How long does it take to learn belly dancing


Belly Up Dance Studio - Bellydancing

STUDIO ETIQUETTE GUIDLINES

Maintain a positive attitude.

Keep a positive mindset in class. Enjoy the journey of learning something new and exciting. 

Cell phones turned off or muted! 
All personal devices should be muted or turned off during class. If for some reason you need to use your phone, take your phone outside to use. Do not sit and text during a class. 

Good personal hygiene.

Since we dance in an enclosed space, it is essential that everyone maintains good personal hygiene in every class. 

Leave your troubles at the door. 

If you've had a rough day, we welcome you taking our class to de-stress! Just let go of negative energy as soon as you can once you get to the studio. After all, that's why you came!

Don’t leave and come back into your class.

Remember that this is a dance studio and not a gym. If you wander in and out of class for a personal breaks it is disruptive to the students in the class and the teacher.     

Leaving early.

If you have to leave early for some reason, be sure to tell your teacher before the class starts and situate yourself close to where you'll exit once you need to leave. 

Don't teach other students in class. 

While we know you're only trying to help, student's who try to teach other students during a class when the teacher is also trying to teach, only creates disruption in the class. 

Don’t talk while your teacher is teaching.

Please don't chat or whisper while the teacher is speaking or demonstrating.  If a student asks a question this is not your invitation to start chatting. Be respectful, listen and learn from the question being asked and the answer being given. Talking before class or during water breaks is fine. Just be aware enough to quiet down when the teacher is ready to start. 

Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy

BellyUp provides a safe haven for dance students to come and enjoy dance and self-expression. Acts of bullying, harassment, and other forms of aggression and/or intimidation will not be tolerated. We promote a respectful environment based on trust. Bullying or harassment is considered any gesture or written, verbal, graphic or physical act (including electronically transmitted acts such as cyber bullying via internet and social media, cell phone, hostile, threatening behavior or otherwise that would provoke fear of physical harm or emotional distress. Any negative or disruptive behavior such as this will result in the immediate dismissal of the student without refund. Please report an instances of bullying or harassment to the studio staff so that these situations can be addressed immediately. 

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

I've decided to try Bellydance, what can I expect? 

We’re so excited for you! This could be the start of a lifelong passion and a journey that could totally alter your life not to mention bring you so much joy and satisfaction. Bellydance can have transformative impact if you let it in. Anything new is challenging. Give yourself lots of time to learn and be patient with yourself. Learning the basics is key to advancing, so put your energy into building a strong foundation. This may mean you take the Intro course multiple times as most students do. Don’t worry about that. Just pace yourself. Try to attend your weekly class without missing a week. If you do miss a class try to do your make-up class within the same week so you don’t fall behind on the curriculum. And of course, practice what you learn at home. It's all about building muscle memory and this this will help you build strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination. Most of all have fun!

What is each class like? 

The course builds week to week and a short review of the previous week takes place after the warm-up. In every class a new family of movements are taught that relate to both upper and lower body. You'll be training the particular muscles required to execute every movement. And because we don't stand in the same place for an entire class, you'll also learn different travelling steps and ways to transition from in-place movement to across the floor including turns. Students love all the drills and combinations that glue one movement to the next and typically we have a few follow-alongs in every class. Prepare to get sweaty, focus and have fun. Questions are always encouraged in the class. The teacher will discuss the music being used, the rhythms and tempos so the student begins to develop an ear for the Arabic beat and music we dance to. Of course all the staple movements that you may associate with Bellydance such as hip work, figures of 8's, undulations, belly work, and shimmies are covered but there is so much more to Bellydance that we're sure will pleasantly surprise you. 

Can people see me dancing in class from the street? 

We are downstairs/lower level and there are no outside windows for people to see through. The studio offers you total privacy when you are taking the class. We do not allow spectators to watch our classes. 

May I try a class before committing to a course? 

If you would like to try a class you can register for a drop-in class. Drop-ins are $25 including HST. Payment must be 

e-transferred in advance. There are no refunds or transfers for no shows.  

