Oh my goodness this pissed me off! An honest conversation on age and belly dance.

[@katlebo]

2024 is my 50th year in belly dance. I'm 77 years old. One of my favorite things about this dance is that you can do it no matter your age, size, gender, or ethnicity. Truly a dance for everybody and every body.

[@SahiraBellydances]

Very well said! Congratulations on 5 amazing decades in dance! I am so inspired by you!

[@GhostofaSiren]

Amazing!

[@robinblanchard4773]

I'm laughing because I was too ashamed to try in my youth. I started at 59. And now I'm always encouraging sharing teaching ( very basic) and loving this amazing practice.

[@SahiraBellydances]

Thank you for sharing your story! I am so glad you finally decided to start belly dancing and thrilled that you share this beautiful dance form with others. 💖

[@redmesas3]

My teacher in college was an absolutely amazing lady in her late 60s and it gave me so much hope for my future body! Especially seeing the women in my family becoming immobile and unhealthy at an early age. It is so inspiring to see people of all ages enjoying being in their body and dancing!

[@SahiraBellydances]

Agreed! I love seeing older women dance as it is such a beautiful example of what aging can be if we decide to dance gracefully through it. 💖

[@SandyMayasDance]

The bellydance community is the most inclusive and supportive group of people I have ever experienced. You are a beautiful dancer and teacher and in my eyes: age is nothing but a number. If something makes you feel good and does not harm anyone, do it! But it is also true that because of the outreach via social media, people get exposed to young beautiful dancers, but are unaware of where this artform comes from and what it symbolizes. There are so many misconceptions about bellydance as a whole.

[@SahiraBellydances]

Agreed! I feel like a large part of what we are called to do as dancers is not just perform and entertain, but to teach people what this dance is, and what it is not. The more of us older dancers, who get out there on social media the more people will realize that this is a dance for all ages. And hopefully we will encourage other people who've been wanting to try belly dance to get up and do it!

[@daisymay6952]

I also started dancing late in life. I no longer do any performance dancing. I now live in Turkey and have been offered jobs. I met some lovely people in dance class who have become firm friends of over 20 years. Everybody in the class was incredibly supportive, from the best dancers to the unco-ordinated but determined. We all helped each other out, with getting the moves right, calming nerves before perfomances and costuming. It is impossible to be depressed when dancing. I still dance, for my own pleasure and to keep the joints as mobile as possible. Yes, there are things I cannot do now, but hey, improvise! When I first started classses there was a lady of 81 who enjoyed dancing. Unfortunately she was forced to stop classes only because the teacher could not cover her on insurance because of her age.

[@SahiraBellydances]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I absolutely love that you continue dancing and supporting other dancers in their journey! And that's awesome that you are still getting offered paying performance jobs… Keep up the incredible work!

[@w.k.9933]

I was going six times a week to our fitness club doing mostly dance classes, including belly dance, until four years ago (75 yo) when I decided not to renew my membership. A few months later, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and sciatica. I learned that being active was beneficial, and was surprised to learn that some of the exercises I needed to do were like belly dance warm-up movements, like hip raises, hip circle and pelvic thrust. I still exercise and dance, and now include Tahitian dancing since the moves are like belly dancing. Whoever asked you such an insensitive question is just reflecting her insecurity and jealousy about herself. Keep doing whatever your passion is, regardless of age. I feel and look very young, because I've kept up with dancing and exercising which are my passions in life. Thanks to KZbin, I keep up with dance lessons. You make us feel young.

[@SahiraBellydances]

Thank you for sharing your story. It is so powerful! You are right… It is so important that we remain active as we age and Bellydance movements are such a gentle and low impact way to keep the body moving. Thank you for your encouragement… I do believe that we continue to feel young when we dance! "You don't stop dancing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop dancing."

[@Irridia]

I've started seriously working on Fara pu` and I don't know if I will ever reach a good speed but my physical therapist approved the basic moves this morning so It is a go!

[@jenniferaldenbfrpbfrap1590]

Well said, Sahira. I have been folk dancing since I was 12 years young. Now, being close to 70 dancing is still in my life. Belly dance has been in my world dance journey from my twenties. I dance differently now. Dance is a universal language for everyone. It is a joy to watch you and to take your classes. It is important that we share and support each other. Thank you.

[@SahiraBellydances]

I love your story and that you've been dancing for many decades - you are an inspiration! Keep on dancing and thank you for sharing the dance floor with me!

