How to Do Hip Circles in Belly Dancing

Belly dancing is a fun hobby and a great way to get or stay in shape. One of the basic moves that you will want to know how to do is a hip circle. Small or large hip circles are simple first moves for beginners.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start with your feet slightly apart and your torso straight and tall. Bend your knees slightly without hunching over. This is the usual starting position for many belly dancing moves.

2. Focus only on your hips, specifically the top of your pelvic bone. One of the things you will learn in belly dancing is to isolate certain parts of your body. For hip circles, the emphasis is on using just your hips.

3. Push your right hip out diagonally from your standing position. Start moving your hip around toward the back and follow through by finishing the circle with your left hip pushing out to the left diagonally.

4. Add the correct footing to make the circle smooth and seamless. When you push out to the back, take a small step with your right foot. When you push out in front, take a small step with your left foot.

5. Be careful not to march in place or take large steps. The steps that go with this move are more so to keep you balanced and help the circle move without any jolts. Keep them small and roll from your toes to your heel.

6. Bend your knees, keeping you body tall and dance. Making small circles is almost the same as large hip circles. Just change your starting position from feet slightly apart to feet comfortable together.

Tips & Warnings

• Reverse your hips and feet to do the circles in the opposite direction.