Bellydancing 101

Belly dancing is an art form all in itself, it has been around as the entertaining art form we love, for centuries. It is not only about feeling good and about doing something good for your body, it is also about looking good while doing so. If you think you're looking good it reflects in your personality and generally gives a more positive attitude. Belly dancing all about having fun and creating a positive body self-image.

After taking hula dancing lessons for two and a half years I have noticed the similarities between it and belly dancing. Both combine rhythmical movements of all the different parts of the body intertwined together to create each unique and expressive dance. Each form of dance is composed of all that is sensual, tantalizing, and eye-catching.

The movement of the hands and arms in hula dancing is more expressive than that of the movements of belly dancing; in hula, the hands and arms are the main features used to tell the story of the dance. Use the fingers, wrists, elbows and every part of the arm. Try moving your right hand in a circular motion and then repeat this motion with the left. Continue changing the movement of the right arm and then copy it with the left. This followed by a movement using both the right and left together is a normal progression of a simple belly dancing move where the hands are singled out to help to tell the story.

Movement of the head and neck should be not overly done and should stay relaxed. Relaxation is the key to belly dancing; if you are tense in your movements it will show through and you will appear stiff. Always smile and appear cheerful because no one wants to watch a dancer who looks like they are not enjoying them self. Facial expressions are a good method of personalizing your style - the more animated you become on stage the more enjoyable and captivating your performance will be.

Shoulders and upper chest should move along with the rest of the body. Sometimes the shoulders can be used to begin or create a motion with the hands, arms and fingers. A good exercise to practice loosening up your shoulders is to stand with your feet firmly planted on the ground about shoulder length apart, and alternate rotating your shoulders in circular motions clockwise and counter-clockwise. Then move each shoulder independently and opposite of the other. The shoulders normally carry most of the tension that we accumulate in our bodies everyday, but these exercises will help reduce the tension and muscle tightness.

Waistline and stomach should be flexible and exhibit the talents of each dancer individually. A move such as rolling the stomach is a more advanced move that takes a bit of practice, but once learned can be a sexy focal point in your dance. Start the move out at the top of your stomach directly below your ribcage and then push out with your stomach muscles. Next, in a wave-like motion, tighten your stomach muscles rhythmically in then out, and repeat.

Hips and buttocks should emphasize and not overpower the rest of your features in the dance because if it was not toned down it would be just a little more than booty dancing. In time you can gain speed in your hip shaking; start out slowly and complete each move as perfectly and gracefully as you can. Speed comes in time and with practice.

Legs and feet should carry you around effortlessly and also should compliment the rest of the body's movements. Add variation by turning around during part of your dance so that your audience can appreciate your beauty from all angles. Do not stay in the same place when you dance, use whatever space is available to you. Dancing close to others makes them feel special, even make eye contact with a few spectators for a brief moment unless you feel absolutely uncomfortable doing so. This will endear your audience to you and make them adore you and your performance all the more because it has included them.