Since God gave me stuff that shakes, I dare not waste it in shakelessness. For I have it on good authority that talents are not to be hidden or buried. It would seem that mine are pretty exposed. Yup, I am that righteous.

Recently, I began belly dancing again after taking a few years off. I joined a class with hips of all skills. As with previous courses, no criticizing appearances was allowed in this class’s hallowed mirrored halls. We undulating ladies celebrated the loveliness of the feminine form, stretch marks and extra padding and all.

After eight weeks of lessons, my group performed at a laidback function at the Provo Farmer’s Market. Fortunately, a downpour predicted to hit mid-routine didn’t materialize until much later that day. The wind didn’t get the memo about the delay though. A breeze gusted as we shimmied, which made our veils completely unruly. Still, wild wardrobes and all, it was a memorable experience performing on park grass to a leisurely crowd.

Belly dancing isn’t anything like the seductive business it has been popularized as. For me, it’s a pleasant way to exercise my core with amazing women and appreciate that real beauty comes in many dimensions. Also, I love to dance and, surely, God didn’t give me bouncy hips for nothing.