Belly Dance is a very beautiful dance form with a long tradition. It is a believed to have originated in the fertility cults of the ancient world. In the Middle East, Belly Dance was danced to prepare women’s bodies for childbirth.

Belly Dance is known by many names. In the Middle East it is called Raqs Sharqi (dance of the East). In the United States it is called Oriental Dance, Middle Eastern Dance and even Goddess Dance. The word Belly Dance is said to have come from the French 'danse du ventre' - dance of the stomach. This phrase was coined, at the turn of the century, after a dancer called Little Egypt introduced Raqs Sharqi at the Chicago Exposition in 1893.

Today Belly Dance is being danced and taught worldwide, especially in the United States where classes are rapidly expanding and growing. Belly Dance is a fun form of exercise for women of all ages. It is designed for women regardless of shape or size. It is an excellent low impact cardiovascular exercise providing muscular toning, strength and flexibility. Belly Dance can lead to feeling energized, graceful, feminine, as well as boosting confidence and self esteem.

GiGi Fayed is a dancer, dance coach, teacher and choreographer with over 35 years of teaching and performing experience. She holds a M.F.A. in Dance from the University of California, Irvine. She offers Belly Dance on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30pm at Living Yoga, 333 17th Street, Ste. K, in Vero Beach. Call 772-978-1099 for more information.