Belly Dancing?

Question

I start Belly Dancing classes in January. I'm really looking forward to them, but don't really know what to look forward to. Don't really know where I will lose the weight. And don't really know if I will ever develop any rythym, or if I will just look like a fool the whole time. Anyone have any encouragement?

Answer 1

I took some belly dancing lessons a few years ago with a friend of mine. We had a ball! It didn't matter what we looked like, if we knew what we were doing, or not. We just listened, did the best we could, and had a great time. Belly dancing is a great exercise. I would suggest you just go with an open mind and try to have fun. If you can talk a girlfriend in to taking the classes with you, it will just be more fun for both of you.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Excellent! I used to take lessons (had to take a break for $$ reasons) and I had a blast. I met some really great people, some great girlfriends that have been an amazingly supportive presence in my life the last year.

As to loosing weight, you get a bit more toned, but a single hour class one week wouldn't cause a major change. Practice often, and you'll feel a difference though. Developing the rhythm comes in time. Believe me, you feel a bit wierd at first, but with the practice, your muscles learn to move in ways we're not taught in western culture, and eventually your muscles remember and it just happens and flows with the music. You and all your classmates are all part of a ssiterhood, learning something together, so don't for a minute think you should be self conscious!

Above all, relax, and have fun! Good luck!! *consider this your encouragement*

Answer 4

I've been studying dance for over seven years and I started off with a bellydance class. Bellydance has been my major dance form ever since, but I have also studied modern, urban, yoga, African and a little or the Latin forms.

Recently I started studying modern more seriously and I almost gave up dancing completely! I was having such a hard time because my instructor was so challenging and had such a "strong" attitude. Everything seemed to be moving so much faster than I was used to. It was at that point that I realized that I had created a roadblock to my success. I was comparing myself to others in the class and so much to the point that I was allowing myself to fall behind. Now, I am doing very well in the class, and enjoying it very much (and getting complements, and making friends, all the good dance stuff). I have learned more about respecting myself from my modern instructor than perhaps any other person I've met!

My point is that dance is about having fun. You will start to understand everything in its time. Try to be aware of any negative self-talk. Practice what you remember from class throughout the week even if it's only a few times, so you can focus on what you didn't remember or any new movements.

Answer 5

Have you ever listened to belly dancing music? I don't know how to belly dance, but just the music makes me want to dance. I'm sure you'll learn and will look good. So what if you'll look a little silly at the beginning. Only those who never try anything never make any mistakes. You'll look great when you learn. And the thing is, dancing always feels better than it looks :-) I don't know if you will lose weight, but you're sure to get more toned, just like with any dancing.

Answer 6

I've been taking belly dance classes for awhile now. As far as looking like a fool, I highly doubt it. Most of the women in my class weren't smooth dance experts going into it. We all had our goofy moments, as some moves are easier for some to learn than others. If you find yourself in one of these moments, just laugh it off. (I know I did.) No one in your class is going to ridicule you for it. Just have fun. I'm sure you'll do fine. As far as weight loss goes, belly dancing doesn't cause a person to lose weight from a specific spot, as spot reduction weight loss isn't possible. It will however stregnthen many of the muscles in the body, especially in the hips, thighs, and abdomen. You'd have to change your diet to see real weight loss results though, as with any activity.

Answer 7

Just have fun! Belly dancing is a celebration of the female form - no one in class expects you to be a professional, but I'm sure you'll get some rhythm!! It really works the abs and hips!

Answer 8

Sounds like just walking will make your belly dance.

Answer 9

give it a shot it might be your hobby