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.