It is a truth universally acknowledged that belly dancing developed as a fertility dance in the Middle East. Okay, maybe it’s not “universally acknowledged” because experts still argue about the origin of belly dancing. But what is largely accepted is that many societies and cultures have used it to help women during childbirth.
Not only is belly dancing believed to strengthen abdominal muscles in pregnant women, it also helps during childbirth, or so claim the dance form’s loyalists.
Belly Movements to Aid Childbirth
Any form of physical exercise helps in achieving better fitness levels. And better fitness will come in handy during pregnancy and childbirth. Yes, it’s a no-brainer, so why single out belly dancing, right?
This is because belly dancing specifically builds core strength, helps ease backache (common during pregnancy), improves circulation, coordination and balance, and allows the birthing mother be more in control of her body and breathing. Additionally, if done properly, it is also known to naturally move the baby into the right position of birth.
This idea is supported by the proponents of the idea that the dance form should be used during the process of childbirth. Women from India, Egypt, Hawaii and New Zealand are known to use circular hip movements, specific to some belly dancing moves like the figure-of-eight, to aid them during pregnancy.
India’s Tryst With Dance and Pregnancy
Though folk dances in India have also been used to aid childbirth, there’s no documented evidence to support it. More recently, however, AV Satyanarayana, dancer and choreographer, made headlines by using Bharatanatyam to help pregnant women. He trains women to the beats of this classical dance form with steps that are choreographed for expectant mothers, reported DNA Bangalore.
Exercise is very important during pregnancy. These days, women are overcautious, many of them end up doing no physical activity while carrying. They don’t realise that this could lead to difficulty during delivery, their bodies become stiff and they are unable to control their breathing… At the end of the day, dancing is fun, and through this choreographed piece, we bring out the maternal instincts in these women.