Belly Dance Fitness in Spartanburg
Heather Marie
Certified Belly Dance Fitness Instructor
As an AFAA certified Belly Motions Instructor, I have a passion for sharing this artform. After learning the impact of dance and movement on emotional and mental health and experiencing its effects on my own anxiety and depression I knew that I wanted to teach belly dance fitness in Spartanburg.
I have built a solo career that includes private events and public venues. I am also a member of the Bright Eyes Belly Dance troupe who performs at festivals like the Upstate Renaissance Faire, The Festival at Friar’s Gate and Midgard at the Mill – A Viking Invasion.
I have learned from several local instructors as well as world renowned belly dancers from around the world. My wish is that everyone can experience the joy, healing and deep connection this dance brings.
MY CORE VALUES AS A TEACHER
MIND
Movement, especially dance, has been proven to help heal the effects of trauma and manage mental health symptoms. This dance offers the unique feature of mindful muscle isolation which takes us out of our heads and reconnects the mind and the body.
BODY
I believe that everyone has a body capable of strength and power. I want to show others that their body is good enough today, as well as help them feel a sense of peace and comfort inside their body as they get healthier.
SOUL
Humans need community and this might be what is the most important part for me. Creating a safe, inclusive space for joy and healing is at the very core of this purpose. Our lives depend on acceptance, empathy and love.
I am excited to introduce belly dance fitness in Spartanburg!
Belly Motions belly dance fitness program was designed by international, award-winning belly dance star, Portia Lange, to be similar to the Zumba format in order to make belly dance accessible to more people. The main goal of the class is to teach belly dance in a fun, low-pressure environment.
HOW IS THIS CLASS DIFFERENT FROM TRADITIONAL BELLY DANCE CLASSES?
This specific format is not taught in multi-week sessions and I will not focus on polishing technique or correcting form. Our goal is not to memorize choreography or perform. These classes are designed to introduce the students to the movements in a low-pressure, fun class. These classes are perfect for drop-ins or continued practice.
These classes can lead to ongoing technique classes or workshops as students gain confidence and seek more knowledge and substance in the dance.
I feel that belly dance is a gateway to reclaiming ourselves, improving our mental health and raising new communities built on acceptance, love and dance!
THE BENEFITS OF BELLY DANCE FITNESS
Belly dance fitness offers proven physical benefits like low impact, weight bearing cardio exercise that improves blood flow, muscle growth and aids in weight loss. Not to mention the emotional and mental benefits like stress relief, mood regulation, mindfulness and body awareness.
Belly dance has some additional benefits that I have experienced for myself! Its focus on pelvic and core muscles improves incontinence and posture and its focus on isolating specific muscle groups does amazing things for coordination, cognition and reconnecting the mind and the body. There is also the benefit of learning a new culture, hearing new kinds of music and building a new skillset with a great group of people make this a fun and truly unique dance experience. I am excited to bring belly dance fitness to Spartanburg and share this truly unique dance experience with our community.
PHYSICAL
Benefits for your body
EMOTIONAL
Benefits for your soul
MENTAL
Benefits for your mind
Belly Dance Fitness FAQs
Anything you’re comfortable in and can move freely in is perfect. I prefer leggings and a sports bra, but sometimes I will wear a flowy skirt or even my sweat pants and a hoodie! A hip scarf is a fun accessory to have too, but definitely not required.
No. While the two dance forms have ties to one another, they are two very different things. I love both, but I stay in my lane and teach belly dance.
HELL YES. As a queer member of the community I want everyone to feel safe and welcome. You will become a loved member of the dance community. And if you’re interested, check out Drake Von Trapp and Kamrah Dancer on Instagram. You’re welcome.
Yes! There is a long history of men both playing instruments for dancers and dancing. If the dance speaks to you then it is FOR YOU.
My short answer is YES. As always though, you should talk with your doctors and learn what accommodations might need to be made. You can practice sitting or holding onto something for balance. If you are hearing or visually disabled we can make adjustments in the studio for you.
While it is generally safe, I would recommend talking with your obstetrician to be sure you aren’t high risk. The abdominal isolations can sometimes trigger Braxton Hicks contractions.
While many find practicing belly dance helpful for minor joint discomfort and injuries or as part of physical therapy after a surgery, you should definitely talk to your doctor first.
Yes!! Lots of kids learn belly dance as part of their culture in the MENAHT and SWANA regions. I generally ask that any kids under 13 are taking a class with a parent.
You betcha! Belly dance is for EVERY body. Some of my favorite dancers are heavier. It’s a great way to get moving and build strength slowly.
NOPE. Belly dance is for every body at every age. If you can move safely, you can belly dance. This dance can also be adapted for limited mobility or poor balance.