Maternal Dance™

Dance Your Way to Birth

Prenatal dance was practiced thousands of years ago in the middle east. Originally called the womb dance, the mother of what we call belly dance today, these were movements women performed with and for each other. They toned the birthing muscles, kept a woman’s body supple and strong and prepared her for the journey of creation and birth. Not only do these ancient movements soothe pain, cramps and tension, they also release those feel-good endorphins that give you that effortless “glow,” they increase body and breath awareness and are a beautiful way to connect with your baby during your pregnancy, giving you the “birth muscle” for delivery.

I know this because I have danced my way through two pregnancies. My experiences were organic and enlightening, and my body bounced back beautifully. I fell so in love with this process that I created Maternal Dance™ and became a Certified Perinatal Fitness Expert soon after. I set about creating a process that every woman could use to tune in and really listen to the rhythms of her body; an experience that was relaxed, empowering and fun.

Maternal Dance™ combines delicious stretching, core and pelvic floor strengthening, belly and Latin dance moves, and guided imagery for one hour of maternal mojo. As you move through this process your body will become stronger, even as your belly is growing. Your hips will open, back pain will virtually disappear and you will really understand what it means to listen to your body and your breath in a whole new way.

My students tell me that as they dance their way through each stage of their pregnancy, embracing their changing curves, they feel stronger, more confident, more beautiful and, dare I say sexier, than they ever have before!

*No dance experience is necessary; includes modifications for all stages of pregnancy; appropriate for all fitness levels. Follows the prenatal exercise guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and includes low-impact dance and exercise specifically designed for pregnant women.

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Can’t make it to class? Dance in the privacy of your own home on your own time with The Prenatal Belly Dance Workout DVD, or Download a workout to suit your fitness level and trimester.

***For private sessions call 917.907.2025 or click here.

KEY Benefits

  • Experience the joy of dance, the benefits of exercise, designed specifically for pregnancy.
  • Reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Prepare your body and build endurance for labor.
  • Eliminate pregnancy discomforts such as back pain and leg cramps.
  • Practice core and pelvic floor strengthening and flexibility work appropriate for pregnancy.
  • Set yourself up to bounce back to your pre-baby body – or better!

FAQs

What is Maternal Dance?

Maternal Dance is a prenatal dance program to enjoy free-flowing exercise and creative movement to celebrate your pregnancy and safely prepare, mentally and physically, for labor and delivery in a supportive setting.

What are the benefits of this class for moms-to-be?

You will experience organic and natural flowing movement that prepares your body for labor, learning flexibility and core-strengthening exercises appropriate for pregnancy, while literally moving pregnancy discomforts to ease back pain, leg cramps and sciatica. In addition, stress levels decrease and you will feel more comfortable and confident in your changing body to enjoy your pregnancy.

How will Maternal Dance prepare me for labor and delivery?

Maternal Dance is not only a fun way to prepare for labor as you increase body-awareness, maintain flexibility and build strength and endurance for delivery, your experience in class will leave you feeling invigorated and empowered to go through labor with a veteran teacher who is thorough and intuitive.

At what stage of pregnancy can I start class, and how close to my due date can I dance?

Any form of prenatal exercise should not be about getting in shape. The aim is to get in shape for labor. There are modifications for each trimester and class size is limited to get personalized attention. As long as you feel good and have doctor/midwife approval, you can start at any stage of pregnancy.

How do your clients respond to this class, good results?

Maternal Dancers often come back to after birth to share how attending class helped them have “the birth of their dreams,” and that Maternal Dance prepared them to enjoy their babies in the early “daze” of motherhood. Witnessing the mamas faces and energy levels as they leave class is probably the most confirming and joyful to witness.

Do I need dance experience to attend Maternal Dance?

No dance experience is necessary, and what’s old is new again. Just as we have rediscovered the importance of the role of a doula, prenatal dance was the original form of exercise to help a woman birth her baby and celebrate the life growing inside of her. Non-dancers will learn the natural movements that benefit the rhythm of the birthing process, and just like any dance technique, dancers discover a dance form that is designed specifically for their pregnant body to prepare for labor and delivery – everyone benefits!

What people are saying

Alison Jagtiani
Founder, Gogi Gourmet
“Your class will always have a special place in my heart because it was part of my labor! I truly believe that being in your class the morning of Ava’s birth helped move the process along and made my whole labor and delivery much easier.”
Britt, 8 months
“This is the perfect gift for expecting mothers, or a really nice thing to do for yourself if you’re pregnant. I’m 8 months pregnant and wish I had found this sooner. This is the first time I actually felt better and had more energy and less tension afterwards.”
Debra Goodman, MSPT
“Maternal Dance is a fabulous way to get in shape during pregnancy. This class combines core strengthening and flexibility work in a way that is appropriate for the pregnant woman. In addition, the exercises prepare women for labor and delivery by helping to loosen the hips and pelvic muscles. This is a class that is fun and perfectly tailored to suit the needs of the pregnant woman.”
Laura Saba
Founder, Momdoulary
“Suzanne has created a fantastic program that we highly recommend to the expectant moms we work with.”
Elizabeth Marvel
Actress
“This class has meant the world to me. I am in my ninth month and I feel and look great, which is mainly due to Maternal Dance. The dance part of the class also reminds you that you are beautiful and sexy, which for me has been really important. Suzanne is a compassionate and wonderful teacher who has been a very important guide and support through my pregnancy. Her class is a gift.”
Reina Valdez
Model
“With your teachings during our weekly private sessions I had a wonderful experience being pregnant and delivering Jake. Having you as my pregnancy guru, coach, mentor and positive guiding light in my life truly made my 9 months and delivery day less stressful and kept my body and soul feeling awesome.”
Zoe K.
started Maternal Dance class in her third trimester DVD
“Suzanne’s Maternal Dance class has helped prepare me for my home birth. I used nearly every move she taught during my labor. Her supportive and encouraging approach to fitness and birth instilled me with confidence. She mad a special time in my life even more poignant.”
Savanah
on Amazon
“This is a great video! It works up slowly from breathing exercises into cardio. The salsa fusion is really fun, and the workout is challenging enough that I partnered up with my best friend who is not pregnant! She even touches on Kegel exercises at the end, which is helpful.”
Pilates Style Magazine
“This belly dancing routine not only promotes increased strength and balance, but it also helps reduce pregnancy discomfort and prepares your body for labor and delivery.”
SELF Magazine
“The repetitive, hipcentric, swinging moves of belly dance makes me feel good in my own body.”
KIKI SCHAFFER
Director, Parenting & Family Center, 14th St. YMCA
“Maternal Dance builds good health and high spirits. I can heartily recommend it.”