[@jenniferaldenbfrpbfrap1590]

@@SahiraBellydances Thank you so much, Sahira for your support. You keep on dancing too. Our world needs more joy and health.

[@gwenmcfarland7637]

Love you and your beautiful heart and passion and how you so freely share so much with this community. You are beautiful and talented. Do not ever be discouraged by this person's negative words. 💜💜💜💜💜💜🌻🌹⚘️❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@SahiraBellydances]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@monicatezuka9076]

I am 53 years old and I have been doing this for 28 years. I see myself more fluent now than before. Some of my students are older than me. I have a 76 years old student! Many are older than me. Children can also dance. My youngest student is 8 years old. Sahira, please don't stop doing what you do! You are good hearted and generous. And you have been educating people to get to know the belly dance.

[@SahiraBellydances]

Thank you for your beautiful story, Monica! I love that you are sharing this beautiful dance form with people of all ages. Keep up the amazing work! 👍🏽

[@kat.harris186]

❤Bellydancing is great for mind body and spirit ❣️I don't care about what anyone else says,I enjoy it and I will continue to learn and practice 😻I am 66 💃love to you Sahira and have a Blessed Day Sweetie 😘

[@SahiraBellydances]

I totally agree! We will continue to dance and use this beautiful artwork to feel comfortable and confident in our bodies as we age. Love it! 💖

[@shirleychesterman3462]

I wanted to dance as a child but for family reasons it wasn’t feasible. I started belly dancing at 42 and 20+ years later love it even more than when I started. It’s not just about the dance, it’s about positive connections, creativity with all the costuming, overcoming timidity, keeping healthy physically, mentally and emotionally. I’ve had two absolutely fabulous teachers that will always be important people in my life’s journey.

[@SahiraBellydances]

Very well put! I love what you have said, regarding all of the positive aspects of the dance even beyond learning the movements in the culture! And I love that you finally were able to dive into this beautiful art form, even when you were not able to as a child. It really is a lifeline in a way to keep healthy in so many ways. Keep on dancing!

[@Irridia]

OMG!!! you look early 30s at the latest and you have more strength in your moves than most younger dancers! Someone is high or something. I do struggle a little as a still beginner over 60 but the community is so supportive that I doubt I will ever quit performing in public!

[@SahiraBellydances]

Thank you so much for your sweet comments! And I love that you have come to the dance in your 60s and are getting such wonderful support from the community. Never stop dancing! 💖

[@sage9836]

I wound up getting gigs when people saw me dancing at drum jams. I was 38. People who knew this number told me to just quit it. But - they're not on the dance floor. Maybe that's their whole problem To people who disparage anyone in the art I plan turn my vibe up high and say "You wanna dance! You know it!" and - no further discussion. I suspect this is true. And I have dancing to do.

[@SahiraBellydances]

Yes! Always take the higher road... there's no time to deal with people and their negativity when we are busy dancing!

[@SultanaP]

Hello my dear! My dear friend Zanuba, is 81. She wanted me to get you a message that you should NEVER STOP dancing! I own a spot in WA that celebrates the older dancer. We host a Contest for the 'Grand Diva' for older dancers. We also host a monthly bellydance show where Zanuba dances every month! We have customers that LOVE her and celebrate her each and every month. Keep up your hobby, skill, at any age! Dance dance dance!!

[@SahiraBellydances]

Oh my goodness I LOVE this!!! I love that your community is actively supporting and celebrating the matriarchs of our community. Their wisdom is valuable and their way of moving so knowledgable. Please tell Zanuba I said "thank you" and I would LOVE to see her perform some day! 💖

[@rosaclara270]

Sahira, thank you so much for such an inspiring video! This is a conversation that was much needed. And it has truly helped me so much! I needed to hear this today. Bellydance is a beautiful art form that is so healing. 🌺❤️

[@SahiraBellydances]

Beautiful woman! I am so glad this conversation was helpful for you. And you are right... this dance form is so healing! Never stop dancing. 💖

[@rosaclara270]

@@SahiraBellydances🥰💓

[@DawnDevine]

*stands up and applauds*

[@SahiraBellydances]

💖

[@amyevans7591]

I was a professional belly dancer since age 29 until about age 55. No one knew how old I was. I retired mostly because the restaurants closed etc. I am lost without my dance as a form of exercise and it brings me joy to myself. I mostly dance alone with no audience which is kind of sad but I get it. I have not got the drive to perform but I think sometimes it would be nice. At least I know I have it to treasure and keep me somewhat sane!! I encourage anyone to try it for keeping your body in shape.

