Dance Of Desire

Shakira was right, hips don’t lie. But how do you get them to signal you’re ready for sex?

- Anupama Bijur

Those who claim to have two left feet when it comes to dancing are admitting to more than one deficiency. The unsaid one has dire implications for their mating game. Scientific research proves that dancing is crucial to coupling. If words fail you, the language of dance has plenty of moves to deliver your message explicitly. It’s also a refreshing change when used as foreplay.

Studies show that men with high levels of testosterone dance differently from those with lower levels—and women prefer the first. What’s more, partners of men high on testosterone have more orgasms than partners of less hormonally charged men. Similarly, women move their hips differently when they’re at the fertile stage of their menstrual cycles, and men find this irresistible.

Dancing is also self-affirming. The fact that you’re having fun while doing it is a bonus. Sedona Soulfire, an American belly dancer, says she finds it a way to honour women’s bodies and the power of creation. She says, “I feel proud to see women get more confident and comfortable with their bodies, and also clear their negativity.” And the best part about dancing—whether it’s belly dancing, salsa, Bharatanatyam or freestyle—is that it comes instinctively (with a little help from YouTube tutorials).