Belly dancing is not just for the tummy, but for the whole body as well. Professional belly dancer Rosalia “Kim” R. Kong, champion in the pro division of the Battle of the Belly Dancers in 2008, says that because belly dancing is a form of dance, it releases the toxins from the body through sweat. “It gives the person more curves because the steps concentrate on the abs, hips, chest and arms, and these help a person lose weight,” Kim shares.

Unlike lifting weights, cycling, and running treadmills, belly dancing is an almost effortless way to exercise the whole body and is also a fun way to de-stress. Anyone can do belly dancing but it will take at least six months, two hours a day, for a person who has no background in dancing to learn the dance moves. For those who are already dancers, Kim says it will take just two hours a day for two months.

Raks Sharki or belly dance, though focused on the abdomen, is a total body workout that uses more than 500 muscles including muscle groups in the pelvis, trunk, spine, and neck. While some dance forms work against the body’s natural movements, belly dancing is based on natural body movements, making it a safe form of exercise for everyone. It aids in improving posture, increasing muscle firmness, toning muscles and reducing the pain of arthritis. It can even help in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Belly dancing is recommended for those who are just starting their weight loss regimen because it is fun and easy. An hour of belly dancing can burn up to 300 calories. Belly dancing actually aids in digestion as it helps food move along the digestive system. Also, since it requires deep breathing, belly dancing helps in blood oxygenation which assists in better sleeping and eating and slowing down of the aging process.

Belly dancing is especially beneficial for women suffering from pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual cramps as it stimulates blood flow. Pregnant moms benefit from belly dancing because it strengthens the pelvic muscles and helps relieve back pain.

The superstars of belly dancing like Sonia Ochoa, Jilina Carlano, Rachel Brice, Sharon Kihara, Amar Gamal, Kaeshi Chai, Bozenka,Petite Jamia, Sadie Marquardt and Tamalyn Dallal can incorporate the dance moves with props like sword, veils, zills, cane and others. The props make the dance complicated and challenging. Many of these master dancers were Kim’s trainers. A multi-awarded master dancer and instructor, Jilina Carlano, recognized Kim Kong in the 2010 Belly Dance Festival in Bali, Indonesia as a “talented and charismatic dancer”.  Carlano is the choreographer of the Bellydance Superstars and creator of Bellydance Evolution.

Kim, the Tahitian Dance trainer of Lucy Torres-Gomez, was also named Bellydancer of the Night at Mall of Asia’s Fitness First in October 2008.

Kim says that the most important benefit of belly dancing is being able to express oneself. “Belly dancing lets one love her body, embrace oneself and release the goddess within,” Kim says. Other benefits of belly dancing include freeing one’s mind of stress and tension, boosting one’s self-esteem, exploring one’s sexuality and encouraging creativity.

The internationally-trained dancer and teacher will enchant guests as she performs four dances in the Turkce Yer Bar Resaturant on May 14 with Batu Yilmaz, a Turkish rhythm and blues guitarist.

Kim conducts private dance lessons. Email her at wildbutterflies13@yahoo.com or text/call 0917-5056388.