does anyone know how to....?

Question

belly dance? im just curious. if you know how please give me some tips on how to do it.

Answer 1

I've been a bellydancer for over a decade. I've been student, teacher, and performer. If you want to learn to bellydance the only good way is to take lessons. Do not try to learn by videos or books. They are potentially dangerous. You could injure yourself both short term and long term. Every video, book, website, etc that you use will generally contain a disclaimer as to how it is not substitute for a live instructor. All of those other sources are meant only as supplement to actual lessons. You cannot get feedback from a video or written discription. None of them can tell you if your posture is good or if your doing a move correctly. Please if you want to learn find classes. Once you are no longer at a beginner lever you may be able to learn from supplemental sources simply because you will have some foundation to build on. However there are still many intermediate and advanced moves which are best learned by a live instructor because they require professional assistance and can be very dangerous if attempted by an ametuer and are even sometimes dangerous to professionals (such as turkish drops). That being said here is a condensed list of resources that you may find helpful. First are sites to help you find a teacher the rest are supplemental resouces that should not be used as a primary learning source.

WEBSITES (for finding teachers/classes)
http://www.shira.net - probably the most extensive directory
http://www.middleeasterndance.net - my site which has a decent sized directory as well.
http://www.bhuz.com - another large directory as well as a great forum which can answer pretty much every question you will ever have about bellydance since it's comprised of bellydancers from all over the world.
If you can't find lessons looking on these three sites there may not be any in your area.

WEBSITES (for learning moves on-line)
http://www.middleeasterndance.net - my own site look under the movements section, there will be enough to keep you busy for a long time. Also please read the before you begin section with the disclaimer, warm-up, cool-down, and basics about posture.
http://www.shira.net - Shira's site is an extensive collection of articles written about and for bellydancers and can provide you with a wealth of information that will be very beneficial. It's one of the oldest and most respected sites on the Internet and is referenced by bellydancers world-wide. She has a specific page which tells you how to do some moves as well as extensive links to other sites that offer on-line lessons as well.
http://www.venusbellydance.com/vocabulary.htm - More movement descriptions.
http://www.aleena.com/miramar/ - go to on-line dance lessons there are several articles about dancing there.
http://www.zilltech.com/onlinelessons.htm - Another old, well, respected website full of information you should check out. She offers a few instructions for several basic moves.
http://www.kawakib.com/page-30.html - more of a technique lesson but might be helpful after learning some basics.
http://www.raqs.co.nz/moves.html - has some descriptions of select movements.

BOOKS
Belly Dancing Basics by Laura A. Cooper (ISBN: 140271078X) - newer book, not great but not bad either.
The Art of Belly Dancing by Dahlena with Dona Z. Meilach - This book is out of print but shows up on amazon and e-bay from time to time. It's ok but it's written for a different time the history part is especially questionable but the moves are pretty straight forward.
Grandmother's Secrets by Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi (ISBN: 1566563267) - An interesting read has several descriptions of dance moves as well.
A lot of books have been coming on the market recently and most of them (excluding out of print books) are available at Barnes and Nobel or borders books as well as other chains and smaller stores.

ON-LINE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
http://www.trybellydancing.com/ - Like a mini instructional video available online. It's not bad quality.
http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/egyptian-belly-dancing.htm Several mini instructional segments on various moves as well as zills, costuming, and musicality.
http://bellyrolls.com/howtopage.html - more mini on-line instructionals. The video quality is a little poorer and not is clear to see but the instructional quality is decent.

VIDEOS
Precision Motion Workout Series by Suzanna Del Vecchio - offers good posture basics as well as quality instruction on many moves.
Bellydance for Fitness Series by Neena and Veena Bidasher - this series is very cheap and available from major retailers like target, walmart, borders, and Barnes and Nobel but the quality of instruction is low. This is more of a workout for beginner dancers who already have had some training. The videos are a good quality as far as picture and sound but these are not good for an absolute beginner.
If you have any questions about bellydancing, please feel free to contact me through my site http://www.middleeasterndance.net

Answer 2

I do belly dancing. I've started practicing on my own, then used some videos and attended a number of lessons given by the girls who dance arabic dances professionally. Belly dance is great - you learn to move smoothly and control your body perfectly, besides it looks really hot. The best way to learn is to go to special classes. I doubt that books will be of much use, but videos can help indeed. Here are some links to get you started
www.shira.net
www.zilltech.com (Aziza's On-Line Dance Lessons)

Answer 3

Alot of my friends have done belly dancing! It's truly amazing! I would suggest, taking a class and/or purchasing an instructional video to follow and hone your skills! Forget the books (they are pointless) You will make a great performer, just practice makes perfect!!!

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Its like hip hop, just wiggle your hips and tummy and watch the movement like a snake dancing