Oh my goodness this pissed me off! An honest conversation on age and belly dance.
We need to talk.
I was recently told that I am “too old to Bellydance.”
I was first taken aback… And then angry for a moment or two… And then I just had to laugh! 🤣
The guy who said it is obviously clueless and knows nothing about the culture and community of this art form.
But he did get me thinking… Many people who have not had the opportunity to check out a belly dance class or student hafla event have no idea what a diverse community of dancers we support – so many ages, backgrounds, body types and gender identities.
How many people out there feel like belly dance is an art form reserved only for young women who look like an Arabian princess? How many lives could be enriched and changed if only everyone knew that this is a dance for every body, regardless age, size, gender, background or fitness level?
I would love more people to know that they, too, can belly dance.
So let’s talk about that. And by talk, I mean I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.
Are you someone who would love to try belly dance, but feel like you are too – fill in the blank – (old, out of shape, uncoordinated) to learn?
Or maybe you are a long time devotee to this art form who sees your body changing with age and feels challenged to continue dancing and expressing the way that you used to?
Whether you’re “old” like me 😉, have two left feet, have never danced before, or feel shy about moving your body in new ways… there’s a space for you on this open and accepting dance floor.
Haters gonna hate. But don’t let them win.
Let’s dance!
Hello Sahira, I started bellydancing at about 40 years old, I am now 64 and still dancing. In one class, there were ladies in their 60’s doing belly dance for the first time. It is never too late to bellydance or learn any other dance.
Yes! I absolutely agree with you. I love that you continue dancing… I also have students come to my classes each week who are bring new to the dance and well into their 50s and 60s. I believe it is the fountain of youth and helps keep us all young!
I started bellydance at 55, after my 5 kids left home. I’m 72 now and it still makes me so happy. I can’t do floor work or Turkish drops anymore, but I’m adjusting and learning how to dance that looks and feels good. Sometimes I think that I’m too old, but I don’t want to stop.
That’s amazing! I love that you are still dancing after all these years. And I think we can agree that we are never too old to dance in SOME way. That way keeps changing as we change, but I love that this dance form can come with us as we age.
I’m 73. I started dancing when I was 55. I fell in love with the dance and still dance every time I can. I wear mostly tribal style costumes which are beautifully designed for women of all ages and sizes. My dance style has been changed to highlight what I can do.
Bellydance is great exercise for the body and the soul.
Thank you for your beautiful comment! I am absolutely inspired by your story and love that you continue to dance no matter what! I definitely plan to do the same. ☺️
OMG, if they think your too old then I am definitely over the hill……LOL I realize that my style and costuming have had to accommodate my body changes but the meaning from my heart has not changed. I dance for ME these days and love that it keeps me going, in a physical way as well as emotionally and socially. BTW I am 69….😊
So true! My body has changed a lot since I started dancing over two decades ago, but this beautiful dance still makes me feel incredible! I love that you keep dancing … let’s never stop!
OMG, if they think your too old then I am definitely over the hill……LOL I realize that my style and costuming have had to accommodate my body changes but the meaning from my heart has not changed. I dance for ME these days and love that it keeps me going, in a physical way as well as emotionally and socially. BTW I am 69….😊
I guess we are all old in someone’s eyes! (I know my daughter thinks I’m ancient! 🤣) But what’s important is that the dance feels good in our bodies and we never stop moving just because someone else thinks we shouldn’t. Bravo, beautiful dancer. Keep on dancing!
Yes!! My daughter thinks I’m ancient too. 😂 I guess it is all relative.
You are still gorgeous and graceful and playful. I love your genuine smile and how much you enjoy the experience every time you dance. I’ve wanted to learn from you since we first saw you dance. and that was a very long time ago….
but other things get in the way. I have been too unhappy with my appearance to wear things that would show my fat belly for a long time. but then it got much worse, abdominal surgery a few years ago completely f-d up my core muscle structure and made walking or standing for more than a few minutes so painful. it has taken years to get my life back.
I am now over 50 and I have lost 65 pounds within the past 2-3 years. I still have more progress to make, but I am in better shape now than I was in my 40’s, except for an awful scar and constant back pain. I am inspired by hearing the encouragement from everyone that it is never too late to start learning. I would love to make it to the studio sessions, but I will probably start with your online classes since it is difficult to schedule for the in-person events while working full time and I will need to re-watch the sessions a few times until I get it right.
Cat! Thank you so much for sharing your story! I love that you have not given up hope… Congratulations on your incredible weight loss, too! I know with your level of determination anything is possible. It is never too late to start dancing… I am saving a space on the Dancefloor for you!
Clearly, the person who made that comment is too old to be alive. Being alive means finding happiness, challenges, and joy during every day of your life. I think the person has changed his life in some way because he is “too old” to continue something he previously enjoyed. Sio sad. Block him,
I started dancing when I was 53, and now I am 67. I am the perfect age to enjoy belly dance, and to be good at it. I am not PERFECT at it, but I am good. Age is unimportant.
Oh my goodness you are so right! So often someone’s outwardly directed negativity is a response to a problem they have with themselves. What a good way to look at it!
Hello Sahira I have been dancing and taking lessons since my 20’s. I just turned 68 and will dance as long as i can hopefully forever. I also struggle with the challenges that time brings so I modify and enjoy more of the creative aspect of this art form. You are such a beautiful and gracious dancer so please keep dancing and inspiring!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! You’re such an inspiration. I plan to continue dancing for as long as I’m able as well. Keep on dancing!
Hi Sahira, yes, a lot of people are opinionated about us seniors, like life is supposed to stop at some “age”. I am 68 years around this world and I find that I am doing things that I never allowed myself to do. As an adult, I always thought I was too fat, too old, to this or too that to do things like this dance. I have been starting to learn this dance with you and I LOVE IT!! I don’t think there is anything that could happen to change my mind about learning this very creative dance form.! Thank you for just being
Laura! Thank you for your honest words and for your kind comments. GOOD FOR YOU! I hope that this dance is a gateway to feeling more confident, beautiful and graceful… you are amazing and don’t ever let anyone (especially yourself!) convince you otherwise. 💖