Britney Spears And Shakira Spark Bellydance Popularity

Dana Bisbee of the Boston Herald reports there is an explosion in the popularity of belly dancing thanks to the success of belly-baring Britney Spears and Shakira, amongst other pop stars. “MTV is responsible,” said Melinda Heywood, who teaches belly dance at Daughters of Rhea in Newton. “There’s a lot more interest in the dance, and it’s because of Shakira and Britney. College students come and say, ‘Can you make me dance like that?’ Later, they get beyond that and want to learn the art form.”