What should I wear to class? 

Wear something comfortable that you can move freely in. We recommend something form-fitting so your instructor can see your body moving. Leggings, Yoga pants, tank top, t-shirt, or crop top. It is not mandatory to bare your belly, that’s entirely up to you. Bring a scarf to tie around your hips. We dance in bare feet or use ballet slippers or dance sneakers. 

How do I register for my classes? 

You can register online through our web site. Send an e-transfer to [email protected] or call with credit card.    

Refund Policy

Absolutely no refunds, transfers, extensions, carry-overs, credits on classes, workshops, or unused classes including drop-ins. Once you are registered all sales are final. You must use your classes during the session which you are registered for or you lose your unused classes.  

What happens if I miss a class? 

If you register for the full 8 week session you're entitled to 2 make-up classes per session. 

Where are you located and what are your hours of operation?

Click here for our location info. 

Where can I park? 

Downtown Burlington offers free street parking and Green P parking after 6:00pm. and on weekends. There are many parking lots around the studio to access as well as street parking.

Are your classes for all sizes and age groups?

Our classes are best suited for adult women however we encourage teens and young girls with a genuine desire to learn this dance form.  Our students are all sizes, ages, shapes and nationalities and we come together to share the universal language of Bellydance. 

How long is a session and how soon can I get started?

Our sessions are currently 8 weeks long.   Advance registration is required. You are welcome to join mid-session pending space availability.  

Which level should I register for?

Please refer to our helpful Where to Start page and read class descriptions before you register.   

How many students are in a class? 

A minimum of six students is required for a class to run. Our classes typically range from 6-15 people but we are a large studio space and can accommodate more. BellyUp reserves the right to cancel or change a class that is under-registered. 

How long will I have to stay at each level? 

This is entirely up to you and how fast you learn, how many classes you take each week and how much you practice outside of class. Generally students who do not practice and only take one class per week can look to advance one level per year. Each level has a wide range of technique that keeps classes challenging and the students growing. Expect to stay at a level long enough to master what is being taught. Your Instructor is always there to offer advice, guidance and private classes if you require and will always encourage you to move on when she sees that you are ready for more challenge. 

How long will it take until I can bellydance?

That depends on you, and how much time you can devote to practice. After 10 weeks of classes you'll know some basic movements that you can use on the dance floor for sure. Continuing beginners usually stay at that level for for 1-1.5 years. If you want to perform professionally expect at least 3-5 years of training. Belly dance is a difficult dance form to learn, and the more you practice the faster you'll progress. It may look easy but it's a very specific way of moving your body and it takes time for your body to absorb the movements. We encourage you to enjoy the journey of learning this most beautiful dance form. BellyUp offers students performance opportunities at student haflas and recitals and those who achieve performance level can enlist in BellyUp's Entertainment Agency and be booked for events, weddings, parties etc.  

I'm Middle Eastern and know how to Bellydance. What level should I take? 

While you may be very familiar with the music and common rhythms found in Middle Eastern music, dancing at parties and weddings is much different than the training for stage and performing that we provide. It is a lot like saying "I'm Russian therefore I'm a Ballerina". Learning the art form is much different than social dancing. Students no matter what their background who have never taken professional Bellydance training before should start with our Foundation Level I and move on from there. We're certain you'll be challenged throughout the entire session but it is your decision which level you would like to enroll in. 

I've never taken Bellydance before but I've taken other dance forms? 

We think it's great that you've studied other dance forms and hopefully that will help you in learning the art of Bellydance. But just like when you were learning other forms of dance you started out as a beginner, you need to do the same thing with Bellydance. Bellydance is a very particular way of movement and even though you may have taken Tap or Ballet for many years, the vocabulary of movement for Bellydance still must be learned from the roots. 

How many times a week should I come to class? 

That is totally up to you but if you are able to attend more than one class a week you will certainly see more advancement in your Bellydance skills. Our students who take Unlimited Classes advance at a faster rate due to the repetition of training they benefit from. 

