Social Sciences Project Abstract
ACCEPTING OUR BODIES: BELLY DANCING AND CONFIDENCE
Presenter:
Sydney K. Null, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; squit@imsa.edu
Advisor:
Ms. Nancy Todnem, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Wellness, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5055; todnem@imsa.edu
Abstract:
Belly dance is an art form that cultures in the Middle East have enjoyed for thousands of years. This Inquiry is focused on the effects of the practice of belly dance on the body image and confidence of westernized teenage girls. My research was done by surveying a subject group of ten volunteers, ten separate times (once initially, two incrementally, three pre-class and postclass, and one concluding). With the surveys, I analyzed the immediate and long term effects (recorded on a Lichert scale) that belly dance had on the subjects' body images. On the whole, belly dance was proven to have a positive effect on the body image and confidence of the study group. These findings are similar to the research of Vicario and Chambliss (2001), in which 77% of the study group said they felt better about themselves after dancing. More testing will have to be done to determine the differences in effect between belly dance and other forms of dance. The significance of this research is that in a culture where the female body is often subject to harsh criticism, belly dance might be a way for some women to promote health and bolster confidence.