How to Do a Hip Snap in Belly Dancing

When it comes to belly dancing, hip snaps are one of the fundamental moves that you incorporate in just about every belly dancing routine that you attempt. In the beginning, it may seem strange to move your hips in isolation from the rest of your body, but after a little practice you should be able to do a hip snap in belly dancing quickly and easily.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Understand the motion. The move requires you to thrust your hips to one side or the other and then pop your hip by squeezing your gluteus maximus (butt) muscles.

2. Start sitting. When you first try to do a hip snap, you may have difficulty perfecting it standing up, so the best way to learn the moves is to start by sitting down. Sit down and squeeze your right buttock for a three count, then release and try it with the left buttock. Repeat this several times, so you can get used to how the movement feels. Keep the rest of your thigh and leg relaxed, and just isolate the butt muscles.

3. Develop correct posture. Once you're ready to take your move to a standing position, you need to be aware of your body placement. Good posture is essential to belly dancing. Place your feet about a foot apart with your toes pointing forward. Relax your knees, being careful not to lock them. Your pelvis should be tucked in and your chest should be pointed up, with your arms relaxed and out to your side and your palms facing down.

4. Put it all together. Begin by popping your right hip and then your left, paying attention to your posture. Do several repetitions of the action, until you can do it in one smooth, fluid movement.

5. Continue practicing your hip snaps until you can do them without hesitation. You can then combine them with other belly dancing moves to create a routine.