How to Do a 3-Step Turn in Belly Dancing

Belly dancing is an age-old art that requires skill and poise to create its seductive movements. The 3-step turn is no exception but with good instruction and practice, you should have no problem executing the perfect turn into your belly dancing routines.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Wear clothes that are loose and won't hinder any of your movements. A short top will allow you to focus on your belly and you can also wear a coined hip scarf or chiffon or silk veil for authenticity. Be barefoot or wear soft-soled dancing shoes, so that you can bend easily.

2. Stand upright and straight with your feet slightly apart. Take one step right, then turn and let your feet meet together again in the middle. You should now be facing in the same direction again after turning. Take another step to the right then bring your feet in together to finish.

3. Repeat this sequence in the opposite direction by taking a step to the left, turn, then bringing your feet together. Take a final step to the left and then bring your feet together to end the sequence. You should now be back in the same place where you started.

4. Do the step sequence again but this time move your arms with the steps by first opening then closing your arms, then opening them again and finally bringing them together. Practice this sequence with the step sequence so that all the movements synchronize together.

5. Move with soft flowing movements so that the steps appear to merge in a natural progression. Avoid sudden jazzy movements that separate the steps, as these don't follow the style and tradition of belly dancing where the moves are more mellow and flowing.