What makes the art of belly dancing so intriguing to the everyday person? It might be the allure of their body movements, or maybe it is the way they command your attention. No matter what it is, they’ll have you mesmerized. “Belly dancing puts you in touch with your most sensual aspects,” pop singer Shakira stated during an interview with contactmusic.com. Shakira is one of the major celebrities who are credited with bringing these exotic moves to the masses, and she has proven that belly dancing definitely has its benefits.

Not only is belly dancing a great cardio workout and probably the most entertaining way to keep you in shape, but “it is a workout for your mind, body, and spirit,” Scott Borelle said.

Improved posture is also a big benefit. It is said that after belly dancing, you’ll never slouch again. When speaking with the Garden Nile Belly Dancers, Kauai’s very own non-profit belly dancing troupe, none of the members could think of anything negative to say about belly dancing. Nina Kirby, choreographer for the troupe, expressed that her only annoyance was when people confuse belly dancing with “exotic dancing.”

Oftentimes the most memorable part of a belly dancing performance isn’t the dancing, it’s those mesmerizing costumes. Shiny, silky, glamorous, gold and everything in between make up belly dancers’ costumes. The Troupe also admits that although the costumes are glamorous, even belly dancing veterans have had their fair share of “costume malfunctions.”

Whether it is a rip up the skirt or a top that just couldn’t hold it all in, costumes definitely have a way of stealing the show. And as for music, “We almost never duplicate a song in a routine,” which might make it a little harder for the Garden Nile Belly Dancing Troupe, but much more entertaining for the audience.

Although it is their job to make it look as smooth and simple as possible, belly dancing is not something you can take lightly if you expect to become good. Kirby, a belly dancing instructor who has been studying belly dancing for about seven years, spoke of how much hard work and practice goes into becoming a great belly dancer.

For a beginning teen, you usually take a six-month session before advancing to level two. The ones that usually continue on to level two classes aren’t just the teens with natural hip shaking talent. “There are always one or two teens that feel a little self conscious on the first day, a little insecure about their bodies. These are the ones who end up being the best dancers at the end,” Kirby said.

No matter how it started or who is credited with spreading it worldwide, belly dancing is now a cultural icon and is here to stay. If you want to move it and shake it like them…you can. Give the Garden Nile Dance Troupe a call. You might be the next Shakira.