How to Isolate the Rib Cage in Belly Dancing

Belly dancing is an exercise that isolates muscle groups. Each move requires you to target a certain area or body part, and then move it in a certain way. When you first begin belly dancing, you usually start by learning different techniques like how to isolate the rib cage. You can then combine this move with hip snaps and figure eights to create eye-pleasing dance combinations.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Watch your posture. Belly dancing is all about presence, so you want to make sure that you look the part. Tuck your pelvis in, point your toes out and bend your knees slightly. You should have your chest tilted upwards and your shoulders back, since this move will draw the audience's eyes to your top half. For this move, you don't have to put your hands to your side, just rest them on the front your hips.

2. Look like a puppet. When you isolate the rib cage, the move should appear as if an invisible string is attached to your breast bone and someone is pulling you forward and backward in a smooth motion. The rest of your body should remain still, so pay attention to your hips as you move to prevent hunching over.

3. Push it forward. To complete the move, you isolate the muscles in the center of your back to push your chest forward and then contract it back.

4. Practice the move until it becomes second nature. Watch yourself in a full-length mirror to check your posture and movements. You should see only your chest and ribcage move forward and back, nothing more.