Prenatal bellydance classes

>So... if you don't have me as a friend on Facebook, you've been saved from hearing me rant and rave about how excited I am to finally have the curriculum done for Aruba's first ever prenatal belly dancing classes!

After years of dreaming about belly dancing, and months of preparations for these classes, my goal is finally clear in sight. In about three weeks, July 21st 2010, I'll be giving the class at Body Pulse Fitness Center in San Nicolas. It is a four week class, comprised of one hour, once a week sessions costing 75 AWG per person.

I've decided that for the warm up, I'll also provide birth balls for each mom. Another fun addition is that every mom present gets into the feel of belly dancing with a traditional bellydance belt.

So why belly dancing for pregnant women? Well.. Originating in ancient dances and rituals related to fertility, family, life cycle and childbirth, bellydance is based on movements that come naturally to the female body. Some bellydance movements mimic natural intuitive motions associated with pregnancy and childbirth, others have been traditionally used to move the baby into the best position or relieve discomfort of labor.

Organic, flowing, energizing movement of bellydance helps to improve abdominal control and awareness, relieve aches and discomfort associated with pregnancy, promote better circulation, avoid swelling and cramping and prevent excessive weight gain. Bellydance hip movements will tone the muscles of your pelvic floor, whose strength is important for the birth, as well as for your postnatal recovery. 

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in which most women don't fully appreciate or enjoy their fuller selves. The media portrays pregnancy in a negative light, show casing women as frumpy and "big" all over. Belly dancing can help them embrace their baby curves and boost their confidence. The class also aims to help moms connect emotionally with their babies and seeks to bring the dyad into true homeostasis. 

Do you live in Aruba? Why don't you tell a pregnant friend!

Are there such classes in your area? Tell me more about your prenatal bellydancing experience!