How do I know how I am doing/progressing in the class? Will I get individual feedback? 

Your instructor is the best judge of your progress in relation to the rest of the class. If you have concerns about how you are doing, we recommend you schedule a private consultation with your Instructor to go over your progress and map out a plan for your advancement if this is important to you. Please keep in mind that students come to class for various reasons and not everyone cares or wants feedback. If you want more from your dance and would like your Instructor to give you on-the-spot correction whenever they see something just let them know you are open to feedback during the class. Your Instructor will always call out corrections throughout the class and we suggest to all students to assume that all constructive feedback being offered is meant for everyone to benefit from. 

Is there a student recital? 

BellyUp typically has one if not two recitals or shows each year for our students to perform in. No one is under pressure to perform but we encourage you to attend either way! Students will learn a choreography during the 12 week session prior to the event and then there will be several rehearsals leading up to the show. Your Instructor will determine the attire or costuming for the specific routine and advise their students. The studio can provide some costuming assistance or the student can purchase their own costume from BellyUp or other sources. If you are registered in more than one class it is your choice to perform multiple times in the recital. The studio reserves the right to charge a fee for student participation in recitals to help offset the studio costs of theatre rental and associated show expenses, rehearsal coaches, studio time outside of classes, provision of practice videos for students, music licensing fees, and loaner costumes. 

Can I perform? 

Students interested in learning to perform have a lot of opportunity to do so at BellyUp. First, please make it known to your teacher that you would like to pursue performance training and they will be happy to discuss with you the training you will need to get you on the right path. We have a popular Student Performer Class that is offered for students at Level 3 and up. We have frequent Hafla's at the studio where students are encouraged to perform, plus we have student performance nights at local restaurants. In addition, the Studio has one or two student recitals each year and all students are invited to perform. 

Will I get a good workout from belly dancing?

Belly dancing is an awesome way to increase core strength, tone and sculpt, improve posture and poise and build your stamina. It is a medium level aerobic exercise. All the upper and lower body isolation work and combinations/sequences of steps are also fantastic exercise for the brain!  Bellydance builds stamina, coordination, grace and poise and so much more.

Am I fit enough to Bellydance? 

It is never too late to begin Bellydancing, no matter what shape or size you are! 

How physically fit do I need to be to start taking Bellydance classes?

Before starting any new workout or physical activity you should talk to your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to start bellydance classes. We think you'll find that most physicians will encourage you to start bellydancing and look upon our dance form very favourably as a wonderful way to get in shape and stay that way.

I'm already pretty fit, can I start right away? 

If you are already in good health and have a pretty good level of fitness there's really no reason to wait. Bellydance is all for everybody and all fitness levels can enjoy it.    

Will my body be flexible enough right now?

You will see a great improvement in your flexibility and stamina as you take regular classes. Of any exercise and practice you do in between your classes will help assist you in gaining more flexibility. 

Will I be strong enough to do everything my teacher asks of me?

Unlikely to start with but you will be able to do the basics. Mastering the moves takes some time. Be patient. Practice! 

Will I feel comfortable with my body?

That depends mainly on you. Lots of women struggle with this issue and we believe Bellydance is the perfect catalyst to help you love and appreciate your body more. Moving in the Bellydancer way builds body awareness and self confidence over time. How quickly that happens is really up to you. Our major message is that you embrace the body you have, honor it and let it enjoy the movements. 

I'm not that flexible, or strong, or comfortable enough, should I do some things to get more flexible, strong, and comfortable first?

If you feel particularly weak or stiff, or if it will make you feel more confident, by all means, increase your level of overall activity safely or add simple stretching to your daily routine in the weeks before you begin your first class. But it’s really not necessary. You see as you practice or train in our classes, you gain body awareness while working on the kind of movements, flexibility, strength needed for the dance form. You will find some things in class difficult if your muscles are tight and some stretches difficult without the proper technique. A lack of strength will make some things challenging but sometimes the best way to build the strength needed is to practice the skill (provided you are practicing it properly with guidance from your teacher). With time and focus it will all become easier. And for many of you, participating in a rich and expressive art form that develops your flexibility, awareness, strength, control, and a host of other benefits, that process is more than enough. You will be getting all the benefits and enjoyment of learning to Bellydance. We have online practice videos that students can sign-up for which will help provide some at-home practice assistance. 

