ANNIITRA RAVENMOON

The ancient goddess danced to mark the changing of the seasons, with rituals of births and being a woman, as celebrations with feasts and holidays.  Dancing is an ancient art and has history and culture ingrained with each movement.  Anniitra Ravenmoon has been dancing since the mid 70’s.  Taught by June Jones at a community class in Lynwood, CA.  Since that time Ravenmoon has studied or performed with Feiruz Aram, Angelika Nemeth and Shareen El Safy….all world renown belly dancers.

“Belly dance is an ancient art form,” stated Anniitra Ravenmoon.  “It builds strength, muscles from the inside out, increases discipline and self-esteem.”  In fact belly dance is now creating bridges across cultures having found its way into the mainstream through music videos and its healing properties.  Belly dance is a great for inch loss in the stomach, hips and thigh areas and as a means of cardiovascular exercise that increases weight loss and heart strength.  “Many people underestimate the benefits of bellydance,” shares Ravenmoon, “that is until they take the class.”  Stretching both before and after class as well as drinking lots of water is necessary to prevent cramping and to fully enjoy the realms of belly dance movement.  High energy with a diva attitude – bring those two elements to class with you , and Ravenmoon will have you belly dancing in little time.  Join Ebony Ice at the Black Women for Wellness belly dance class on Tuesday evening at 6:30pm, held at BWW office, 3472 Mt. Vernon Drive Los Angeles, CA.

EBONY ICE

Sisters in Motion – Black Women for Wellness physical fitness and nutrition program has given birth to the African American Belly dance troupe – Ebony Ice.  What started as a means of increasing physical fitness through fun and engaging exercise classes has blossomed into a group of women ready to take on the world through belly dance.  This belly dance class idea was fueled through one woman’s experience with relief of menstrual cramps, another watching music videos and Black women for Wellness staff willing to be creative with avenues to increase physical fitness. 

Belly Dance has a legacy of its own.  Many attribute belly dance as an art form originating with Middle Eastern/African (Egyptian) cultures…but stone carvings and paintings are found in ancient India as well.  It is a dance performed by women (some men now) as ritual, as a healing tool and as celebration.  Popular misconceptions include this dance being solely one of sexual invitation toward men.  Belly dance is performed for/by both men and women, and is more encompassing than simply sex.  It builds stamina, strengthens muscles and celebrates women. 

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