[aphil]

Hi Mauvais!
I totally agree with you about wishing that I had discovered it and started taking lessons in high school! My class was yesterday-and it was great. We do a lot of "drills" in class...just like football players do in practice before they actually start learning new plays or whatever. Our instructor has taught us drills to do-each to a different Middle Eastern "rhythm" that works on a different skill, and familiarizes us to recognizing the different ME rhythms. So-when we go to class-we all warm up before class starts-and when it does we jump right in to doing a few drills across the floor...and then we go on to working on choreography or a new step, etc.
Oh Mauvais-one of my performances was on tv as well. Totally forgot if you can believe that. We performed at the local Internationale Festivale and it televised on the area educational/public station. (The one that Sesame Street/Nova and stuff like that is on.)
I have great news! In September there is a workshop a few hours away with Dalia Carella (a big belly dancer who specializes in gypsy style) and there is a "Best Of The Midwest" belly dance show afterwards for dancers in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, etc. and I was asked to dance in it!
For those of you doing belly dance at home-test out the Veena and Neena vids and see if you like them. If you do-then try to find an area class-you won't regret it! If you don't have anything nearby-then after you are seasoned with those videos-I would be glad to recommend some to you that are a little more advanced/professional...even some beginning ones that use veils and finger cymbals! (I am gonna get you hooked... )
Have a great day everyone!
Aphil

[jiffypop]

my gym offers a class... and i've been EYEING it, and have spoken to the instructor - who encouraged me to take it. but i've never been able to fit it in because my work schedule WAS so very very crazy and deadline driven. BUT i start a NEW job in a week or two, much more normal hours. much happier place. so THEN.. it looks like i can take the class!!!! oh my!!! maybe i'll get the instructor to come to a support group meeting!!! can't you just see it?? all those women a couple of weeks postop trying to shimmy??? maybe that would be too mean!

i've never been one for videos.. in fact i''ve never even been in a video store!!!!

and hatteras, you inspired me BECAUSE YOU'RE DOING IT!!!!. happily. with grace. and acknowledging that you don't have the perfect sculpted bod.

ok teapot... i'll go to the gym this week and check out the class schedule...

and aphil.. you COULD be developing into one of my idols...

and pssssstt.. could we not tell the weightlifters that i'm doing this?? /i'm supposed to be an iron-pumping sort of strong chick or something... not a flexible dancing sort of chick. not that i've ever actually danced in my life. but it's probably time to start. doncha think????

[nelie]

Jiffy, don't worry, I'm also been doing the weight lifting thing. We can be strong and sensual at the same time.

[aphil]

jiff-
I strength train 3 days a week full body...not the tiny 1 pound neoprene dumbells...but sculpting, body building stuff with heavier weights-5-15 pounds depending on the exercises. I utilize weights even when I do abwork.
I am a strong mama!
The thing is...I bet half of those body building women have no idea how heavy my sword is...or how much abdominal and back strength it takes for me to do some of the floorwork belly dance moves!
Belly dance incorporates so many different physical aspects when you really get into it...you learn flexibility, strength, cardiovascular stamina, balance, (floorwork/sword/cane dancing) and you also learn a lot about music-because you have to learn and recognize musical cues and such when you dance. If you play finger cymbals...you are dancing and playing a musical instrument at the same time. (Ask Mauvais what a fun task this is! ) And veilwork is GREAT for strengthening the shoulders and arms.
I love, love, love my strength training and do it religiously-but belly dancing has given me so many benefits beyond what the weight room can offer. Self confidence is a HUGE one.

[jiffypop]

ok ok ok. you have talked me into TRYING this. and really.. i've NEVER IN MY LIFE danced. <or gone into a video store> so many new things at once!!!

and much less expensive than a kayak!!!!!!

[sweetnsassyfied]

okies okies i am getting off the "wishful thinking couch" too. ~smiling brightly~ for a little over a year i have been toying with this idea of belly dancing. knowing full well i would love it. i used to do another form of dance for a living and i swear some of my old dancer muscles twitched hoping to be used again just reading this thread. ~laughing~

i am going back to the states in a few weeks and scribbled down the titles of the beginer dvd's. could you please post a few advanced/ intermediate ones too. for i know i wont be back again till the "pass" is open ( winter is over ~grinz n winks~ )

thank you so much for starting a new thread perfect timing for me. recently we had eaten at a Persian restaraunt, it appeared the owners family had all gotten together to celebrate that night as well. a young girl of 12-ish had gotten up to dance. i was awed at the grace and fluidity of the movements as other family members joined in. soon the whole restaraunt was dancing, including the kookie american lady who was laughing, clapping, and thoroughly enjoying the evening. ( that was not a video camera i saw..........was it....... hopefully they will never hear of America's funniest home videos....~laughing~ )

i am really looking forward to this thank you again for this thread!

sincerely,
sassy who adores being a Tourist even when she isnt...........

