The Hip Tilt, also called the Pelvic Tilt, tilting the hips forward and backward, are foundational movements of belly dancing. These can be used alone, as accents, or combined with other movements to form the undulation, internal hip circle and much more. Tips: Take care when tilting the hips forward. Be gentle and ease the tailbone up, rather than doing with too much force. Your lower back with love you!
The Chest Slides, also called Ribcage Slides, front, back, right and left are foundational movements of belly dancing. When combined with other movements, they help build more intricate movements like the horizontal chest circle and undulation. Tips: Like with all upper-body work, be sure to keep the lower torso engaged and keep the tailbone slightly tucked. Be sure to keep the chest upright during your chest slides, as opposed to tilting the upper torso, lifting one shoulder higher than the…
The Chest Lift & Drop are two of the most foundational movements in belly dancing. When combined with other movements, they help build more intricate movements like the chest circle and undulation. They may also be executed sharply and used as accents to highlight details in the music. Tips: Like with all upper-body work, be sure to keep the lower torso engaged and keep the tailbone tucked slightly, so the hips don’t tilt forward or back. This helps you practice…
First Thing – Take Your Measurements Using a tailor’s measuring tape (available at any fabric store) with your outer clothes off, measure around your rib cage under your breasts, upper hip (just above your hip bones), lower hip (around the fullest part of your bottom), and length (from upper hip to the floor). Write these down and keep them handy when you are shopping. Include your bra cup size too. Many belly dance costume stores will give you the measurement…
Many different styles of music are available for belly dance performance and practice. Most countries, regions and specific tribes or ethnic groups in the Middle East and North Africa have a particular style of music that is unique to them based on rhythms used, instrumentation, and other factors. The most important thing – is to find music that moves you! Local retail Middle Eastern Stores/Shops: If you have a local Middle Eastern food store or gift shop, frequently these places will…
The term “Golden Era” is often used to refer to the period of Egyptian cinema beginning in the early-mid through the middle of the 20th century. During this period, many actresses/dancers became popular, not only in Egypt and the Middle East but around the world. Many of these dancers are still recognized as the best of the best and are still a source for inspiration for belly dance enthusiasts today. The list below is certainly not inclusive of all Golden…
