[The contribution of belly dance to body education, physical and mental health of women who go to the gym or dance].

This qualitative study aimed to examine the benefits of belly dance for the health of women who go to a gym in the interior of São Paulo state, Brazil and was based on the researchers' experience and other literature on dancing. The references were the experience of the researcher and other literature on the dance area. The sample consisted of 12 women from 16 to 40 years of age who practiced belly dance for more than three months, who received a questionnaire with open questions. The analysis of their answers demonstrated that belly dance is beneficial for an integral education that values life, improving these women's health and quality of life.