Learn to Belly Dance

Belly dancing is a dance that originated from Ancient Babylon. Both the dance and the rhythm used in belly dancing came from the Adnanite Arabs. At present, belly dancing has evolved into two forms – the raqs baladi and the raqs sharqi. The first form is usually performed during festivities like weddings. The second form is the one more popular in the West today.

The current version of belly dance that is popular today is the one usually danced at nightclubs and the one seen on video and DVD recordings. This version is rather far from the folk or social version. Among Middle Eastern societies, wearing revealing costumes is frowned upon. Even in Egypt, where belly dancing is part of the culture, showing of the abdomen and dancing with knees on the floor are taboo.

The costume now associated with belly dance is called bedleh, and was popularized by Lebanese nightclub owner Badia Masabni. She also introduced the arm movements in belly dance and movement on stage. Belly dance has 8 basic movements from which other variations come from.

1. Shimmy - Assuming the proper belly dance posture, raise your right knee while pointing right toes on the floor, and then snap upward your right hip. Lower your right knee then raise your left knee while pointing left toes on the floor, and then snap upwards your left hip. You can choose to raise your hips on one side over and over or one side after the other.
2. Shoulder shimmy - Assuming proper belly dance posture, lean a bit forward then pull one shoulder up then down in front. Make sure you only move your shoulders and not your chest.

3. Hip circle - Tuck your hips and abs inwards. Take a small step to the right while pushing out your right hip. Draw a circle with your hip until you push your left hip outwards. The move ends when you lean back slightly as both hips are pushed forward.
4. Hip twist - Tuck your hips and abs inwards. Next, in a forward motion, twist your right hip 90˚ but making sure it remains level (not raised). Pull back your hip then twist the left hip forward, 90˚.
5. Slide - Slightly bend your knees, tuck your hips and abs inwards. First slide your hip to the right (making sure to keep it level), and then slide it to the left. You can also do this movement with your chest or with your head.
6. Undulation - Tuck your hips inwards, and then tuck your stomach. Next, push your chest forward then pull your chest inwards. Now slowly tuck your stomach and then your hips inwards.
7. Arabic walk - Snap your hip upwards while moving your opposite leg forward or to the side. You can go either direction with the Arabic walk.
8. Snake arms - With proper belly dance posture, hold out both arms level to your shoulder. Make fluid motions upwards and downwards. Your arms can move alternately.

If you were just starting out, it would help to get an instructor or join a class. Even if you are already experienced, the instructor can help smooth out your problem areas and will soon help you belly dance the night away.

Source: Tematco.com