Is Bellydance class really enough for me in terms of getting fit?

Since we don’t know what your specific fitness goals are what we can say is that any balanced fitness routine includes aerobic fitness, strength training, core exercises, balance training, flexibility and stretching to improve aerobic capacity, body structure, body composition, balance, muscular flexibility and strength. That combined with proper nutrition helps to make one healthy and in good physical condition. A typical bellydance class certainly includes most of the above but not consistently because we first need to teach you the technique before you can actually string all the moves together enough to get all the benefits. A technique class is not designed as a fitness class, and therefore does not necessarily address ALL of your fitness needs. This is particularly true when it comes to aerobic capacity or cardiovascular endurance. We are teaching bellydance as an art form first and foremost. The fact that it does have some great fitness benefits is really the icing on the cake. The more training time you put in on the dance floor, the longer you train to become more technically advanced, the more you can do and therefore the vigorous the dance level can become. 

If you are planning to start earnestly training in bellydance by taking daily classes or multiple sessions each week you should start to see benefits very soon. If you are only taking one class per week and not bellydance training in between you should expect lesser results. 

Can I belly dance if I'm pregnant?

Historically belly dance was used as a fertility dance and also to prepare a woman for childbirth. It is a perfectly healthy form of exercise for the mom-to-be, but of course always get approval from your physician. In the third trimester we advise you to exclude shimmies, hip drops and fast travelling steps from your class and stick to the very soft, and soothing movements...figure 8's are great for the reproductive system and your digestive organs. And undulations are wonderful strengthen your abdominal muscles for the baby's delivery. Many of our students who are new moms have told us how useful their belly dancing skills were during labor.

Can't find the answer to your question? Call 416.414.1115 or email us at [email protected]. We're here to answer your questions. 

How Long Does it Take to Learn Belly Dance? • Dance Pandemic

You join to a bellydance class more than excited. You’ve been watching some belly dance youtube tutorials and you loved them. Some time ago you fell in love with Shakira movements. You even started with your first steps in bellydance.

But now that you are getting into the dance vibe, it’s time to face the reality: you are becoming aware that learning how to dance is not as easy as it seems. And the million dollar question comes to your mind.

How long is going to take me to learn how to dance?

In this post I have the crazy aim to answer this very good question. I promise I will answer it in a bit but, firstly I’d need you to consider a few things:

  • What does learning means for you?
  • What is exactly what you want to learn? Because the answer “I’d like to learn some hip movements” than the answer: “I want to learn how to dance”
  • What is the level you would like to reach? From knowing nothing to dedicate your life to dance, there are many steps you can take, and stay in the one your prefer.
  • Are you ready to work as hard as it’s needed to get your goals?

If your thoughts are racing trying to answer this questions your are making me very happy. I like people who question everything.

Keep on reading, I have more fuel to this fire.

Dance learning is an active process

“Did you say active? I just go to class as if I had a deaf ear…”

Well, good luck in your journey, my friend. Because that’s not the best way.

Learning anything requires firstly your willing and secondly your enjoyment. If your don’t enjoy what you are doing you won’t keep on practising, and if one don’t practise one doesn’t learn. Easier said than done, right?

This is the reason why one of my favourite rules is: You can only learn how to dance by dancing.

Learning processes are not an upwards straight line. It’s not like you know each day a little bit more that the previous day and it all adds constantly. This might happen in theory, I agree, but in real life there are days in which you can’t do anything right event if you had a figure eight Masters degree.

And then there are other days when you fly like Jasmine in the flying carpet.

Learning how to dance is like learning how to write. I love this analogy. Dancing is a new language for many.

