The Meaning Of Names: Michiko

What does the name “Michiko” mean? Your name is much more than just a name!

M is for mighty, your inner strength.

I is for impressive, your list of qualities.

C is for cuddle, those intimate moments you cherish.

H is for humble, a saintly quality.

I is for ideals, no higher!

K is for keen, your sense of honesty.

O is for old fashioned, you cherish the past.

The name “Michiko” is of Japanese origin and it means “Beauty, Wisdom”. It’s a name commonly given to girls.

According to the 1927 U.S. Social Security Administration data, the name “Michiko” is not a popular baby girl’s name in Hawaii. Imagine that, only 9 babies in Hawaii have the same name as you in 1927. Across the entire United States a total of only 22 babies also bear the same first name during the same year. The highest recorded use of the name “Michiko” was in 1924 with a total of 34 babies.

Since 1910, your name was recorded 446 times in American baby names history.

Source: The Meaning of Names

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Professional Belly Dance

Belly Dance or “Raks-sharki” is an exotic dance that originated from the Middle East, which according to some historians was first viewed by Napoleon Bonaparte in Egypt. Interestingly, this dance became a worldwide craze as women from all ages flocked health clubs, dance schools and fitness centers to experience traditional belly dancing.

For some, it was a good work-out that meet their fitness regimen. But for those who truly absorbed the techniques as well as the culture, they decided to become a professional belly dancer. So what exactly is professional belly dance?

Professional belly dance is a lifelong passion to master the advanced routines of this dance. This could also mean appreciating middle Eastern music to feel the rhythm needed in executing the sensual moves in this dance. Also, studying the historical background of the dance would be helpful to learn the various types of Belly dance styles that have evolved. Professional belly dance techniques can be achieved by enrolling in belly dance schools that require certification test for every level.

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Male Belly Dancing

Belly Dancing has been a worldwide craze that millions of women eagerly pursued. Almost all fitness centers offered belly dancing classes that were customized to meet the fitness regimen of active women. Similarly, local dance clubs started belly dancing classes that enlisted women of all ages and cultures. Even belly dancing costumes were always on demand from shops and instructors ran from one booking to another just to teach women groups. Behind all of this frenzy, male belly dancing has slowly evolved through the centuries.

Historically, male belly dancing has already been practiced as early as the time of the Ottoman Empire. Some historic documents report that male belly dancers existed during the Ottoman empire as substitute for women who were forbidden by religion to dance and engage in revelry. The male belly dancers were known as rakkas while female dancers were termed as rakkase. Since Muslim culture is very strict on women’s behavior, it was very rare to see a woman belly dancer then.

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Learn Belly Dance

Belly Dance also traditionally known as “raks sharki” is one of the world’s popular dance style that millions of women worldwide have been pursuing due to its numerous benefits. Although this dance is reputed to have originated from the Middle East, women from all races do belly dancing with all zest and vigor. There are belly dance festivals in the US, Canada, Australia, Ireland and just about any part of the globe where women love to dance.

Why shouldn’t they when Belly Dance is a very effective method of losing weight especially when done regularly. The gyrating movements of belly dance is known to have helped women prepare for childbirth in ancient times. Aside from the physical fitness aspect, belly dance is an interesting dance due to the colorful costumes and exotic props that belly dancing enthusiasts can use.

People who are interested to learn belly dance can shop around various dance clubs. Due to its popularity, most dance clubs ( even fitness centers and health clubs ) offer belly dancing lessons. People studying belly dance would find themselves in a public class where there are as much as 20 students. There are even belly dancing lessons for senior citizens which can be considered as less costly but interesting.

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Gypsy Bellydancing

Gypsy bellydancing is another variation of belly dancing which originated in Turkey. Traditional belly dancing has its roots from Middle Eastern Folkloric dance and believed to have originated from Turkey during the Ottoman Empire. Later, a group of people from other lands like India and Europe combined their own belly dance techniques that later became gypsy bellydancing.

Gypsy belly dancing is a variation of the original belly dance but it includes the basic belly dance techniques and movements. Even the old folkloric steps from Middle East are incorporated into the dance routine. It also shares the same belly dance jargon so same “raks-sharki” moves are familiar. One of the main difference found in gypsy belly dancing is the high energy involved in performing the dance.

While traditional belly dance is slow and sensual which makes it very expressive, gypsy belly dancing is quite festive. Usually, additional props such as tambourines, finger cymbals and musical accompaniment in the background is included. The dance r can use middle Eastern music but with live violin music in the background. Guitar music is also used in this type of dance. Seeing a gypsy belly dance performance conjures images of country fairs and carnivals. Music is more lively and upbeat while the dancer is highly-energetic and entertaining.

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