How to Do Shoulder Shimmies in Belly Dancing

Shoulder shimmies are an integral move in any belly dance routine. Shimmies create a controlled, sexy and alluring element while providing a simple segue into a more involved sequence. Mastering the shoulder shimmy is like riding a bike—once you figure it out, it's hard to forget.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Isolate your torso. It's tempting to want to move your body along with your shoulders, but it's imperative that you keep it perfectly still. Imagine that you stuck your torso in a concrete block.

2. Begin moving your shoulders backward and forward, one at a time. When the right shoulder comes forward, the left moves backward. Start out slowly, concentrating on opposing movements and keeping your torso still.

3. Speed up the tempo once you get the hang of Steps 1 and 2. Outstretch your arms into second position and continue shimmying.

4. Add simultaneous movements. Bend at your knees to dip low and then rising back up. Shimmy from side to side.

5. Incorporate other belly dance elements to pull together a routine. You can add hip drops, lifts and twists, chest lifts, chest drops and vertical and horizontal figure eights while using the shoulder shimmy.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn to practice while standing and facing a wall. Place your hands against it at shoulder height. Slowly shimmy one shoulder at a time to learn the combination of isolation and movement.
• Concentrate on your back muscles when feeling out the motion. You should feel it working the set of muscles in between your shoulder blades.