Belly Dancing

[Twilight Garden]

I start Middle Eastern Belly Dancing the first week of February. (Yeah!) I've already got my hip-scarf and zills. I've been wanting to start for a while. Time (and other things) wouldn't allow, before. Now, I'm ready to go for it! I'm really excited. I was wondering if anyone here does it. If so, any advise for the newbie? I love the whole idea and form behind it. I can't wait!... Any info is appreciated.
:D :boing: :D :boing: :D

(BTW I wasn't sure where to post this. Since it's dance, and dance is kind of excersize, I figured here would work.) :)

[Silver Venus]

Hiya, I havent ever tried it myself, my friend has and said she loved it too, I would love to give it a go someday :)

Good luck to ya and wriggle that belly!
Here are some links Ive just found for you :)
http://www.shira.net/
http://www.joyofbellydancing.com/
http://www.desertmoondance.com/
http://www.geocities.com/arctic_dancing_mirage/

[Twilight Garden]

Thank you for the links. I saved them so I can look at them all in time. I looked at the Shira one. It has loads of info. Thanks.

[Lavender]

I took dance waaaay back in highschool & belly dancing was a component in that class. It was really hard! I remember the kids were all kidding around & making smart a$$ remarks. But once we got into it, we all loved it. Haven't done it since...I just have the belly now. :rolleyes:

[Nyx]

A lot of SCA groups teach belly dancing. (as well as other dance styles) There is always someone dancing at an event, and there are usually drum and dance circles at night. It's fun to watch. If I get the chance, I'd love to learn to dance that way. Or, at the very least, attempt to learn how to dance like that. We'll see.
I don't exactly have the body for it. ;)
and yes, dance is most definitly exercise! In fact, it's quite a work out! Hope you enjoy it!

[wolvie]

I belly dance to a video and I do the motions purely for exercise... I don't have the time presently to join a class---

Congrats and have a blast!

report back here with what you learn!

[wolvie]

I belly dance to a video and I do the motions purely for exercise... I don't have the time presently to join a class---

Congrats and have a blast!

report back here with what you learn!

[Twilight Garden]

I'll certainly try. Only 2 more weeks to go... :shaker: :bigredgri

[Nyx]

I may have to buy a belly dancing viedo now!:bigredgri

[maythen]

I've taken a couple belly dancing courses. It's wonderful. You'll love it. It can tone your body pretty quickly. And the movements are very sensual. One instructor told us that the dance was originally designed to help the female body prepare for childbirth.
In fact a pregnant lady was in the classes.

Have fun.

[Garnet]

I'm learning belly dancing by video. I've tried a couple different ones.
"Bellydance Fitness for Beginners" by Neena & Veena (yeah, twins) was hard. It's for someone who's used to some kind of exercise. "Bellydance for Beginners-Dance for Fitness" is geared more for couch potatoes, & it showed what you can do-some day. The twins' tape was just moves for exercise.
It's a lot of fun & easier on the body than tae-bo. I threw my hip out the first time I tried that.
All together now...roll those hips!

[Twilight Garden]

I may look into getting a video for home, too. My step-daughter loves watching the belly dancers and keeps asking if I'm going to take her with me to class. (Um, no.) :rolleyes: I would end up having to sign her up for the class too. She already takes tap, jazz and gymnastics. So getting a video to keep up at home might be a good idea for both of us. I'm going to ask my instructor about videos after I start.

[Twilight Garden]

8O Unfortunately I spoke/typed too soon. At the last minute I changed my mind. I decided not to start the belly dancing classes after all. (I'd rather not get into my semi-lame reason for not starting.) Oh well, I have a really cool scarf with lots of jinglies on it now! :D

BUT on a more positive note, I've invested in Yoga videos. I decided to trade the belly dancing for yoga. After I'm more comfortable with the tapes, enough to decide how I really like it, I may start classes. I love it so far. Who knows...