Belly dancing is rapidly gaining popularity in gyms and dance studios around the U.S. It's a fun and sexy way to raise your heart rate and shimmy away those extra pounds clinging to your middle. Recent research shows that excess fat stored around the abdomen -- indicated by a waist-to-hip ratio measurement -- is a strong predictor of heart disease, especially in women.

A traditional Middle Eastern folk dance celebrating births and weddings, belly dance uses isometric movements of the hips, abdomen, rib cage, arms and shoulders to tone and strengthen your tummy, glutes and thighs. Movements include a basic hip lift and drop -- working the hips, obliques and thighs -- combined with rapid hip and shoulder shimmies and snake-like arm movements that provide overall muscle definition. Its a challenging and entertaining way to exercise and lose weight! Try the washing machine shimmy or some simple lower undulations at home!

"When I was a child, I was a dreamer. I read comic books, and I was the hero of the comic book. I saw movies, and I was the hero in the movie. So every dream I ever dreamed has come true a hundred times. I learned very early in life that: 'Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain't got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend - without a song.' So I keep singing a song." -- Elvis Presley acceptance speech for the 1970 Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation Award.

On August 16, 1977, the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley, died of heart failure. This week, as many as 10,000 fans from around the world have come to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee to honor the memory of Elvis on the 29th anniversary of his death, and to visit his gravesite.

During Elvis Week, you can visit the official Elvis Presley website and leave a message on the Elvis Week Virtual Wall. In the biography of Elvis published at the website it states: "His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture."

During his lifetime, Elvis starred in 33 movies, sold over one billion records -- more than any other artist -- and his work earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, who calls Elvis the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, paid tribute to him with its first exhibit devoted to a single artist. The exhibit opened August 8, 1998. Outside of Graceland, it was the largest collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia ever assembled for display.