Meet Amira Mor, a Belly Dancer known around the world. She has developed her own style of belly dancing, she is a certified fitness instructor, and founded the “Amira Mor International Entertainment Company.” She has worked on Broadway, the New York City Ballet, has been on numerous television programs, has been a teacher to celebrities like Britney Spears, and has appeared in movies and music videos. She has performed for the Prime Minister of Jordan, The Prince and Princess of Morocco, the United Nations, and the NYC Mayor. She gives us Chicks the scoop on the benefits of belly dancing.
What benefits can we get by belly dancing?
The benefits are numerous, some of which are Physical, Emotional, and spiritual. Belly dancing celebrates womanhood. Belly dancing feeds the body, mind and soul! Expect to think, feel and move like a beautiful woman. The woman you are; the woman you deserve to be!
Can we get our workouts in using your DVDs?
Absolutely! You can burn between 300-400 calories an hour! Each one of the DVD’s is geared toward understanding different messages and working different body parts. When you belly dance you isolate every part of your body including parts you never knew existed from your fingers to your toes. Undulations are fantastic for your entire torso and abdominals. They add flexibility to your spine, strengthen your back, improve your posture, and is gentle on your joints. I’m unaware of anyone ever getting injured by these moves.
Shimmy is a great cardio exercise. I’ve had many students who were referred by their doctor in order to rehabilitate faster, and to help expecting mothers prepare for childbirth. These moves can be used as part of a yoga regimen, or for a faster aerobic workout depending upon your style.
Does belly dancing work your core and abs mostly? Could you get toned doing it regularly?
Belly dancing mostly tones your abs and core, but when you belly dance you tone your arms, shoulders, neck, abdominals, back, hips, and everything from your butt to your feet! Muscle definition becomes apparent when belly dancing regularly. Unlike common exercises belly dancing is creative and sensual. It doesn’t feel like a chore to be fit. The only side effect is addiction.
An obstacle I often encounter is being confident and feeling sexy. Do you find that people let loose doing your workout in their homes and then start to feel more confident in all arenas?
Yes, yes and yes! Belly dancing is very empowering. One will discover and express their feminine side. You’ll walk like you own the world! While belly dancing you will learn to love your body. You’ll feel sensual and beautiful. You feel strong and in control on many levels and in all areas of your life. As you feel confident with each natural move, you get to enjoy it and feel more confident. When you grow more confident you enjoy it more. At this stage you learn to love your body. How many women do you know who can honestly say they love their bodies as they are? You know they do when they take off their bulky clothing. Removing layers of clothes is the beginning stage of confidence. In class woman don’t take the layers off to be sexy for men. They simply feel sexy at any age and in any size body. Then you arrive to the stage where you begin to peel off the outer layers of the mind that inhibit us from being our true selves. And when you are your self, you are happy.
It is so hard to stay motivated when Chicago weather strikes! What tips can you give us Chickagoans to stay motivated and up to par with our fitness?
NO MORE BORING EXERCISES. You will get all of the benefits and still have fun which will keep you motivated. A fitness regimen that encourages you to express yourself and be the best you can be.
Do you believe in eating a healthy diet along with getting adequate exercise?
Eating healthy foods and in moderation is of utmost importance. Every person has a unique body composition, and different foods affect every person in a different way so it is important to understand your body type. Maintaining balance is the key to happiness.
How often do you recommend we get our belly dancing in?
Belly dancing is not just exercise, it is a LIFE STYLE. The beautiful woman will come out of you and you become excited to push your limits. Who say we can’t have it all? Sure we can. I DO!!! In this day and age no one has hours and hours to master this beautiful ancient art form of fitness. So shimmy your way to the shower and shimmy while you brush your teeth shimmy all day long and smile. In the office hold the desk and move your shoulders one at the time, slowly speed up shoulders move into a shimmy shoulder, not only you just tone and lost few calories you just smiled. Feeling down? Undulate your way to whatever chores you doing. Lift your spirit by feeling sensual. Your body will benefit as well as your mind and soul. Needless to say the people who surround you will also benefit from your newly found self!
What kind of music do you move to?
It is a Middle Eastern Dance so most people will use Middle Eastern music. But that’s not to say that you can’t belly dance to anything. I like to incorporate an eclectic style composed of all types of genres fused with a Middle Eastern vibe.
Any other advice you can give to the women of Chickago?
CHICKago has a beautiful mission. This is a mission that gains strength through belly dancing. With these DVD’s you turn these beautiful words into a life style abundant with healthy habits. Each one of the DVD titles is geared toward a different target: fitness, health, fun, feminine bonding connections, love your body, and love your soul mate. Get excited to experience a natural ecstasy. Liberate yourself. We have one life to live so be the best you can be at all times. Be happy and remember how blessed you are at every moment. Giving is receiving! Thank you very much I am proud to be part of this group of women.
