How to do a Hip Lift in Belly Dancing

This instruction will teach basic posture and break down of the hip lift. It will help to explain the body mechanics used in this movement.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mirror(preferably full length)
• comfortable clothes
• hip scarf(for fun and emphasis of hip movement)
• music
• positive and energetic attitude

1. Set up mirror to be able to view your movements. Have music set to start. Have comfortable clothing on and hip scarf tied around your hips. Make sure you do general stretching for warm up before attempting any new moves.

2. Start music. Stand in front of the mirror and take a deep breath and release it. Lets get started!

3. Stand with feet no more than hip width apart. Keep knees bent. This is for two main important reasons. One: this helps to prevent injury in the back and knees; Two: you will also get much more Tuck your pelvis under. Pull up in the diaphragm(rib cage). You will know when your diaphragm is lifted when you feel your stomach muscles working to lift the rib cage area. Keep shoulders down and relaxed. Also make sure your arms are extended to the sides or hands are on your hips. But make sure that your elbows are not slacking in either position. The arms get a work out as well as the core. Feel the arms extending from the shoulder blades.

4. Now that posture is set we will begin the hip lift! Put all your weight on your left leg with the ball of your right foot slightly in front of the left foot. Remember keeping knees bent at all times, with your right hip twist your hip slightly forward and up then sit the right hip back down. Repeat at least four times on one hip then switch sides.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to keep knees bent to help protect from injury and to allow for more extension in the pelvic area. At first this movement will feel very awkward but with practice it will become easier. People usually run into problems when they start straightening the standing leg(the leg with all the body weight on it).Also another problem that beginners run into is not allowing for flexibility in the waist area. Understand that the hips can move separately from the rib cage. The waist needs to twist in this movement for this step to work properly. Remember to practice and be patient with yourself!
• Please check with your doctor first before starting any new exercise. Start the movement slowly and easily. Make your moves small at first until you feel comfortable enough to make the moves bigger and faster.