There is a common idea that is pervasive in raqs sharqi and fusion “bellydance.” So:

Are “muscular” movements safer than “skeletal” movements?

There is no such thing as a “skeletal” movement!

This fear of what is sometimes called “skeletal” movement demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of human functional anatomy.

Muscles cannot push, they can only pull. All movement is created by muscles pulling on bones at the joint they cross. ALL movement involves muscular action.

Muscles also can’t “fall asleep.”

Unless there is a major neurological injury.

A lot of the confusion in the world of raqs sharqi and fusion dance is probably an issue of terminology.

We are a particular kind of movement form in that we sometimes choose to actively contract or flex some muscle groups more than others.

But just because we’re not actively trying to contract a muscle, doesn’t mean it’s not working!

So your “knee” shimmy?

…is also using your glutes, quads, and hamstrings, just like your “glute” shimmy.

We’re just choosing to actively add a little extra contraction on top to change the movement quality. Which is totally valid – but it’s incorrect to say that the other shimmy is unsafe because “the muscles aren’t activated” – they are activated!

If they weren’t, you’d simply fall down!

You don’t need to squeeze everything tight all the time.

You can choose to, of course! And as previously mentioned, we sometimes choose to for certain aesthetic purposes (like creating a belly roll!).

But you’re not making yourself safer with the extra “squeezes.” You’re just changing how the movement looks and feels.

Sometimes if we have a specific pain or injury, it can be helpful to avoid certain movements for a while. But it doesn’t mean that movement or way of moving is inherently dangerous. Human bodies are great at adapting to stressors.

Did you learn something new about muscles? I’m glad!

My name is Siobhan Camille.

I’m an exercise scientist and a professional dancer.

I love helping dancers get better, stronger, and more resilient.

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