Dance is a language

Let me give you a short explanation about what I mean with this:

  1. You learn the abc: basic postures, steps, movements.
  2. You start creating syllables (coordination between different parts of your body)
  3. You build your first words and easy sentences (your firsts linked steps).
  4. You write a complete paragraph (a series of linked steps).
  5. You write one chapter: a choreography with it own sense.
  6. You write a book (some people won’t write a book in their whole life and it’s ok!). 

And we could add something else: a lot of people knows how to write, but we all have a different writing style and our handwriting looks different.

We could go much deeper -like forever- on this similarity between dance and language, but I reckon you get the idea by now.

So let’s get to the next question…

Can I learn bellydance in one year?

Here I come with the absolute truth. I’m going to take the risk and give you an answer.

Learning bellydance will take you only:

  • 2 hours: if you want to learn a couple of steps and movements and show off in the disco. If this is the case you are under the risk of getting hooked willing to learn a little bit more later.
  • 1 month: if you’d like to learn a mini choreography.
  • 1 year: to start understanding what the hell are you doing with your body if you see it as a whole.
  • 3 years: to be amazed with the hidden capacities of your body.
  • A whole life: if you are like me and dancing becomes part of your life. You need your daily dose of dance to be healthy.

I know I know, I’ve been defining the whole thing very vaguely and we all have different timings! But again, you get the idea.

So how come some people learn faster than others?

There are some things you need to bear in mind to answer this question. How long will it take for you?

The time learning how to bellydance you’ll take depends on:

  • Your previous talents and capacities: It’s not the same a person with a natural math-like thinking than a gorgeous spatial perception. Of course you can always train yourself and develop capacities, but all the little things that you are good at are always a big help. If that natural talent happens to be movement in your case, then you’ll learn a bit faster than others.
  • The time and frequency you dedicate to practise.
  • Your will. Learning is an active process, and in order to learn you need to put your boy and soul on it. 
  • Your teacher. There is people that you get on easier that with other, people you like more and people you connect more. That’s a fact. Not to mention the knowledge and communication skills of your teacher.

We are lucky that bellydance is an easy dance form and not that demanding with your body in comparison with other dance forms, like ballet. You don’t need to raise a leg completely vertical at the same time you are on pointe with your other foot to be a good bellydancer.

Of course every dance form can be adapted to everybody.  After all everything that matters is what you have to tell to the world. What’s your message to put out there?.

Or even better, what do you feel when you dance?

To sum up,  and as you probably have gathered if you have read all the way here  –thank you!, we can call dance to a wide range of things, and depending on what we understand by dance it will take longer or shorter to learn.

Is it possible to learn to bellydance at home?

Starting your dancing journey from home is absolutely possible. And as usual, it all depends on your goals.

If you are interested in learning how to bellydance and have just started, you’ll love my program Bellydance With the Moon: 29 Days to Start Bellydancing. Click here to have a look at all that it’s included in the program.

And now is your turn, how long did it take you to learn bellydance? Are you still on the process? How long do you think it will take you? I want to know and I’m waiting for your reply in the comments below!

A dancing hug, 

Zahida

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Belly dance Belly dance - «Bellydance? My belly dance love story...How long does it take to learn how to dance? And what is the benefit of the female body from belly dancing? As well as my Bellydance costume collection."

Bellydance is the most feminine of all dances, helping to reveal the beauty and charm of a woman's nature, while bringing health benefits. Smooth movements of the hips, waves and spectacular shaking, penetrations - the technique of belly dance is diverse. The movements of the anterior abdominal wall-waves, shaking, belly punches make the dance special, give it its uniqueness.

And despite the fact that the dance belongs to another culture, it is very close to many people.

Belly dance (English bellydance-belly-dance, dance-dance) is a modern European name for stage dance.

The word "belldens" is consonant with the Arabic word "beledi", which literally translates as "I live here", in other words, "local".

​My introduction to the Bellydance started with discs with an initial course of Bellydance fitness format from twin sisters. I fell in love with this dance at first sight, I liked everything: the smooth movements of the arms, the waves of the belly and the hips. I wanted to learn everything at once! But doing it right takes time and effort.

