In Middle Eastern culture, it's acceptable to move from the center, to use the belly, hips and thighs. Belly dancing honors and fosters the bodies we have rather than hiding or holding them in. That why it's such a joy - it's freeing. It lowers your blood pressure, strengthens your back, and firms your thigh and butt muscles. Hence the soft belly.
Extra flesh enhances the movement.
You can see the energy moving through the body, celebrating strength and health.