HOW DO ii BELLY DANCE???

Question

JUST TELL.

Answer 1

The only way to really learn is to take lessons. Many people will recommend DVD's, websites, books, etc... but, none of those are a suitable substitute for a good teacher. In fact, using them in place of a good teacher can be a risk to your health. It is too easy to mis-learn a move and then execute it in a way which may cause immediate, delayed, short-term, or long-term damage. All of the materials out there like that are meant only as supplement to live instruction. Here's a condensed list of resources including links to locate an instructor near you.

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 would suggest that learning how to dance belly style is ideally done under the watchful eye of a professional dancing instructor at a formal class but this may not be convenient for every body for one reason or another. A good dancing instruction course will give you all the techniques required and a full explanation of what you should be doing ad how you should be doing it.

Most online course are delivered as a series of emails with videos attached. These type of courses allow you to work through each stage before going on to the next one so you learn to dance methodically and sensibly.

Answer 3

I would look into taking a class around you. OR use a DVD. It isn't a simple explanation. There are lots of stuff to know, and how to do it proper.

I just started a class last week, it is FUN! I say find a class, most run abou $10 a session.

One class in, so I'm no expert, but it is about layering movements, such as head movements, chest and shoulder movements, hip movements, and arm movements, plus add in moving. IT is fun. I definatly recommend it. You don't need to have the scarf or hip sash.

Answer 4

You have to work at it & study! Try these :1)Parks & Recreation Dept / Adult Ed. classes of your city. 2) download free clips of 12 basic core moves --www.magicalmotion.com and discussion of diff. dances styles, costumes, etc. 3) www.shira.net -- tons of info on every aspect; books, videos, reviewed.

Answer 5

you dance and you use your belly more and move your belly around alot

Answer 6

DVDs and classes around your city (Google it).