Shakira is an award-winning singer, songwriter and musician. In addition to her success as a performer, she is well-known for her alluring moves based on the art of belly dancing. Her hit single, "Hips Don’t Lie," (featuring Wyclef Jean) was number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart. The song lyrics relate to physical attraction between two people, but judging by the appearance of Shakira’s figure, I believe it’s easy to see that her Hips Don’t Lie – she is toned and fit.

Belly dancing is a great form of exercise and one of the most sensuous forms of non-verbal communication. This age-old art has been charming observers for thousands of years, and in the last few years it has emerged as a hot new trend.

The name "belly dance" is actually a Western name for an Arabic style of folk dance, but in many parts of the world it is Danse Orientale or Oriental Dance. It’s based on one of the social dances native to the Middle East called Raks Beladi and it is performed by all ages and both sexes for festive occasion such as weddings. The more theatrical version of the dance called Raks Sharki is performed exclusively by women.

The actual origin of belly dancing performed by women has been debated due to different "points of origin," but according belly dancing instructor, Beverly Zahra Abu-Jaudh, "Belly dancing began as a means of preparing a young woman for childbirth. It was taught to her by her mother and grandmother and practiced on a daily basis."

At first belly dancing was practiced only in privacy. With time, it became part of a wedding-night ritual performed by a woman for her husband. As it grew in popularity it eventually went public. Some women began performing the dance in the streets for money, and according to many belly dancers, this is the symbolism behind the wearing of coins on the bra and belt of the costume. It is believed that belly dancing came to America in the late 19^th century when it arrived at Chicago’s World’s Fair of 1893. Due to its fascination and mystique, women all over the world have been shaking it up ever since.

Belly dancing movements strengthen the abdominals, and they are believed to strengthen the womb. A common belief is that belly dancing makes childbirth easier and it relieves menstrual pain – a welcome relief for women.

Belly dancing builds muscle tone. It firms the hips, thighs and waist and it strengthens the chest, arms and shoulders. It’s easy on the joints. Belly dancing instructors, including Michelle Morgan, say this form of dance utilizes natural postures and movements. Morgan says that belly dancers don’t face problems of abnormal poses and the use of tendons as ballet dancers do. She points out that while belly dancing focuses on natural movements, ballet is commonly known as the "art of making the unnatural seem natural." So she believes in going with the flow. Most of the movements used for belly dancing are centered in the torso, whereas most Western-based dances rely on leg strength and movements where the torso carries the head and limbs.

According to many sources, the steps used in belly dancing were derived from movements of three animals—the cobra, camel and horse. The fluid movements and graceful lines of these creatures inspired the dance as we know it today. In the past dancers often performed a full routine while holding a cobra. Perhaps this was the inspiration for Britney Spears’ memorable performance of "Slave 4 U" at the 2001 VMAs when she sang and danced with a snake around her neck.

There are many styles of belly dancing and popular ones include Egyptian and Turkish. These styles incorporate small hand cymbals, or cills, in the dance. And music plays a key role in this highly expressive art form. With each movement the dancer tries to convey a story. The movements are performed to the beat and certain steps are reserved for particular tempos. Sometimes the music used is soft and alluring, while other times it is fast and furious.

Decorative costumes are an important part of the belly-dancing mystique. The costumes are designed to accentuate the dance movements, which are performed in bare feet. Silk veils are frequently used and in one popular step, the dancer wraps the veil around her body and then spins in a circle while unraveling it. When performed swiftly this creates a breathtaking effect. Some dancers wear silk pants, while others wear long flowing skirts. The outfits are two-piece with the bottom riding low on the hips to display the midriff.

Belly dancing classes are fun and they give you a fantastic workout. So, if you’ve been "shaking it like Shakira" whenever you hear a good beat, why not sign up for belly dancing classes? Here are a few steps to get you in the mood…perform them with music and make the movements "seductive." As with any exercise -- do not cause pain -- and be sure to have your doctor’s approval:

Egyptian Eggwalk

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and raise your arms at your sides. Now bend your knees and begin stepping firmly in place. Shift your weight from side to side and slowly thrust your hips out slightly. Keep it controlled. Your upper body should remain still. Do this for about 3 minutes. This exercise helps to shape your hips, thighs and buttocks.

Rib Cage Slides

Stand with your feet slightly apart. Raise your arms at your sides as if trying to balance yourself on a tightrope. Think of your upper body (from the waist up) as though it is separate from your lower half. Now move your rib-cage from side to side. Be sure to keep your hips stationary and your legs straight, but don’t lock your knees. Do this for about 3 minutes. This exercise tightens and tones your waistline.

Turkish Snake Arms

With your knees bent, slowly raise your right arm. Now lower the right arm slowly as you raise the left one. Alternate right and left for about 3 minutes. When lifting your arms keep your palms faced down, and then flip them up at the wrists as you lower them. Exaggerate the movement…make it dramatic. The movement should flow from the shoulders to the elbows and on down. Keep it smooth. Control your moves.

Hip Shimmy

While standing, bring your right leg forward and lean back slightly. Your knees should be slightly bent. Raise your arms out to your sides. Now push your right hip out. Do this for about 2 minutes and then change legs. Keep the lower body muscles isolated, move only from the waist down. Once you feel comfortable with this you can add interesting variations. You can try spinning slowly in a circle while moving your hips. When your right leg is forward, turn left. When your left leg is forward, turn right.

Hip Circles

Stand with your knees bent and feet slightly apart. Raise your arms to about shoulder level. Keep your feet planted firmly on floor. The movement is similar to that used with a hula hoop. Perform slow circles with your hips going in a clockwise direction. Do this for about a minute. Then pick up the pace for a minute – and then slow it down again for another minute. Now do the same thing in a counter-clockwise direction. This exercise strengthens the abdomen and helps to trim the waist.

According to the American Council on Exercise, belly dancing has emerged as one of the hot new workout trends in recent years.

So give it a shake! For more information about belly dancing visit: http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/diet.fitness/06/13/bellydancing/index.html 

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DeBarra Mayo has written several fitness books and hundreds of articles about fitness. She has some great ideas that will help you feel and look more sexy in
a bikini.

Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, or for medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or a qualified health care provider before starting a new diet, treatments or exercise programs - or consult with your physician about questions regarding a medical condition. If you are pregnant, always seek the advice of your physician before starting a new diet, treatments or exercise program.