Nia and Tribal Fusion Dancing: keeping the belly at bay

I'm all set to perform at my first belly-dancing recital back in 2005.

This time of year, I always try to master those pounds that have crept up since the last holiday season under the theory—a correct one, I’m sure—that it is better to start lower on the scale than usual before adding those holiday pounds on. This is the seventh year in a row that I have failed to do so. Now, however, I have new ammunition in my battle of the bulge: Nia and Tribal Fusion Dancing on two consecutive weeknights.

Tribal Fusion, or Belly Dancing, is a wonderful way to firm and tone while being a part of a group of women dedicated to enjoying themselves and being comfortable with their bodies. We are so lucky here in the upper Midwest to have access to a wide range of classes and dance troupes. I’ve been shimmy-ing for years at Rebecca Whitman’s classes in Menomonie. Visit her web site at http://www.sahajadance.com/

I’ve recently added another movement form: Nia. This provides a full hour of aerobic movement that each person can adjust to his or her own level. I do “no-impact” at the moment, but I’m confident that I’ll progress to “low-impact” as the winter goes by. For a description and history of this movement program, read my article in the Dunn County News at http://www.dunnconnect.com/articles/2007/11/19/business/business01.txt