How to Belly Dance

Belly dance is a Western term for a traditional Arab dance. Many see Belly dance as a woman's dance that celebrates sensuality and power of being a woman.

Today, people belly dance to exercise,
to entertain, or for relaxation. Most
of the basic steps and techniques
in belly dancing involve circular motions isolated to a certain part of the body. A circular movement "drawn" parallel to the floor by the hips is a "hip circle", or by the rib cage known as a "chest circle". Accents such as "hip lifts" or "drops" are use to draw the eye to hip movement such as "shimmies or hip circles", while shoulder or arm movements are to accent chest or belly undulations. Belly Dancing is a good cardio-vascular work out, it helps increase flexibility and focuses on the torso or 'core muscles'. Belly Dance is suitable for all ages and body types that can be as physical as the participant chooses to make it.

Dance generally refers to human movement. The following are basic belly dancing moves that are fun to learn and are effective as exercise routine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Arabic rhythms used in belly dancing & dance
• for bottoms you can wear Stretch leggings, yoga pants, or jazz-dance pants
• Sports bra or other bra that offers adequate support, or choli top
• for footwear you can wear Hermes dance sandals or you can go barefoot
• hip scarf or shimmy belt to emphasize and define hip movement

1. 
    
   Beckoning Arms movement

   The first move to master is BECKONING ARMS. Stand tall with your back straight. Lift your right elbow towards the ceiling imagining you are holding a beach ball against the side of your body (figure a). Lift your wrist higher and gracefully drop your elbow to complete the snake-like form(figure b. These movements tone both your biceps and triceps. MAX THE MOVE: Do 10 to 15 reps per arm.

2. 
    
   Tilt and Tuck movement

   The second move to master is TILT AND TUCK. Stand with feet together. Then slightly bend knees. Pull in your lower abdominal muscles to tuck in your pelvis (figure a). Then release (figure b). Exhale as you relax your muscles. Return to starting form. Take note that this move is basically thrusting the pelvis inward and outward. MAX THE MOVE: Do three sets with 12 repetitions to effectively tone abs.

3. 
    
   Hip Shake movement

   The third move to master is HIP SHAKE. Stand with feet together. Then slightly bend knees. Place your palms behind your head. Lift your left hip at an angle towards your armpit (figure a). Then lower hip in a circular movement (figure b). Repeat movement on the right hip. This movement tones abs and reduce love handles. MAX THE MOVE: Do 12 to 15 repetitions on each hip.

Tips & Warnings

• If you execute movements properly, they help prevent lower back problems and increase the flow of synovial fluid (nature's lubricant) in the joints. In addition, the moves help relieve stress to the back, counteracting the almost constant compression of the disks that you gain from sitting and from a sedentary lifestyle.
• Individuals should consult a doctor before starting belly dance, just as with starting any new exercise routine. It is also best to consult instructor recommendation on the level of exercise to take on.

Resources

• belly dance
• belly dance

[missnye]

on 11/15/2009 really cool article with pics. Thanks*****

[sandyakamom]

on 12/14/2008 THIS IS TOO COOL! I so wish I could do something like this (I have MS) but it is so much fun to, at least, read about it. I just LOVE the belly dance music :-)

[voliegurl]

on 12/14/2008 Sounds sexy, and I want to try it! 5* and recommendation!

[petulantM]

on 12/14/2008 Great introduction to belly dancing. Would love to see follow-up articles that describe additional moves. Thanks for sharing.