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How To

How to Do Snake Arms in Belly Dancing

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(4 Ratings)

The art of belly dancing calls for graceful, fluid movements of the entire body. One of the easiest belly dancing steps to learn is the swaying motion commonly known as snake arms. Here is how to do snake arms in belly dancing.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Begin in a forward-facing position with both arms resting at your sides. The common stance is to have the knees relaxed or slightly bent. One foot should be out slightly farther than the other.

  2. Step 2

    Start the movements by raising the right shoulder in a gentle rolling motion. Raise up, roll back. Each time the arm raises during these movements, keep in mind that the shoulders should raise up and roll back.

  3. Step 3

    Extend the movement into the right elbow by lifting the elbow outward in a fluid motion.

  4. Step 4

    Continue the movement into the right wrist, keeping the palm and fingers facing downward.

  5. Step 5

    Extend the movement into the fingers by moving the wrist up. The palm should now be facing outward.

  6. Step 6

    Keep the palm facing outward as you slide your arm down and back into the starting position.

  7. Step 7

    Begin movements in the left shoulder as you are bringing the right arm back down. Follow steps 1 through 6 with the left arm, as you did with the right.

  8. Step 8

    Put the movements together, creating an alternating sway (or snakelike) movement in the arms.

  9. Step 9

    Break the steps down in your head by repeating to yourself: "shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers." This is the natural progression of the snake arms movement.

  10. Step 10

    Watch yourself in the mirror to ensure that you are constantly emulating a snakelike range of motion. The arms should be held in an S pattern with the alternating motions creating a wave.

Tips & Warnings
  • Some instructors say it helps to imagine yourself running your hands up and down a door while doing snake arms. Begin by running your finger tips up the door gently, with the palm facing the floor. When the arm comes down, imagine smoothing your palm down the length of the door.
  • Always remember to keep the movement fluid. There is little jerky or stiff movement during belly dancing.

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