting the good fight. What would I do without you?
We big girls gotta stick together!
Very nice hub! Ranya Rene, and Sadie Hawkins are 2 of my favorites and neither are skinny!
Sufidreamer Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago
Good Hub, Marisa!
I knew a couple of larger ladies who took up belly dancing. They loved it because it didn't feel like exercise - it was fun!