I was looking for some of the Shimmy shows last night on Youtube and couldn't find any. I found some, but they weren't from the Fit-tv show. I thought maybe I could find some clips of Fit-Tv.com, but none there neither. I know I have to pay an extra $5 a month on my cable bill to get that channel so...

Anyways, whether you have a good opinion of them or not, I LOVE that show. I have about 8 episodes saved on my DVR. It's fun!

UGH! They have a video HERE, but I can't get it to load on my computer. O'well...

aphil- You have me wanting to try belly dancing now! It sounds like so much fun!
I have a bum knee that flares up if I do to much high impact stuff. Would beely dancing be considered low impact?

Belly dance is low to NON impact, depending on what you are doing. There is really no stomping, jumping, etc.

However...you do use your knees a lot, and the basic dance posture that you stand in 95% of the time is with bent knees. Even though it is low to non impact, there is this issue. Are you able to do lunges and squats with your bum knee? Think of the dance posture as almost a mini squat, as far as the knees are concerned...

Oh....I also wanted to add, that if you have a bad knee, then don't EVER do belly dance floorwork moves!!!!

Ive been belly dancing for about 3 years and its made my waist VERY tiny lol

I got my Shimmy DVDs (seasons I and II) and they do provide detailed instruction and practice before going into the dance workout. It's so much fun and I love the music! If I decide I want to get serious, I'll think about taking classes.

What would be considered dance floorwor moves, aphil?

Are those workout outfits cute on Shimmy! And I love the costumes! Maybe one day when I get that tiny waist, I can be a belly dancer for Halloween!

Any of the dance moves where you are down on the floor, rather than in a standing position. They can put a lot of stress on the knees, legs, and core-and if you have back problems, knee problems, etc. you wouldn't want to do them.

I have taken ME dance lessons since 1976, it was difficult
to get lessons back then in my area. It is nice to see so many
individuals enjoying taking lessons or learning by dvd.

For a beginner, the series by Neena and Veena is very well done.
It covers lessons slowly so you can see the steps.

Be very careful who you learn from. You need to be taught how
to do the moves safely. The Shira website and orientaldancer.net
are good sites where you can read discussions or reviews on
many of the available dvds.

For individuals who want to perform or teach, the dvds by Susanne
Delvecchio or Hadia (of Canada) are very good.

happy dancing!

I bought Hip Drop Hip Hope Bellydance Fitness for Weight Loss featuring Rania. I'm looking forward to trying it.