​Then I began to work out in a fitness club, among the same girls who fell in love with belly dancing. My relatives supported me in my hobby, which was especially nice. Due to the fact that I had already learned some movements at home, a lot of things worked out in training. But of course, disc lessons cannot replace full-fledged training with a belly dance instructor. Rather, they can prepare for more serious training, bring up to date.

​After a year of training with an instructor in Bellydance , I became a member of a dance group, I liked performing on stage.

I think that if you have a desire to learn to dance, as well as systematic classes (at least three times a week), it takes about a year to master the basic, basic movements of Bellydance. Of course, the learning process is purely individual, but a year is an adequate figure. After all, complex movements, such as shaking, combined with penetrations cannot work right away, everything starts with "circles" and "eights", without them there is no way.

But most of all I liked solo numbers. The process of preparing the number is very exciting and time-consuming. First you need to decide on the staging of the dance, the music for it, then think over the costume for the performance. Unfortunately, I don’t know the art of sewing on a sewing machine, my friend seamstress sewed stage costumes. But I always did the finishing of the costume myself, bought accessories, beads, sequins and in the evenings sheathed the fabric. She strung beads for hanging on the bodice and embroidered the belt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bellidance Costumes~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~

For training, clothing should be comfortable and not restrict movement. The abdomen may remain open or covered with clothing. Personally, it is more convenient for me to practice in a top that does not cover the abdomen. On the legs are sweatpants, leggings or capri pants, whatever you like. But it is better if the bottom is not too voluminous and short shorts are also not very comfortable for classes.

You can practice barefoot, or you can use dance ballet flats or shoes, whatever you like. It is better to tie a scarf on the hips, belts with coins used to be common, the ringing from them is loud and loud during active movements. But there is a good alternative to a crochet mesh air scarf. No ringing from him, but it looks beautiful!

Stage costumes. The traditional costume for Bellydance is a top (bodice), embroidered and decorated, a belt with a beaded hanging and accentuating the hips, a wide "sun" skirt, with or without a slit. But depending on the style of dance, other options are possible, such as bloomers or a dress used in the dance with a cane and with a shamadan (candelabra).

​I would like to introduce you to my costume collection.

​My first suit was very simple, I didn't sew it, but bought it ready-made. A black bodice and bloomers, a belt with coins, everything is very modest. She sewed a black chiffon skirt for him. But even with this outfit, I was very happy, I performed in it at my first concert.

A white suit, consisting of trousers and a bodice, was brought to me from Egypt. It looks more interesting, hand-embroidered with beads, as an accessory it has detachable sleeves.

The first costume in which I took an active part in the creation of a pale pistachio color, in which I performed a group dance. She sewed a hinge on the bodice, came up with patterns and embroidered it with beads. She also embroidered the cuffs of the sleeves.

And here is the electric blue suit for a solo performance with a headscarf. In it, I sewed a beaded hinge to the belt of the skirt and decorated the bodice. This costume brought me good luck, at the reporting concert they chose the best dance among the participants, the dance performed by me was given preference.

Later, the leader of our team entrusted me with the training of a beginner group in her studio. I began to teach beginners, teaching them the basic movements of Bellydance, the basic movements.

One of my favorite costumes is emerald green. It includes bloomers, belt and bodice. My husband helped in decorating this costume, stringing beads with me so that I could finish the work before the performance!

​A hot pink suit consists of a belt, a bodice, a skirt with chiffon wedges at the bottom. In it, I danced several group dances with girls, also a dance with a headscarf.

The leopard costume has unusual fittings made of wooden beads, small feathers, and a belt with ties.

Creating a dance costume is a very interesting activity, but at the same time it is also costly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Belly dance styles~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~

Bellydance has several styles, this is due to the fact that the dance developed in several geographical places in East and Africa at once. The Egyptian version is called "Rax Sharqi", it is more restrained. Dancers often wear shawls while dancing.

Style " Khaliji" with numerous head and hair movements, refers to Persian dance.

