I used to have a lot of back pain. I don't have that anymore. I also really feel like I've accomplished something when i work out- I can feel the improvement in my body. Plus I love creating art!

It's given something for my busybusy little gemini mind to focus on, and there are so many little bits to occupy myself with...if there isn't actual dance practice, there is music editing to do, or costuming, or make up, or hair, or going to class, all kinds of stuff. I also am amazed I've been able to keep interested in something so long, so something must be good. :P
But really ;) I've met some great people (some really crappy though, not gunna lie) and I feel so blessed to have them in my life. Some bellydancers are like my family which means so much since growing up I never really had a big family.
Hasn't helped the self esteem yet, but after years of really competitive schooling It's given me an outlet where I feel like I can safely re explore my creative side once more.

Bellydance has given me an outlet for negative or positive energy, a way to unwind, a way to feel beautiful, and a way to feel like i'm part of something.

It inspired me to dance again as I hadn't danced for many years and now I've been bellydancing for the last three years and will continue!

ive only just started leaning this year but i love it. im a stay at home mom so class twice a week is wonderful break. it keeps me active and the whole time im in class i dont think about a single thing other than trying to make my body do something specific. its like a mini mental vacation.
for me its also great to be doing something entirely for myself i think its helping with my sense of identity. being a parent and staying at home its so easy to just become nothing but "mom" so in learning this beautiful art form its gives me something else to aspire to be all while having fun learning.

One word: Confidence. Confidence in EVERYTHING I do. :-)

It's great exercise and it's helped me be more accepting of alternative people.

I initially came to this as a way to reclaim my body so to speak. I carried the weight of a rape in pre-adolescence for years and it seriously messed with my self-esteem and body image. Last year I started classes and it's really made me embrace the femininity that I thought I'd lost and sensuality that I didn't even think I had. I still have a ways to go, but I've broken down barriers by performing solos, at the encouragement of my instructors and the dancers at the studio, and have had support from my family and my friends to keep with it because they see the visual change in my attitude.

And I can definitely say it's helped me physically. When I started last year, I was upwards of 248lbs. I am down to 220lbs and many inches. I've lost two full sizes and the current size seems to be getting looser already. I was a 24 last year. I'm moving through a 20 now. The goal is to be in a 16 by the end of the year. It's actually helped my fibromyalgia and I'm amazed at how much of my flexibility has been regained. I've also by extension gotten more studious about yoga practice and pilates.

Spiritually, it's centered me, grounded me. It's been a huge lift for me. I feel at peace once I'm dancing. Classes are my way to escape the stresses of the day.