look at my belly!
I went to a belly dancing class tonight, just a one time deal. It was totally fun, but not for me; my knees were giving me hell. I really like the idea of belly dancing, though. I've always been very self-conscious about mine (I blame it on Andy in the 2nd grade: "Kelley belly smelly jelly" he would taunt), and the celebration of round bellies and their movement is nothing short of revolutionary in this culture.
I know I was holding back because I was afraid of back/sacroiliac pain. But the more I did, the more confident I was. We'll see if I'm doubled over tomorrow. But I think a little hip shimmy now and then might help me stay flexible and strong.
I just love the way dancing made me feel so silly. My hips just do not move that way, and it's absolutely hilarious to me to try to make them move. I couldn't even get the damn jingly coins on my borrowed sash to go ching. Now that's funny.
It's such a good way to be in your body, to feel your body--you try something you know you will look foolish doing, surrounded by women doing the same thing. (The teacher looked fucking cool when she did it, of course, but she was a good encourager.) Plus I learned some good pelvic floor exercises. Can't beat that.