Turkish style of belly dance is characterized by open and amplitude movements, the outfit of the dancers is open and richly decorated with beads. The dance often contains elements in the parterre (on the floor), cymbals (sagats) can be used.

Tunisian and Algerian dances have a folk coloring, many decorations are used.

In the dance studio of my city they taught Bellydance in the style of Raks Sharki, but we also got acquainted with the style of "Saidi" and "Khaliji".

~~~~~~~~

​Belly dance music can be of various genres, depending on the style of dance performed, from classical Middle Eastern music to modern.

Some dances use folk music, and more often you can find a mix that combines several styles at the same time.

There are unique Arabic instruments, such as tabla (Arabian drum), cymbals (percussion instrument in the form of small cymbals, often used by dancers during the dance), oud (oud) string instrument, grains ​- musical horn for performing folk style and other instruments.

The main thing is that the movements look harmoniously with the chosen music.

My favorite music is tabla.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Health and Bellydance~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~

​Belly dancing is a type of physical activity that not only helps keep the body in good shape, but also has a positive effect on the body as a whole. Especially Bellydance is good for women's health, doing it regularly can solve some of the women's problems. The fact is that dance works muscles that we rarely use in ordinary life, performing movements in the lower body characteristic of bellydance, we improve blood circulation and blood flow to the internal organs of the pelvis.

I can say from my experience that belly dancing prepares the muscles for childbirth, thanks to numerous movements of the abdomen - waves, blows and shaking - the abdominal muscles are quite strong, but not inflated. It also promotes rapid recovery after childbirth.

Bellydance also has a positive effect on the coordination of movements, improves heart function, helps keep the muscles of the hips, legs, arms and chest in good shape. It has a beneficial effect on the skin and serves as a preventive measure for the occurrence of cellulite.

Various parts of the spine, from the cervical to the coccyx, are involved in the various movements. Thus, various diseases are prevented , in particular osteochondrosis. Of course, , subject to the correct technique for performing movements. Therefore, it is important to study with a competent instructor who pays due attention to the correct positioning of the body in the classroom and, if necessary, corrects the students.

Belly dancing improves posture and makes walking more feminine.

Bellydance also has an effect on the psychological state. Some women take up belly dancing to feel more feminine and desirable. Dance helps to acquire grace and flexibility for the body, and harmony for the soul. Thanks to the belly dance, not only external transformation takes place, but also internal.

"It amazes me how much HEALTHIER bellydance is. Instead of overworking and forcing the muscles to overstep their normal limits, like in ballet, we learn to relax: you can't make tense muscles vibrate, you need to relax them and relax on your own. You can keep doing this as long as you can move." Shakira/Elizabeth Fannin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Accessories~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~

Various accessories can be used in Bellydance, for example:

Handkerchief. The headscarf is mainly used for a spectacular appearance on the stage, as well as in the first part of the performance. Then the dancer throws it away with a slight movement. It is important to know that in no case should you step on the scarf, it symbolizes the honor of the dancer.

Walking stick. The cane is used in the Saidi style dance. The use of a cane requires some skill, during the dance, rotations are performed in front of you, over your head and various variations, such as, for example, "eights". The dance can be performed both solo and in a group.

Wings. Wings are an attribute of the show. They are made of corrugated fabric and can be of various colors. Attached to the dancer's neck with Velcro. During the dance, various rotations, turns and swings are performed, making the dancer look like a bird or a butterfly.

Shamadan (chandelier). Initially, the dance with the candelabra was performed at wedding ceremonies, later it became one of the variants of the stage dance. It is also possible to dance with small candles in the hands (in small rounded candlesticks that fit in the palms).

Fans (veils). ​Dance with air fans is also one of the show performances, it looks spectacular thanks to various movements that make the silk fabric of the fan "fly".

Cymbals (sagats). ​Small metal "cymbals" that make a melodic sound when struck. The dancer puts two "cymbals" on each hand and beats them, tapping out the rhythm.