[HatterasMermaid]

HAD to check in and see what was going on with my BellyDancingBuds! YES, Jiffy! It is time that you danced! I'm so glad that you are gonna try this! This is one of many tapes that I do...but the only one that makes me grin and giggle and feel "exotic" while doing it! (Ok...my exercise ball makes me laugh...but trust me...THAT is farrrr from exotic! ) I thought of you gals on Saturday night as I was literally sweating with N&V and dancing my way around my living room! cut off sweat pants, tank top, discoduck arms and all! I love love LOVE that I can dance barefooted! (It is the little things that thrill me!)

I wanted to add that I do "The Firm" videos with 3, 5, and 10 pound weights. Not exactly the same kind of weight lifting that you are talking about.. BUT... the body sculpting with weights has made SUCH a difference! I "feel" my dancing after I'm done! This is a GOOD thing!

Finger cymbals?! Veils? Yeah, you made me grin! Sword?! Um, I need a LOT more REAL practice before we need to give me a weapon to dance around with! I've got to finish my housepainting project so that I can spend some time investigating a REAL class...gasp... did I really just THINK that?! YIKES! He he! Veils! Hmmmmm?!

Jiffy...my video was less than $10...I've not priced kayaks lately...but I'm thinking.....
hehehee!

ya'll take care!

[HatterasMermaid]

Sassy...

I'm jealous.... you have old dancer muscles twitching!?! I just have OLD muscles that twitch! But...I'm trying! Soooo what form of dance did you "useta" do?! And do you still have those graceful "dancer arms"? My arms just twitch sorta too! hehehe!
Tell me what you were wearing at the restruant! My dchildren LOVE that show! I'll tell them to keep an eye out for you! LOL

take care!

[aphil]

Hi everyone!
Just want to add that I am down another pound this week.

Okay...here goes!

sweetnsassy-fomer dance experience, huh? Then you are in for a treat! Something that anyone with dance experience (jazz, ballet, clogging, tap dancing, square dancing, etc.) is going to notice right off is a major difference between most dance forms and belly dance. The biggest physical difference-is that in most dance forms the "dance" or the "expression" is done through the limbs. Cloggers and tap dancers have their arms flailing about...you got the Rockettes doing their high kicks...the ballerinas are one one leg posing in an arabesque with their arms held out in a perfect position...you have seen it all before. Belly dance is different in the fact that traditional dance primarily uses the limbs-with the core of the body being "secondary." You might hold good posture, or bend over, or twist your trunk during a turn....but your torso is not the "main event."

In belly dance-your torso is the "main event." Every move-even one that is using your legs, your arms, or such moves THROUGH your torso when done correctly. When you do snake arms correctly-if you pay attention, the wave does not stop where your arms meet your body. It goes completely through your shoulders and back all the way through to the other arm. You learn to completely isolate your chest, back, ribcage, obliques, and abdominal muscles aside from any other movement. After a few years you gain the control to move one portion of your abdominals with everything else remaining still...you gain the control to move your ribcage and chest up and down with "deep breaths" not being a factor. You learn a kind of control that no other dance form teaches.

So-I recommend the beginning videos for anyone-even those with other dance experience-because this is so different. I will give some more recommendations though!

*for safety's sake-you can try veil and finger cymbals at home...but I would not recommend swords, candles, cane, or snakes without the guidance of a trained professional instructor!*

There...that was my disclaimer.

Okay...beginner vids to try...
BellyDance Fitness For Beginners Basic Moves-Veena and Neena
BellyDance Fitness For Beginners Slim Down-Veena and Neena
Discover BellyDance Basic Dance-Veena and Neena
Atea's Magical Motion

and I'll add a few more...
go to www.rubyjazayre.com and order Ruby's videos. She is a great instructor that I have taken workshops with before...and her videos are great. They are geared towards someone wanting to learn belly dance more professionally-like to practice with along with taking a class. While it may be tempting to skip over it-her first video is a MUST-about posture and positioning and balance. You have to have the correct posture and foundation to dance correctly. This is something that is not talked about in the Veena and Neena videos...but it is touched on in Magical Motion. (I prefer Magical Motion as a beginner video over the V&N videos for this main feature!) You will NOT be disappointed with Ruby's videos!

