Okay, mamas - this one is just for you.

Looking for a fun night out, a way to channel your inner goddess and get fit all at the same time? Belly dancing may just be what you are looking for.

I am not sure when this happened, but belly dancing has become quite in vogue these days. You can find it in many locations - from gyms, to dance studios, to yoga studios. I gave it a shot recently, desperate to find something to get me into shape that was fun and would hold my attention. (This is my journey now - trying new fitness forms, or old as the case is in this post - so look forward to many reviews of current fitness crazes!) I had a blast. The class was held in the evening in a fabulous studio in Virginia, was full of fun women of all ages. The room was lit beautifully and I was transported into another world with incredible music that kept my body moving for close to an hour.

Dance has been a form of art and celebration in most cultures around the world for thousands of years. You can see why if you have ever experienced the pure joy that comes from moving the body to music, particularly with a group of people. Dance elevates the mood, allows the body to express emotions, and burns calories. Belly dancing particularly works the abdominal muscles and hips in a way that is unlike any other. The movements are very deliberate and can be tricky to get at first. But once you get it, the fun begins!

Another plus to a belly dancing class is in most locations you will find that all levels, body types, ages and dance experience are welcome. It is a supportive environment for woman to learn about culture, experience music through their body and, particularly for new mamas, to get in shape!

I know I left class feeling a hundred times better both physically and mentally. I am always searching for ways to get fitness in my life with the intention of having fun first, and looking fabulous second. It is so important to find movement that inspires you. If you try or have tried a belly dancing class, let me know. I would love to hear your thoughts on this old but new fitness craze.

The preschool set has so much offered to them by way of activities, all promising one thing or another, it is hard to figure out what is best, or further more, what they would like. Creative movement is a fantastic way to engage children and get them moving.

I can tell you from years of experience both teaching and now taking my son to class, that creative movement comes out as one of the top contenders for favorite weekly activity. However, classes can be hard to find, depending on where you live. There seems to be no shortage of princess, fairytale, and tutu focused classes, however, the creative movement I am talking about does not rely on dress up or presupposed stereotypes of play-acting. Do not get me wrong, these classes are delicious for the little dumplings that love them (and believe me, my son would love these classes too!), but I am speaking of something else entirely.

Creative movement is a form of movement that embraces children of all genders, ages and abilities, including those with developmental challenges. It is a non-competitive, success-oriented activity that engages the child’s body, mind and spirit. The format of classes and activities will differ from one instructor to another, depending on each style and background, but you can be sure that music will play a large part, as well as props such as scarves or ribbon sticks, and will have a deep focus on communicating and articulating ideas through movement.

In creative movement classes children:

• Explore music through movement


• Have a positive outlet for energy


• Learn about their bodies in space and in relation to others


• Strengthen listening skills


• Foster an appreciation for the arts


• Increase self- esteem


• Deepen sensory awareness


• Work on problem solving skills


• Practice self-control

These are just a few of the wonderful benefits to creative movement classes. Talk to local dance studios or recreation centers to see if they offer these classes. If you cannot find classes, here are a few examples of the many exercises that you can do at home.

• Put on fast music and move quickly to it with your child, then change to very slow music and move slowly. Children are natural quick movers, so it is a fantastic way to broaden their movement vocabulary. Plus they giggle like crazy when it is fast again! You will be amazed at the dances they create.


• The all-popular freeze dance is a great stand-by, but see if you can shake it up. On the freeze, see if you can freeze in a small, large, or round shape. During the dancing see if they can dance in one place, or self space, and then alternate with dancing in shared space.


• Move across the room in different movement levels - low, medium, high. Change the patterns - straight, zigzag, or curvy. Play with directions: forward, backwards, sideways.

These are just a few of the ways you can add creative movement into your day, and I do encourage you to consider creative movement classes as the first classes for preschoolers. If you have any questions about this, please share them here, as well as any ideas that have worked for you in getting your kids moving creatively!