There are other accessories for Bellydance such as a saber, a tambourine and even a live snake (boa constrictor).

Of the accessories listed above, I used the following:

Handkerchief. At first I danced group dances with a scarf, later solo. A scarf is best made from a light fabric, such as chiffon or organza. For the sake of beauty, I sheathed my first scarf (for a black suit) with gold braid, due to ignorance, because of this, it came out a little heavy, making it more difficult to fly than others.

Walking stick. My walking stick is made in "silver look". I danced a group dance in the style of "Saidi".

Wings. Three of us performed the Dance with Wings, a very spectacular number with numerous rotations and handwork.

Shamadan (chandelier). Candelabra requires good balance and clear movement isolation, fire dance is one of my favorites.

Fans (veils). With fans, I took part in the production of "The Struggle of the Elements", more precisely, fire and water. I was "out of the water", my veils are blue with white fading. Thanks to the light silk fabric, the fans stay in the air very well.

I tried to work with cymbals (sagats) , but I haven’t used it in dance yet.

I already have many accessories in my "dance arsenal", it remains to master the saber. (Dancing with a snake is too exotic for me, and I think the boa constrictor is not enthusiastic about participating in dances). And my daughter is growing up, (soon four years old) there is someone to pass on her experience in dancing, she is already showing interest. So I think in the future the chandelier will not stand idle!

Belly dancing has not become a job for me, it is a pleasant hobby. At the moment I do not visit the studio. But I do it with pleasure at home and I think in the future I will learn more than one dance.

I like Bellydance in all its variants, gentle and smooth movements of the arms and hips, active shaking and waves of the stomach, I dance for my own pleasure!

Be always beautiful!!!

Elena Krasa.

My earnings on IRecommend review with pictures! How to start belly dance Tips for beginners

Tips for beginners in belly dancing

Don't even think about going into the hall or standing in front of the mirror at home and immediately start shaking, waves, hits, sharp movements of belly dancing - first you have to work out the starting position. It usually takes at least a month and a half for this body position to become natural. At first, the body may resist, but by exercising regularly, you will quickly get used to the new sensations.

Learning the basic position of the belly dance

So, let's start. Stand in front of a mirror so that you can see yourself in full growth. A side mirror wouldn't hurt either. We consider the correct position of the body from the bottom up:

1. The distance between the feet is equal to the length of your foot. This allows you to distribute your body weight evenly on both legs. Feet parallel to each other, toes forward - so that the knee joint does not twist and the patella (patella) does not move. We touch the floor with all toes: it is easier to maintain balance.

2. Knees soft but not bent. So you save yourself from damage to the menisci and dislocation of the patella.

3. Hips relaxed.

4. Gluteal muscles relaxed. Do not stick out your ass, otherwise you will increase the load on the lower back, and it looks vulgar. Deflection in the lower back, of course, looks impressive, but this position disrupts the natural flow of blood and oxygen to the abdominal organs.

5. The pubis does not protrude forward.

6. Hip bones in one line.

7. Keep your belly out to look slimmer. Let men walk taut - everything should be relaxed with us, without unnecessary pressure on the abdominal organs.

8. The chest moves a little forward, and the solar plexus area moves back. The weight of the body is concentrated more on the toes than on the heels. In this position, you will reduce the load on the lower back.

10. The shoulder blades are brought together and seem to hold a small pencil. In this position, the muscles of the shoulder section are stretched and keep the tone.

11. Shoulders on the same level, lowered.

12. Arms extended to the sides at chest level. This is the optimal height so that the muscles of the hands become stronger, over time a beautiful relief will appear on them. Elbows are soft, pointing back, not down. The hands are an extension of the hands, do not “break” the wrists. Imagine holding a huge bouquet of flowers in front of you. The fingers are together, but not compressed, there is a distance between them. The middle finger is slightly inward. The palms are open to the viewer.

13. The neck is completely relaxed. Do not lower or raise your chin, keep it parallel to the floor: this way all the cervical vertebrae form the correct line.

14. Reach up with the top of your head like a flower reaches for the sun - this will help you maintain balance.


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