How to Perform the Hip Twist in Belly Dancing

The hip twist, one of the core movements of belly dancing, forms the basis for those wild shaking movements you see when dancers flail around at lightning speed. Middle Eastern dancing features two types of hip twists-the classic and the basic-and both moves can be incorporated into shimmies or used by themselves as part of a belly dancing routine. Here's how to perform this sexy twist.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stand in the basic belly dancing pose. Your feet should be aligned with your hips. Practice supporting your weight from one foot to the other. Keep one leg straight while relaxing the other. Concentrate on the abdomen and hips, envisioning them as the focal point of the dance.

2. Stomp your foot. Then twist the hip above it from back to front. As you become more experienced and flexible, you'll be able to perform this movement simply by rotating the ball of your foot on the floor. This will keep the other foot steady and prevent injury to the twisting hip.

3. Repeat the movements. Increase the speed a bit more each time until you build up a faster rhythm. Try the twist on both sides of the body. Most dancers find that one side works better for them than the other, but it's important to swivel both hips equally to include the twist into a finished routine.

4. Assume the classical belly dancing pose. Keep your heels close to the ground and focus on your upper body. Swing one hip back so that the other turns toward the corner of the room. Then repeat the movement with the opposite hip until you get a fluid rhythm going.

5. Integrate the hip twist as part of a shimmy. In the washing machine shimmy, you twist the right hip forward, then release it. Then repeat the motion with your left hip. Continue this pattern, revving up the speed and eliminating the rest between twists.

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