Easy step by step belly dancing for beginners

A belly dance is an ancient Middle Eastern dancing style that is versatile and unique. Belly dancing tones and exercises the whole body. In addition, it can be a great way to arouse your partner or an enjoyable way to bond with your girlfriends. Belly dancing includes different blends of folkloric steps from North African and Middle East traditional dances.

Learning how to move the feet is essential for proper execution of the moves.

The feet movement can be enhanced by proper head placement, arm movements, rhythm and direction changes.Easy step by step belly dancing instructions for beginners:

#1 – Dress the part: look for clothes that are stylish and modern but ensure they are comfortable. Long loose skirts would be ideal. Check out our article on how to crate your belly dancing costumes.

#2 – Get some music: ensure that you buy a CD of the Middle East belly dance music. Such CD’s will make the learning process easier since they set the dancing mood and assist you learn the belly dancing rhythm. Such CD’s are available at the local music stores or online music stores. Study and understand the rhythm of the Middle Eastern music.

#3 – Do a warm up exercise: a belly dance exercises a lot of muscles including some that you forget to exercise. Therefore, you should warm up with a little exercising before you start dancing. You can try doing some head rolls as you try to loosen up other parts of the body as well.

#4 – Start with the head: move the head in circles as you try to maintain your head level. Start with clockwise then when you comfortable, move anticlockwise. Slide the head left to right. Ensure that you keep the nose and head level pointing straight.

#5 – Utilize the shoulders: once you are comfortable with the head movement, utilize the shoulders. Go up, forward, back then down as you shimmy your shoulders. Take the left shoulder back as you move the right one forward then move the left shoulder forward as you move the right one back. Gradually increase the speed so that you feel the impact in the ribcage.

#6 – Work the ribs: try sliding the ribs from one side to the other without using the hips. Slide the ribs from right to front to the left then back in circles.

#7 – Roll the belly: belly rolling is the most popular style in belly dance. Pull in the top and bottom half then release them. Release the top first followed by the bottom. Start slowly then increase the speed gradually until it feels natural and easy like your belly is rolling.

#8 – Use the hips: shimmy the hips as you keep the torso still. Start moving the hips from one side to the other slowly and increase the speed gradually. With your knees bent and still ribcage, circle the hips. Move the hips in circles and switch to move them other way.
Drop your hips: place most of your weight on the right foot and slide it so that it is ahead of the left foot. Ensure the knees are bent. Raise the left arm over your head and put the right hand out to the side. Bring the right hip up, then drop it back.

#9 – Do not forget to use the arms and hands: visualize the arms as puppet snakes. Lift the right arm, lift the shoulders, the elbow, wrist and the fingers. Lower the right arm as you lift the left arm in a similar manner. Practice this till the exercise is fluid and comfortable. You can also try making circling with both arms and add some variations to the belly dance to make it more interesting.

#10 – Pick the unique finger dancing symbols: to really enjoy belly dancing, use finger dancing symbols. They are available on the internet or at the local music store. They assist you to maintain the rhythm. Slip the middle finger and the thumb at the elastic back of the symbol. Ensure that they are well positioned so that when you bring the fingers together the cymbals sound. Start with right left right. Chime the dancing symbols with the rhythm of your music.

Practice: after understanding the basic moves, try doing the advanced belly dancing styles.

Belly dancing is enjoyable and exercises many parts of the body. For easy learning, purchase videos and books that contain easy step by step belly dancing instructions. You could even check our home belly dancing class, just click the following banner, and start belly dancing from the confort of you own house!