Body & Mind: Belly-Dance Boom

Sure, it's exotic and sexy, but new fans of this dance form are finding it's also a great way to stay in shape

Fahtiem is a master belly-dance instructor with no wiggle room in her schedule. She gives private lessons at her Los Angeles studio seven days a week, teaches at two colleges and is employed by three cities to offer group classes at their recreation centers. "I have enough work to keep me busy almost all day, seven days a week," she says.

She's not alone. Around the country, belly-dance classes are overflowing, belly-dance websites are jammed, and instructional tapes are selling briskly. "People get hooked," says Fahtiem, who uses one name both professionally and personally. "The next thing you know, they bring...

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