Hmmmm...more...
If you want to play around with a veil....you might want to try The Goddess Workout with veils. It can be found at Borders bookstore and at Amazon.com and other more mainstream places. I am not to keen on her choreography and footwork in this video-but it teaches some basic things to do with a veil. My veil instructions are in the first post if you don't have one...or this video is also sold in a set at Amazon that comes with a veil already.

Today is my day to dance at home between my classes. I plan on working on some drills, going over some basics, and playing around with my finger cymbals.

You all have a great day.
Aphil

[nelie]

I am skipping swimming today because tomorrow is the bellydancing class at my gym. I know that doesn't make much sense but I need to do weight lifting today, bellydancing tomorrow then weight lifting on thursday, otherwise it would've been swimming today, weight lifting tomorrow.

If I can get out of work on time, I am going to take the class. I called up my gym yesterday and asked how much per class and it is 2 dollars so that isn't bad at all and it'll give me a feel of what to expect.

[deathbychoc]

Okaaaay. So I've been reading this thread with great interest because belly dancing seems really cool. For haha's, I checked online and found a place that offers classes the next town over! Who knew? So now I'm considering this crazy idea. But I have a question.

Do I need to wear those costumes? Quite frankly, I have a belly full of jelly and if my tummy is hanging out, it would be mortifying and dangerous. I don't know if I can do this if my stomach is all hanging out. Plus, I have stretch marks and it's not something the world needs to see.

I can't believe I am sitting here considering this.

~Lisa

[aphil]

Honey...cute user name btw...

I have stretch marks. I had 9 and 10 pound babies...and there was NOTHING that was gonna prevent me from being mark free. The tips that I can offer on that front is to use a good cream/lotion and massage it into the belly and hips every day after your shower or bath. It really helps keep that area supple and will fade them a little over time-so that the texture blends in with the rest of the belly a little better. They won't go away-but they will look better.
Second-you wear costumes for performance. If you get to the level where you are performing for an audience. You aren't going to see anyone in head to toe sequins or chiffon in class. You can wear stretch/lycra pants...or yoga pants that are lycra like with looser legs...basically anything you would wear for any sort of workout. You can wear a sports bra if you want...or if you are more comfortable-you can wear a tshirt to cover your belly. I would recommend a tshirt a little more fitted though so that the teacher can see you chest/back/shoulders more clearly for posture. In classes they may sell hip wraps that have the coins or fringe or beads on them to put on over your regular workout gear-this just makes it more "fun" and adds that accent to your hip moves. Totally optional.
I dress like this for class...and save my harem pants, caftans, 10 yard skirts, and fancy choli tops for shows only.

Aphil

[mauvaisroux]

I wear yoga pants, a t-shirt or lycra tank and wrap a small hip scarf around my hips for some jingles.

Some girls in my class wear those flowing "hippie" skirts (Indian cotton skirts) and a tee,
others wear lycra exercise pants with a t-shirt and a light crochet shawl tied around their hips. Whatever you feel comfortable in.

I save my heavy hip scarves and fancy costumes for performances.

I usually dance barefoot if the classroom has hardwood floors but if the classroom doesn't I wear gymnastic shoes - they are little slip on shoes that I got for $12.00 at a dance store.

Sassy- sounds like a fun night out! BTW I found you a "Mountie Moose" so please pm me with your address

[aphil]

Yes-if you are ever dancing on a surface that is not good for the feet-they gymnastic slip on shoes are great. If you can't find any-some other options are a soft ballet slipper (split sole works best) or what they call "lyric sandals" which is what I use-and they are available at any online dance shop or dance supply store if you have one in your area. The lyric sandal doesn't cover your whole sole-it has a strappy look on top, and just provides coverage on the bottom of your foot where the "pressure" of your body weight is-like the ball of the foot. I have even seen some dancers use the tai chi/martial arts soft soled shoes. Really you just want something very flexible-so you have coverage but still can "feel the floor" under your feet...and you still have ample movement in the foot to flex/point your feet.

[nelie]

I went to the bellydancing class at my gym tonight. It was pretty cool, I was sweating and it didn't actually seem like much was going on. I mean everything was mostly small movements which doesn't seem like much exercise but it was and my calves got a good workout. I'm definitely going to go again next week. Also, the dvd I ordered from amazon was shipped today so then I should have some fun this weekend.