Shakira's Belly Dancing Discovery  1/28/06

Latin pop star Shakira discovered her trademark hip-shaking dance moves after watching a belly dancer perform.

The Colombian beauty now credits the dance style with helping her overcome crippling shyness.

She says, "I was mesmerized and when I got home I started repeating every move I saw.

"I fell in love with the idea of performing in front of a live audience.

"I always felt the stage was the only place where I was completely uninhibited because usually I'm shy, although I've learned how to cover it.

"Belly dancing puts you in touch with your most sensual aspects."