The pregnant belly dancer dances on...

I haven't posted on my dance classes lately, and since it's my dance night, I thought the timing was ideal. :) I'll be 26 weeks pregnant on Monday, and I'm still going strong. My turns are suffering due to my center of gravity being shifted, but that's the only major factor aside from THE MUSCLE. That would be the pesky right side groin muscle rearing its ugly head again. *shudder* Happily, this muscle is no longer affecting my daily walks, but it's most definitely impacting my dancing. I'm usually ok for an hour or so, but by time we hit an hour and a half, it starts aching. As well, certain lower body 3/4 shimmies and undulations can trigger it too.

I've just been modifying my movements as the ache strikes. So far, it's ok, but we'll see as my pregnancy advances. I'm approaching the third trimester, and without a doubt things will get more difficult.

Tomorrow night, we have a performance at a charity event, and I have to admit, I'm a bit apprehensive. It doesn't help that we're performing shortly after 8 o'clock in the evening, which by my standards these days is "sorta late." I'll be tired. Plus, I've been terrified to try my costume on. Not good. So far this pregnancy, I've gained 14 pounds, which is completely within the normal range, and I'm actually quite pleased with. But obviously, at 6 and a half months, I have a noticeable baby bump. And I can tell that the relaxin in my body is doing its job and widening my pelvis in preparation for birth. I'm a tad nervous that my skirt isn't going to zip, or else it will zip but be so far below my belly that it will slip down unacceptably. I'm going to try it on tonight before class and pray for the best.

In April, we have a dancer from Canada coming to give a workshop that I'd really like to attend, followed by an informal in-studio hafla. By that point, I honestly don't know about the hafla. I'll have to see how I'm feeling next month. It doesn't start until 9 pm, and I simply don't know if I'll make it that long. My teacher has assured me that I can wear whatever I want, so at least I won't have to worry about squeezing into my costume at 8 months pregnant!

But so far, it's going great, I really can't complain. I'm very grateful to have the blessing of this dance form in my life, and that I've been able to continue it so far this pregnancy. Joy is truly found in the simple things.