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students balance swords
Natasya & Katie at
Cairo Carnival
Jessica Martinez
Kaeli & Cassie
Tribal Fusion Style Bellydance
Vicki & Troupe
American Tribal Style Bellydance at Ventura Art Walk
Lucia, Kaeli, VIcki
Urban Tribal Style
bellydance questions & answers
Bellydance Frequently Asked Questions (RAQs FAQs)
If you are the scholarly type and want in-depth music & dance theory, please see my online textbook
If you are the scholarly type and want in-depth music & dance theory, please see my online textbook
belly dance faqs:
What should I wear to Bellydance class?Natasya recommends the following:
barefoot or hermes dance sandals.
Stretch leggings, yoga pants, or jazz-dance pants
Sports bra
Leotard or choli top so teacher can see your posture.
A hip scarf or shimmy belt to emphasize and define hip movement.
Photo of a bellydance class
barefoot or hermes dance sandals.
Stretch leggings, yoga pants, or jazz-dance pants
Sports bra
Leotard or choli top so teacher can see your posture.
A hip scarf or shimmy belt to emphasize and define hip movement.
Photo of a bellydance class
What is the most correct name for Bellydance?Near Eastern Dance, Middle Eastern Dance, Raks or Raqs for traditional styles. Modern Fusion or Tribal Fusion for modern styles.
What are the health benefits of Bellydance?Bellydance strengthens and tones the whole body while developing grace and balance. Bellydance improves flexibility -- especially of the spine and hips. A typical bellydance class provides a moderate, low-impact aerobic workout.
Does Bellydance improve "core" strength?Yes! Bellydance movements, when done correctly, strengthen the deep postural muscles of the spine, abdominals, and hips. A good bellydance class teaches correct postural alignment.
Where does Bellydance come from?Bellydance is found all over the Near East, including Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Greece, Turkey, and many other countries.
Each country has its own style and music.
Bellydance has become so popular in the USA that modern bellydance has American jazzdance and hip-hop elements as well.
Dances similar to bellydance were recorded in ancient Greek and Roman manuscripts, so we know this dance has been around for thousands of years.
Each country has its own style and music.
Bellydance has become so popular in the USA that modern bellydance has American jazzdance and hip-hop elements as well.
Dances similar to bellydance were recorded in ancient Greek and Roman manuscripts, so we know this dance has been around for thousands of years.
What is a bellydance class like?A good belly dance class will have a warm-up, an aerobic section (fast moves) which raise the heart rate, and a cool-down with stretches.
A good belly dance teacher will instruct on correct posture and technique. Expect to learn both single movements and combinations. Learning zills is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the art.
Warm-ups at the start of class
Learning hip drops
Stretches at the end of class
An advanced class rehearses for performance
A good belly dance teacher will instruct on correct posture and technique. Expect to learn both single movements and combinations. Learning zills is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the art.
Warm-ups at the start of class
Learning hip drops
Stretches at the end of class
An advanced class rehearses for performance
Which Bellydance class is right for me?If you have no previous experience, start with an Introductory class or a Level 1 class.
Move to Level 2 as you master the basics of Level 1.
If you have training in other dance forms you may be able to progress to Level 2 quickly, but generally it takes 6 months to 1 year.
Level 3 classes are performance-oriented and require a high degree of physical fitness and mastery of basic technique.
Move to Level 2 as you master the basics of Level 1.
If you have training in other dance forms you may be able to progress to Level 2 quickly, but generally it takes 6 months to 1 year.
Level 3 classes are performance-oriented and require a high degree of physical fitness and mastery of basic technique.
What are zills?Zills, or finger cymbals, are the traditional rhythmic accompaniment to bellydance. Not all bellydance styles use zills ... but anyone who is serious about bellydance learns how to play them. zills
How did Bellydance originate?Human beings started dancing in Paleolithic times. Early dances probably expressed themes of hunting, mating, and birth. The stomach movements of bellydance may have been done to mimic childbirth. However, this is just a theory--we don't know for sure. Bellydance arm and head movements probably mimic the gestures of animals and birds. Hip movements most likely represent seeking and finding a mate.
Am I too fat to bellydance?Probably not. Most Level 1 and Level 2 bellydance movements can be done by ANYONE in reasonably good health. If you have serious health problems related to your weight, seek the advice of your doctor. For most people (even if you are "out of shape"), Bellydance provides a moderate workout that is very beneficial to the health no matter what size you are.
Dancers come in all shapes and sizes.
Dancers come in all shapes and sizes.
Am I too skinny to be a bellydancer?No ... This is why padded bras and fluffy scarves were invented };>
Belly Dancers come in all shapes and sizes.
Belly Dancers come in all shapes and sizes.
Can I bellydance while pregnant?Yes! Fusion Studio advanced student, Michelle, danced & performed up to her 7th month! Vicki is 2 months pregnant here. Bellydance is an excellent activity for toning the muscles used in childbirth. If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.
Am I too old to bellydance?Most dancers working the professional club/restaurant/party circuit are in the 20 - 40 age group. Dancers performing at amateur events such as bellydance festivals perform through their 50s and 60s.
Am I too young to bellydance?Natasya takes students from age 12 in adult classes. Children under 12 are welcome when accompanied by an adult or with special permission from the teacher. Children under 8 generally do better in a children's class. Every teacher will have her own rules on this. Fusion Studio had students as young as 11 participate in a performance.
What are the different styles of bellydance costumes?There are many ... but here are some of the classics ...
Beledi Dress
2-piece Cabaret (Bedlah)
Tribal Style
Modern Tribal Fusion Style
Beledi Dress
2-piece Cabaret (Bedlah)
Tribal Style
Modern Tribal Fusion Style
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