Belly dancing began in the Middle East as a way for young, lower-class women to attract husbands who would lead them to a better life.

But here in the United States, belly dancing is a way for women of all ages to express themselves -- and to get in shape.

The Middle-Eastern belly dance is regaining popularity as an exercise regimen.

From workout videos to group classes, more and more women are getting into the trend of dancing away their bellies.

"There's muscles in your body that you never knew you had until you belly danced," said belly dancing student Tracy Cooke.

Cooke has been taking belly dancing lessons for more than a decade.

"There's aspects of it, especially if you get that fast music going, you can really get your heart rate way up and burn lots of calories," Cooke said.

Cooke's teacher, professional belly dancer Yasmina, is known by day as Carol Tillinghast.

Tillinghast, a former ballet and modern dance student, says she began belly dancing as an alternative to those more regimented styles of dancing.

"When I'm on, I just feel -- I feel the music, I feel sensuous, I feel like I'm in another world," said Tillinghast.

"There's such camaraderie. Everybody comes to class, and they talk and they say, 'oh, where did you get that, or man, you're really getting good at those hip circles' or something," Tillinghast said.

And Tillinghast says you don't have to have a dance background or a perfect figure to be a successful belly dancer.

"No matter how much experience you have, no matter how big you are, or little you are, or tall or short, or whatever, you can succeed," she said.

Tillinghast's class includes all levels of belly dancers, from the experienced like Cooke to beginners.

Belly dancing is also fairly inexpensive. Tillinghast recommends you get a pair of harem pants and finger cymbals. But baring your belly is up to you.

"There are velvety dresses and veils and other things that you can do if you feel a little uncomfortable," Tillinghast said.

This weekend, you can see many of the county's top belly dancers perform at the Scottish Rite Center, when the San Diego area Middle-Eastern Dance Association presents its annual fair.

For more information about the fair and about belly dancing lessons around the county, visit The San Diego Area Middle Eastern Dance Association