Courtesy of stars like Shakira, belly dancing has become an
international sensation. And why not? Belly dancing is great exercise,
and it's an art that anybody can practice and, with time and patience,
perfect. If you want to know how to belly dance on your own, just follow
these steps.
Getting Into Position
1. Stretch.
Getting warmed up before you start to dance will keep you from
straining a muscle or getting injured. Just bend down to touch your
toes, roll your neck and shoulders, and stretch your wrists to feel nice
and loose. If you can do a backbend, do one to help stretch out your
stomach muscles.
2. Turn on the right music.
Any music with a strong repetitive base will help get you in the
right frame of mind. Try to use some music of Middle Eastern origin and
gain an understanding of the rhythms. There are many pieces of Arabic
music that are composed specifically for belly dance and contain musical
cues which will help you to understand when to make earthy movements
and when to make flowing, graceful movements. Being able to dance to
middle eastern music will help you to gain appreciation for belly dance.
3. Get in a starting position.
Begin in a position so that your upper body is straight. Don't arch
your back or hunch. Tuck in your butt so that it also aligns with your
back. Bend your knees slightly and never, ever, lock them. Your feet
should be parallel and about a foot apart. Your chin should be raised
slightly, and your shoulders should be bent gently back.
4. Lift your arms and flex your stomach slightly.
Use your stomach muscles to 'pull' or lead your hip movement; the
lower back should not have a large arch. Some schools insist on the
stomach pulling from the start, in order to train your stomach. Lift
your arms in the air so that they're slightly above parallel to the
ground and lift your wrists slightly.
Mastering the Technique
1. Master the side to side move and the back and forth move.
For the side to side move, just drop your left hip to raise your
right hip, and then drop your right hip to raise your left. Start slowly
until you perfect this motion, and then speed up until you're shimmying
your hips. For the back and forth move, just move your hips back and
forth, using the center of your pelvis to make the movement look
graceful.
2. Make small circular movements with one side of your hips at a time.
Try 'drawing' little circles in the air with your one side. As you
get the hang of it, try 8's, arcs, and swirls. Don't forget your other
side. One side will always be easier, or stronger, depending on whether
you are left or right handed. Keep your arms lifted, a slight smile on
your face, and your fingers moving as you master these techniques.
3. Combine your moves.
You don't have to belly dance using the same motion all the time.
Once you master a few techniques, you can switch things up. Do the left
hip circle, the right hip circle, two right hip circles followed by two
left, or move your hips back and forth and then transition into moving
them from side to side. Remember to continue using your stomach to pull
your hips in different directions.
Mastering the Stomach Ripple
1. Practice making the stomach ripples that cause the back and forth movements.
There are three main muscles that you will use: (1) a crescent shaped
muscle just above the pubic area; (2) The area between the 1st muscle
and below the navel; (3) just above the navel to your ribs (the one that
hurts when you laugh too hard).
2. Try isolating or clenching each muscle individually.
Isolate the first muscle group, then the second, and then the third.
Once you can isolate and clench these muscles, you'll be on your way to
doing the stomach ripple. Work on clenching and releasing them
individually and then combine the movements.
Tips
Your head needs to remain level while you move.
Use music that you are familiar with, to start off, especially
something you already dance to (like perhaps Shakira). In fact, if you
are really interested in the Shakira style, just watch one of Shakira's
videos and try to follow along. Even though she dances fast, just take
every step slow so you can learn. Try using YouTube so you can stop and
start the video as needed.
Bare your middle so you can see the movements.
Use anklets and bangles to add jingles that detract from beginner movements.
If there are none available, buy yourself a full-length mirror to
practice with, a fringed shawl for around your hips, and a few belly
dance videos. Recommended: "Veena and Neena's Sensual Art of Bellydance"
series, "Dolphina's Goddess Workout Video", or Amira's "Bellydance 101"
DVD.
Try rapid hip 'flicks', as if you're swatting a fly away with your hips.
Start with bare feet or sneakers. No heels.
Don't be self conscious. Have a little confidence and lots of fun. Feel sexy!
Arm movements look better when your fingers are extended gracefully. Swirly movements look especially good.
Sign up for a local class. Be aware that there are different styles
of belly dance, from traditional Egyptian to modern Tribal. Your
instructor can tell you what he/she is teaching.
Move with flat feet, and keep your feet hip-width apart for balance.
This looks great in hipsters!
Take local classes if you can. It's a completely different (and better) experience than videos or articles.
Try getting a hip scarf with jingles or coins. The extra sound
really helps the overall feel. Some accessories, like chain belts, come
with little bells. These will do if coin hip scarves aren't available.
Warning
Always warm up before belly dancing and cool down afterwards.
Take it slow don't move your hips too fast.
Don't lock your knees.
Don't step on your heel.
Always be careful not to strain yourself.
Dance teachers vary in their teaching techniques and what they
teach; if possible look around before deciding who to go to for lessons.
They will usually advertise their classes in such shops if they
support this. It can be a pain if all you want to do is learn the dance,
and move on as the teachings do not physically enhance the look of the
dance, or help with techniques, etc.
