In this article you will find instructions on belly dance movements from beginner to advanced level, veil movement and finger cymbal rhythms that you can incorporate into your belly dancing.
The best way to learn these movements and techniques is to visualize what is being explained and then to actually try it out and see if you can do it.
Where possible I have illustrated a lot of the movements with the use of a diagram to aid you in understanding how the movement are performed and the skill required.
Please remember though that nothing can replace the instruction and benefits actual lessons can offer you.
You must always incorporate the following stand and posture in your dancing. The reason for this is because it will help you to perform the movements more easily and avoid injury such as lower back ache during your dancing:
Belly Dance Posture
- Feet are shoulder width apart and they are inline with your shoulders.
- Feet are flat on the floor unless a movement requires you to lift your feet.
- Knees are bent
- Pelvis is tucked forward so that you are not arching your back. (this is important, you must pay attention to your body)
- Chest is lifted
- Shoulders and neck are relaxed
- Arms out to the side with a slight bend in the elbows
- Horse shoe shape with your thumb and middle finger
Pay attention to your posture, though it seems really basic it forms the basis for your dancing especially your arms and arm movements. If you start to ignore your arms it is difficult to learn it afterwards.
If you are feeling back ache, you are most likely arching your back unless you have a health problem for which you must consult your doctor about before embarking on your belly dance journey.
If you are feeling knee pain it could be that you are trying to do the movement with straight locked knees and the friction from the movement is putting impact on your knees causing pain. Again if you have a health issue you must consult our doctor before embarking on your belly dance journey.
If you are attending classes it is important that you inform your instructor of any health related issues so that she can advise you on what is best, what movements to avoid or do differently. After all you are putting your health in her hands and she should be able to give you advice.
Although a lot of the movements in this guide are explained using the right side of the body, this is merely for explanation purposes and can be done on the left side as well.
You will also find that when you start your belly dance movement you will automatically start moving in the direction which is most comfortable for you. This is no problem at all. You will only need to vary your movement when you do choreographies in a group or when you dance professionally.
I hope you have fun learning these movements and check back soon…