One of the biggest concerns that I hear from dancers is they don’t know what to do to practice. This article will help give you some ideas on what to practice and how to make the most of your private practice time, through the different stages of dance development. We will start with beginners and work our way to tips for more advanced dancers. This article assumes the decision to practice has already been made, so I won’t address time…
You dance geeks have been asking for my top belly dance history book recommendations. Well, your wait is over. Here are my favorite history reads! Be sure to click on the titles to be transported to Amazon where you can conveniently purchase these books. Enjoy! Disclaimer: Making these awesome resources takes a lot of time and effort. When you use the links below to make a purchase, Ahlam Academy gets a small percentage of the sale. Every bit helps support Ahlam Academy’s…
Part 2 of 2: Don’t regret your song choice! Choose the right music before you create a choreography or use it in your improvisation to make the most of each performance.
Part 1 of 2: Don’t regret your song choice! Choose the right music before you create a choreography or use it in your improvisation to make the most of each performance.
One of the simplest ways to protect our “belly dance character” is to cover up our costumes before and after our performances. This video shows you three options for covering up. If time allows, you can also change in and out of your costume, if you would rather change than cover-up.
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…
