Belly dancing has gained quite the fame these days. Not just as a social dance, belly dancing is oftentimes an enjoyable form of exercise. Just like other famous forms of dancing, the belly dance has become a staple in dance schools and even in gym classes.
I have been belly dancing for quite some time. Although I do not consider myself an expert in the dance, I do have a lot of experiences as I went through the process of learning the dance. My interest in belly dancing was sparked because of my fascination in Middle Eastern culture. As a dance enthusiast, it was just natural for me to be attracted in Middle Eastern dance specifically belly dancing.
Know More about Belly Dancing
This means research! In the beginning, my knowledge about belly dance was only limited. So before you begin, it is just about right to do a bit of research and get to know belly dancing. I assure you that after this, your eyes will be opened to a whole new world of culture and dancing. Belly dancing has different kinds. Your research will help you truly know if you are willing to dedicate time and effort to learn the dance.
Decide which Belly Dance you will work on!
Knowing the history and background of belly dance will allow you to realize if it is really a dance for you. Once you decide that you truly want to learn belly dancing, learning about the different forms and variations come next. Your research will help you choose which belly dance sparks your interest and which form or style you wish to learn. Here are a few belly dance styles:
- Modern Egyptian Style – The Modern Egyptian style of belly dancing is a modern belly dance style. This Egyptian club style makes use of European songs to cater to Western people. Presently, this belly dancing style involves a mix of sounds such as orchestra, drums and singing. The costumes used by Modern Egyptian belly dancing is very glam. It is elaborate, stylish and intricately designed.
- Turkish Style – The music used in Turkish style belly dancing consists of the sounds from different musical instruments namely clarinet, oud, kanoon, oboe, hand drums and finger cymbals (also called zills). The costumes that the dancers use in Turkish belly dance is a bit revealing compared to other styles. It shows plenty of skin (leg and cleavage). Most of the time, the costumes are adorned with beads but some make use of coins too. The Turkish belly dancers oftentimes play zills.
- Harem Style – The Harem belly dance style is the popular Hollywood portrayal of exotic dancers from the harem. It shows how western people view the forbidden harem. It is a sensual stereotype about Western perception of belly dancing and brings along with it some political implications and overtones.
- Shake and Shimmy Style – The Shake and Shimmy belly dance style is an old terminology in America. It is characterized by shaking and rotating motions of the hips and shoulders. The Shimmy was a dance from the African-American community. It uses active and pulsating moves which are important aspects in belly dancing. The Shake and Shimmy style reflects a free and vibrant culture.
- Folkloric Style – The Folkloric Belly Dancing style is a version that integrates the dance moves of people. Belly dance emerged from famous ethnic folk dances like the Fallahin. The framework and structure of belly dancing is heavily influence by folkloric eastern dances. In Folkloric belly dance, the dancers make use of canes and sticks from reed for a folkloric twist. In the Middle East, Folkloric belly dancing is performed on a lot of stage shows.
Useful Belly Dancing Tips
Finally! You are ready to start learning belly dance. But before you do, here are some useful tips and insights to help you out. For those who are actually just starting to learn how to belly dance, an important concept that you should keep in mind is that the dance is not only limited to the dance movements, it is about the total performance and presentation.
Being able to dress appropriately like a real belly dancer is an integral part of belly dancing. When you dance the part, you should look the part too! Aside from costumes, another important factor is the music. You should be able to know how to select the right music that will accompany your dance routine. The most common music selections are usually from Middle Eastern culture.
If you are still learning or while you are practicing and still on the process of mastering a belly dance routine, you need not go all out and acquire a genuine costume. But believe me when I say that dressing for the dance allows you to internalize and somehow help you concentrate on your dance. However unlike the costume, your music should be present since affects the entire dance. So choose your music wisely!
Here are some tips to keep in mind as a Belly Dancer:
- It would be very helpful if you practice belly dancing in front of a mirror. With the help of a mirror, you can see yourself and your movements. You will be able to see your posture and stance. Remember that during the dance, your mid-section should be in, shoulders should be high and forward, chest should be lifted, feet should be flat and knees should be a bit bent.
- Get to know the three major types of movements in belly dance: Percussive, Fluid, and Shimmies, shivers and vibrations.
- Fluid Movements are the subtle motions in belly dancing. Although the movement is subtle, it involves all the parts of your arm, from your shoulders down to your fingertips. Keep in mind that fluid movements are executed in a smooth manner. If your belly dance music is more on the slower rhythm, you will be able to make more fluid movements.
- Percussive Movements are the opposite of fluid movements. These moves are bold and sharp. You move your body up and down sharply using your legs. In belly dancing, you shake and move your hips sharply and even your entire mid-section and upper body. Also, your arms make percussive motions depending on your belly dance routine.
- Shimmies, shivers and vibrations are short and abrupt movements. These movements are done together with the rhythm of the music. Usually when the music is fast, these movements are used. Traditionally, shimmies, shivers and vibrations are not done together with hands and fingers.
- Mind your feet! Your footwork is a vital part of the whole performance. In the beginning, the footwork might be to just simply lay them flat. But as the dance routine progresses, the foot movements become more complex as it joins your whole body in synchrony. You should take note where your weight is resting depending on the movement your body is making. Belly dancing is about a holistic body motion and that includes your feet!
- Realize that true belly dancing means organization. Belly dance, as a form of dance, is very organized. A lot of the dance motions involved in the dance is rigorously choreographed and practiced with specific music. The dance is usually performed by a group of dancers which means a lot of practice to be able to master and dance as a unified group. A routine is planned and every single step is carefully considered by the dancers.