Prenatal Belly Dancing
Our prenatal belly dancing classes are designed specifically for pregnant women wishing to dance in a fun but safe manner for their baby and their body.
They are taught by Dionne Sanura, our in-house belly dance instructor and performer who recently gave birth to her first child - a beautiful baby boy - in September 2010 and belly danced throughout her pregnancy. Dionne has extensively researched the effects of belly dancing on pregnancy, which movements to favourise and which to avoid.
Our classes are for pregnant women over 13 weeks.
Upcoming classes & workshops
***Our full schedule is currently being updated - online booking opens here shortly***
Notes about our classes:
- Pre-natal belly dancing can be practiced whether you have had experience in belly dancing or not (our classes are pitched according to ability of our students at the time)
- You will learn which moves are favourable in early stages of your pregnancy and which moves are more favourable in the later stages of your pregnancy. You will also learn some helpful movements for labour.
- Belly Dancing enables you to bond further with your bump, increases your energy and flexibility, enhances your confidence and self-esteem in your changing body.
- Belly dancing through pregnany can make recovery after birth easier and reduce the chance of complicated births. Some reports also claim it reduces the need for pain relief.
- Our class are a highly enjoyable way of exercising during an oh-so tiring time!
- The baby inside you will feel cradled by some movements, whilst energised by others
IMPORTANT: You must consult with your medical doctor before beginning any kind of new exercise. Each pregnancy is different, by speaking to your doctor you can ensure that the specific needs of your own pregnancy are appropriately addressed.
A bit about prenatal belly dancing
On the 4th August 2007, an article about a woman giving birth using belly dancing movements in the delivery room was published in the Wall Street Journal. It had only been just over a year since the first prenatal belly dancing DVD had been released.
But this is nothing new, according to many reports belly dancing is an ancient ritual for helping women with childbirth. Prenatal belly dancing, otherwise referred to as Birthdance, can be an effective component not only for a healthy pregnancy but also during childbirth. It is low impact, gentle and allows to adapt the movements as the body changes.
Gaby Oeftering states in Pregnancy Today: "When dancing, the woman feels more supported in her femininity and in the functional capability of her body. Moreover, no other such birth preparation guarantees such an intense contact with the baby. During dancing, the pregnant woman adopts body postures which favor an optimum engagement of the fetus. The natural birth positions are standing, sitting and squatting because the baby's gravity can have its full effect. Through belly dancing, the pregnant woman arrives at the necessary mobility and strengthening of the pelvis, while developing the required awareness of the muscles used in the birth process."
As much as belly dancing is beneficial, pregnant women are advised to take belly dancing classes that are specifically adapted for pregnancy as there are particular movements that are favourable, and some movements which should be avoided.
To see articles about belly dancing during pregnancy please click here.
More Links
Antenatal classes in Swiss Cottage / St John's Wood: http://www.antenatalclasslondon.co.uk/