[@amyevans7591]

by the way I am 72 now

[@SahiraBellydances]

I love that you performed professionally until age 55! I will admit that part of the reason I retired in my mid 40s was that I became afraid that clientele at the restaurants and venues I performed at might not like watching a more mature dancer perform. (The the pandemic, which shut everything down for a while anyway.) I am inspired to hear that you had such a long and successful career. Bravo!

[@blueriverblooms9304]

Learning is life! Bellydance really is for everyone, and the supportive community it fosters I've yet to experience elsewhere. Dance on, Sahira! -Jessi from KC

[@SahiraBellydances]

Yes Jessi! Belly dance really has an incredible community of dancers - it's one of the things I absolutely love about this dance. I hope to dance with you soon! 💖

[@cutiepillar]

I was always the youngest in all the belly dance troupes I danced in. Belly dance is pricey in my area so it's less accessible to college kids (when I was actively taking classes). I had several belly dance aunties who looked out for me when I was in college which was very sweet esp bc I was very far from home.

[@SahiraBellydances]

That is awesome! Thank you for sharing your story. It can be such a beautiful intergenerational experience for sure.

[@elia-qw2pg]

Omg 🤦🏻‍♀️ bellydance is an art. How can an artist stop being an artist??

[@SahiraBellydances]

I know, right!? I totally agree.

[@Kitten-girl606]

Ur AMAZING!!!!❤

[@amandasmith9297]

Offended!!! You look like you're in your 20s. Maybe they are jealous. I'm 51, have disabilities...one being a horrible bad back. But I'm an advanced bellydance student. I've been a consistent student and dedicated to staying in shape...it's important for me to keep moving bc if I do, I lose mobility and suffer more pain if I sit too long. You keep dancing!! Nvm the nay sayers

[@SahiraBellydances]

You go girl! I love that you continue to dance to help keep your body limber and in shape. It's so important as we age to keep moving (even though it definitely gets more challenging and I have to spend more time stretching...) I am convinced this dance is the fountain of youth. Keep on dancing!

[@Faranah1015]

I’m 72 and didn’t start belly dancing until I was almost 50. I love everything about this art form. True I’m plumper than is fashionable and my hair is white. Oh well. If dance brings you joy others will see your joy and overlook the imperfections.

[@SahiraBellydances]

I agree! The joy that dancer's express when they are really feeling the music is so infectious. Keep dancing... it truly is the fountain of youth!

[@markholder4944]

Oh my gosh you can totally still perform at any gig out there. You look amazing. And I’m saying that even for the mainstream muggle community. As sad as the stereotypes are, you still fit the standard they would expect. Even though I don’t buy into this or think we should- just sayin 😂

[@LaReginaPatrizia]

You look great but I know of dancers who are still gigging and dancing in their 50s and 60s.

[@SahiraBellydances]

And I love that! I just always made the assumption that no one would want to watch me once I was older than 40 and I let that get in my way. I will admit that I'm completely happy spending most of my time teaching, and only performing when I am specifically requested… But it thrills me to know that there are women older than I am still regularly dancing on the professional stage!

[@madamem7856]

Let's just keep on dancing and living life! If anyone is offended by a mature bellydancer, well don't let the door hit you on your way out! 😂

[@SahiraBellydances]

Agreed!

[@noizeemama3697]

I loved it but quit in 2020. I just can't get back into it. I was already having problems with my knees, weight, asthma...broke my rib and added 60+ pounds. I gave up. I kind of miss dancing. My troupe has all moved on and most stopped dancing also. Only one joined a friend of mine's troupe. I'm so glad she did. The rest of us are like, yeah, my body hurts. I will be 60 in a few months. Don't know how to motivate myself any more.

