Women who regularly practice belly dancing develop a sense of mental and physical harmony in their bodies. They have a better image of their body and focus much less on their physical defects than young women who do not wiggle their hips regularly.
Belly dancing helps to better appreciate your body
To understand the benefits on the body’s perception of dancebelly, Dr Marika Tiggermann, from the psychology department at Flinders University, brought together 213 women. Among them 112 professional belly dancers and students who do not practice this sporting activity.
All the participants filled out a questionnaire which allowed the researcher to understand their self-analysis of their bodies. The young women expressed what they thought about their bodies, the attraction they caused in men, and how they imagined being seen by others.
The results of this study reveal that belly dancers have a more positive outlook on their bodies than other women.
“Belly dancing is associated with a positive self-image because those who practice it focus less on their physical appearance than on the experience itself. These women focus more on what they are able to do with it. their bodies, rather than their outward appearance, “says lead author Dr Marika Tiggermann.
“This activity offers women a rare, creative and safe opportunity to explore and express their sensual and sexual selves, without judging themselves,” says Dr. Tiggermann. However, the erotic nature of belly dancing was not highlighted by the participants of the study.
This study confirms the benefits of dance on well-being. In fact, people who dance have a 60% greater chance of being healthier than others, according to a Scottish scientific study published in 2013.