Sensuous… Scarred… Sacred. Belly is an intimate peek into the personal lives of several belly-dancers who have been profoundly affected by this unique dance form.

BELLY is an intimate peek into the personal lives of several belly-dancers who have been profoundly affected by this unique dance form – including the director herself. Sometimes referred to as Middle-Eastern Dance, it has evolved beyond its origins, and the dancers presented in this documentary share a distinctly American experience.

The belly-dancers come from different backgrounds and have different levels of experience, from full-time professional dancers to hobbyists. Some have been dancing for decades while others have only danced for a few years.

Samira Il Naia takes her unique style of dance to a national competition, Jamela and Calypso, come from LDS backgrounds are belly-dancing that allows them to relive the fun and excitement they felt as kids taking dance classes. Amy Sigil and Shelli Decant, with no previous dance experience, helped form the innovative and award winning dance troupe Unmata, Delilah regularly dances and performs with one of her daughters, and Mahisha dances to heal herself from stage four cancer. Belly-dancing fits into each of their lives in different ways, and helps them face the challenges and celebrate the joys of their lives.