Thats not true! There is a t-shirt they sell at the dance shop for one of the studios I dance at that says "Bigger girls make better bellydancers" I love it! One of the reasons I started bellydancing rather than ballet or tap again is because I always felt too fat to be a real dancer. Like I didnt deserve the title or the opportunity to dance with the fit, graceful, pretty girls. I know now thats a load of BS but still, that was the source of my apprehension. One of the things I like about belly dance classes is that there are literally women of EVERY size moving gracefully and looking beautiful while they do it. Helped put a lot of perspective into what makes a woman lovely, and helped me to banish that horribly unhealthy and self-destructive mindset I carried with me for so long.

Wow, I want that shirt haha. Yeah I've had my eye on bellydancing for a while too, partially for the same reasons as you and also because I feel way to uncoordinated for anything else. Hm, you've inspired me. I think I'm going to pick up a DVD to get my feet wet, and do the class in the spring! Thanks!

You're lovely in both photos! Don't let other people shame you or distract you from the impressive changes you've made in your body - you've worked hard and earned the right to show off your trim stomach!

Wowzers! Congratulations!!!

Nice! You look great and your photos are inspiring!

You look amazing!! Thanks so much for sharing!!

WOW one year? That is quite impressive.

You look absolutely beautiful! Very inspiring! Hard work pays off.

You look GREAT! Congratulations on your hard work!

Awesome

Thanks for posting the pics. I'm similar - 185 (now 180) wanting to get to 140. This helps motivate me and to remind me that there's a nice body just a few months away for me. Thanks!

you look awesome i cant wait to be comfortable like that....

Great job!

Not offended here...not one bit...