How to Do the Sahiti Hip Drop in Belly Dancing

Belly dancing involves core muscle work as circular motions are isolated to one part of the body. It's a great form of exercise that offers many health benefits. The Sahiti Hip Drop in belly dancing works the belly and the legs and can be quite challenging. If you continue to practice, you'll notice the change in your body and the form of the hip drop.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hip belt or scarf preferably with a beaded fringe

1. Make sure your body is in the basic posture. Basic posture requires that you stand with your feet parallel and knees unlocked. Your back also needs to be completely straight.

2. Turn your body to the side. Raise your left arm.

3. Lift your right hip slowly by tightly contracting the muscles that run down the right side of your belly. Keep your leg straight.

4. Bend your left knee heavily and move your body down and tap your right foot on the floor.

5. Release and straighten the left leg while keeping the right hip lifted and the right leg straight.

6. Repeat Steps 3 to 5, increasing the speed each time.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your head up and your chin even. Your spine should also be kept straight, engaging all your core belly and back muscles.
• Don't be ashamed of your body if you feel you don't have a svelte enough physique. Belly dancers come in all shapes and sizes. It's one of the few forms of dance where such body shape variety is accepted.