How to Practice Belly Dancing Routines

The basic movements in a belly dancing routine take time to master, especially if a student has little prior dance experience. Diligent practice makes a student a first rate dancer and tones the body better than several visits to the health club. And it gets rid of inhibitions, too.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare your practice space. Clear out all furniture and lock the door. Tell the hubby and kids the room's off-limits for at least an hour. Shut off the TV (unless you have a belly dancing DVD or video), computer and other distractions. Block off a few days a week for your hour-plus belly dancing practice.

2. Dress comfortably. Put on sweat pants and a belly shirt, or a long, loose skirt and a sports bra. Wear anything that bares the belly and emphasizes the hips.

3. Warm up. Sway your hips. Isolate belly muscles and do a few undulations, and practice basic Egyptian hand poses with your arms. Stretch to loosen muscles.

4. Review basic movements. Practice circles, undulations, figure eights, hip twists and other moves separately or in an improvised dance to spark creativity. Check notes from previous belly dancing classes or fast forward through an instruction DVD or video to recap any neglected moves.

5. Add new belly dancing moves. Watch a belly dancing DVD and follow the instructor's moves. Pause the disc or video to concentrate on any difficult moves, then incorporate the movements into the routine as a whole and practice until the dance flows smoothly.

6. Repeat each new belly dancing routine a few times using one of your favorite upbeat songs as musical accompaniment.