[@SahiraBellydances]

Oh, beautiful woman... this makes me so sad to hear! 2020 was a difficult year and I think it took its toll on a lot of people's motivation. The biggest thing I have learned over the years is that I cannot wait for motivation to come to me… I have to get moving to create it. Find a way to create a tiny dance win in your day today. Put on some music you love and move in a way that feels good to your body right now. Tell yourself that you will do it for three minutes and then you'll stop. And if that feels good, do it tomorrow for four minutes… And then continue to build your momentum that way. I also definitely recommend connecting with a community of people who will support you whether it is in person or virtually online! I believe you may already be a part of my Facebook group, but just in case here is the link for you to join. I would love for you to come in and introduce yourself. If you share your story with others, you will find you are not alone in this could be hugely Motivating when you know you are surrounded by others who are working through it, just like you are. facebook.com/groups/shimmysociety

[@noizeemama3697]

@@SahiraBellydances yep I"m in your group. Some of us mentioned in one of the groups (could have been in Ansuya's) that we were struggling with this. I asked those people if they wanted to get an online group together to help hold each other accountable and to practice together. No takers.

[@carolritscher6533]

I love this I’m 38 !

[@nsanenthembrane]

Whoever said that is jealous of you

[@SahiraBellydances]

Very real possibility. Or maybe he was just a troll. 😝

[@shelleysquires7225]

Sure, I felt that way, too old, too fat, when I started belly dancing at almost 40. Now, at 68, I am wise enough to know that bellydance, like any movement art, requires us to change as we age. We are not the same, our bodies are not the same, and we cannot expect them to do what they always did. If we want to continue dancing as we age, we must be flexible in our mind, and let the body lead. 💃💃💃

[@SahiraBellydances]

Wise words... thank you! I will admit that it's sometimes hard to accept the changes happening to my body - especially when I see it affect my dance. I will work on my flexibility. ☺️

[@GhostofaSiren]

The moves in belly dance are really healthy for women and girls of ALL AGES. That guy is dumb. I started practicing every day in my mid 30s (maybe 4 years or so ago). I'm obese and have a lot of issues with pain and it makes me feel better and is a fun way to get my cardio in and loosen up my lower back. I've been interested in it for a very long time, but I actually dance a bit better than I did when I was younger, despite my age/weight/pain, because I actually practice it regularly now. It's part of my day to day life, and I love it.

[@SahiraBellydances]

I am so happy that belly dance is such a positive influence in your life and helps you feel good. It is a great low-impact body safe way to get movement into your day (not to mention so creative and fun)! Keep up the great work and keep on dancing, fabulous woman!

[@judithcisneros4097]

Ok. I agree and love all the comments below. I have had mixed feedback from audience members - most of whom are very supportive. I have not received that comment directly....but! But, I have felt very discouraged when I look at the expression on some audience members' faces when I perform ever since my body started changing and aging. I especially remember one event where I was dancing with my troupe and I looked out at the audience and saw a group of people with such a variety of expressions, going from disgusted, to flabbergasted (not in a positive way) to outraged, to actually looking away and ignoring me. I am a performing artist and I feed off the vibe of the audience and I give them my "all" when I perform. I was so embarrassed and heartbroken by their reactions that I did not care to stay until the end of the event with the rest of my dancers. At the time I was 66 with white hair, I am short, I am chubby. I was devastated. I continue to give class and perform - but never with the same enthusiasm as I did before. This is indeed a thing. I really, really, truly love this video and feel loved and supported by your comments. Thank you Sahira! I love you!

[@SahiraBellydances]

I am so sorry that you've had this experience! It is incredibly discouraging, and it makes me angry that people would attend an artistic performance and then respond so visibly that way. Please keep dancing… I love that you are continuing to give classes and performing. Don't let others judgment curb your enthusiasm! You and I both know the incredible power of this dance… We can't let others dictate how we move our bodies! Big hugs to you. 💖

[@FDanceIn]

This is one of those things/superficial impressions most people get from mass media about belly dance, and the majority of them have absolutely no idea what this dance is. They only see some type of girls with some type of garment. 🧚‍♀️ Sadly, this applies to even among dancers(all kinds of dance including belly dancers themselves) in general. Education is the key, I agree. What a long and hard way...🥲 I wonder if you've seen dancer "Joana Saahirah" who's been sharing her insight and putting her unique work on her own educational content. She calls herself who dances "Egyptian dance," and her sharing words have real deals since she also has been doing, learning, teaching, guiding it for ages like you have.

[@SahiraBellydances]

I have not heard of Joana! I will definitely look her up. Thank you for the suggestion. 💖

[@mrriqqman]

Brian the drummer here who jammed with you on Tiktok. The comment made by the muggle was BS... youre a great dancer and a superb ziller

[@SahiraBellydances]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words.