Belly Dancer by Diane Wakoski

In "Belly Dancer", Wakoski talks of the dance almost as a form of self-expression for her. "Can these movements which move themselves be the substance of my attraction" (1-2). Wakoski explains the art of bellydancing as something very attractive and it sounds like she's almost drawn towards and needs it.. "Yet that movement could be their own. That smooth movement frightens them-- awakening ancestors and relatives to the tips of the arms and toes" (17-20). Wakoski describes belly dancing as something very unique and expressive. She compared a slithering snake to smooth movements of belly dancing. With this strange juxtaposition of something fearful, to something artistic, I can feel that dancing for Wakoski is something she holds very dear and uses as a form of self-expression.