| In recent years, belly dancing has been catching on in | | | | and possibly finger-symbols. This may seem like a lot |
| the Western World. You can find classes in almost | | | | of decoration, but you want to make sure every part |
| any city. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or | | | | of your body is accentuated to show off the hard |
| advanced, you can you find classes to meet your skill | | | | work you have put into mastering these moves. |
| level. Even children can get in on the action! | | | | On the other hand, belly dancing is a wonderful form of |
| Belly dancing started out as a dance tradition in the | | | | exercise and will make a great addition to your overall |
| Middle East as a way to strengthen a woman's hips | | | | fitness routine. There are two basic steps to master if |
| for giving birth. Now, it has become a form of | | | | this is what you are after. The first is the all-important |
| entertainment and exercise, as well as an art form. | | | | stretching. Using an exercise ball or yoga type |
| It is not widely realized that the advanced dancers | | | | stretches are ideal. The second is a group of basic |
| already know over thirty moves! The good news is | | | | belly dancing moves such as hip and shoulder |
| there are no footsteps to remember if you are just | | | | movements along with abdominal, waist and thigh |
| learning. You learn how to move very isolated parts of | | | | movements. |
| the body in rhythm to music. | | | | Make sure that if you plan on belly dancing during |
| Movements of belly dancing are very isolated. Your | | | | pregnancy, you check with your doctor. Because of |
| hips will lift, thrust and shimmy while your belly rolls and | | | | the nature of the dance, it will have a different effect |
| your pelvic muscles tilt. Your arms will make snake like | | | | on your body than other types of prenatal exercise. It |
| movements while your legs will either be shimmying | | | | also may be prudent to get a second opinion to give |
| one at a time or together in a double shimmy. | | | | you added peace of mind. |
| Once you have these and other movements | | | | You want to make sure you workout four to five |
| mastered, you will put them to work in several | | | | times per week, for thirty to forty minutes. Make sure |
| positions, the basic and parallel positions as well as | | | | that this is continuous activity and that you break a |
| floor work that include dropping, sitting and then | | | | sweat. The cardiovascular effect will result in weight |
| returning to a full stand. Also, you can't forget about | | | | loss or control, if a healthy diet is used as well. These |
| the veil work that comes into play. | | | | kinds of exercises release endorphins which are the |
| Now you know why there is so much to learn! Some | | | | 'feel good' hormone. |
| teachers may give these movements different names, | | | | These are just a few of the reasons that belly dancing |
| they all reduce to the same thing – Very skilled | | | | can be good for you. Also, if you take classes, it can |
| moves. Body movements will be the same, however, | | | | be a source of friendship as well. But be careful that |
| no matter the name. Making the body shake, quake, | | | | you don't over do it. Be sure to drink your six to eight |
| curve, thrust, lock and drop. The arms and hands | | | | glasses of water a day and take your vitamins. This |
| follow through with the movements in fluid motion. The | | | | will help your body recover and get ready for a new |
| belly remains exposed to show her control and | | | | workout tomorrow. |
| strength. | | | | One of the places you can learn belly dancing is at a |
| The dancers costume will leave the belly exposed | | | | local dance studio. Check the local listings to see |
| during the dance. This is to make it easier on the | | | | where they are offered. If you don't want to try to |
| spectators, whether they are judges or patrons, to | | | | learn this complex dance in public, you can find a |
| see how much control she has over her body. Also, | | | | multitude of information on the Internet, in books and |
| the more skin that is exposed, the more sensual her | | | | from instructional videos or DVDs. |
| movements become. It is very stimulating to watch a | | | | You can find classes and pricing at helenavlahos.com, |
| well-trained belly dancer display her art in this manor, | | | | and at visionarydance.com, you will find classes, DVDs |
| with her hips and mid-drift exposed. | | | | and workshops. To complete your costume, check out |
| If you are going to take your belly dancing on to a | | | | home.earthlink.net. Rania Bossonis has a book written |
| more authentic level, you will want to make sure your | | | | on the art of the belly dance. |
| costume is appropriate. The top should be almost like a | | | | Summary: |
| bra with ornate beading and sequins for decorations. | | | | Belly dancing can be used for display or entertainment. |
| The bottoms can either be a full skirt or loose fitting | | | | Women, men and even children can find enjoyment |
| shear pants. | | | | and fitness in this art form, whether they are beginners |
| Other accessories you will want to add are a belt that | | | | or advanced or somewhere in between. |
| is weighted, bands for you wrist and/or arms, scarf | | | | |