Is there a section about Belly Dance and I'm just not seeing it? Thanks!
Anyone here Belly Dance?
There's not a belly dance section. I know we have some dancers on the forum. This thread is can be use to start a discussion on Belly dancing.
Start! ;D
I started taking lessons about 2 weeks ago. I'm not bad, if I do say so myself! ;)
I started making a gypsy outfit a while back and I thought if I'm going to look the part I better be able to back it up! The teacher is really great and the class is a lot of fun, not to mention a WORKOUT! Susan Summers step aside! :o
As a confirmed sea faring individual, I always enjoy watching new "NAVEL' maneuvers.
I know that belly dancing isn't just about rippling your tummy in that wavy motion, but my 10 year old sister can do that really well. She's been able to do that since she was 7 or so, it's kind of creepy really, she's pretty good :D
I've put together my idea of a Steampunk dance outfit (I'll be wearing the complete outfit for the first time tomorrow!) but I don't yet know how to dance. I've looked into lessons but there isn't much to choose from in the summer. I'm waiting for the fall ATS session to start. :)
My college has a belly dancing club. I think they use it as an exercise more than training. If I ever lose this gut, maybe I shall give it a try :P
I've been in search of an instructor in my area and not having much luck. :(
Thinking I might just have to get a dvd for instruction, but I'm going to keep looking for a teacher.
If you have Netflix they have belly dance DVDs and one that you can watch instantly.
Delireus- if you want to lose weight and tone up start lessons now! It is a serious workout. :o
And you don't wear the garb in class, unless you want to. It takes a while to commit to muscle memory anyway.
hah, i had no idea netflix had those DVDs, that's awesome, thanks a lot :)
Quote from: Delireus on July 31, 2010, 03:48:34 PM
My college has a belly dancing club. I think they use it as an exercise more than training. If I ever lose this gut, maybe I shall give it a try :P
Dancing will help you lose the gut! Bellydancing is more about being confident in the skin you're in rather than being rail thin and showing skin anyway. :)
I have known my husband since high school and when we look back at pictures he says I was WAY too skinny. He prefers a woman with meat on her bones! Besides, the idea of the ideal female body being 5'9" and <100lbs is a very recent concept. I am much more about feeling good than fitting society's box (isn't that what this board is all about!). Proof is in my mom who is miserable all of the time because she tries to keep a certain weight. I eat healthy, exercise, and don't worry about it too much. I find I am much happier! ;)
Now I can't wait until I have enough belly dance lessons under my belt to perform! About every three months they have a dance night at a club. :o
I found some basic instructions on YouTube. There are two sisters that go through the movements.
The lessons are in 4 parts. ;D
Quote from: Lady L on August 01, 2010, 12:10:09 AM
I found some basic instructions on YouTube. There are two sisters that go through the movements.
The lessons are in 4 parts. ;D
Are you talking about the twins? If so, I saw that one too, lol. Looks like they have a couple of sets of videos.
I took belly dance lessons several years ago for 2 years until the instructor stopped teaching. I tried a few other instructors but no one taught me as much. I have found another troupe that teaches in the Tribal style I learned and I cannot wait to start lessons again (need $ first).
I always felt so happy and confident when dancing. I did tone up a bit, but the confidence is the booster. Just knowing just how much your body can do is incredible. I have a partially fused spine but I could still bend and be incredible flexible when I thought my back would hinder that.
My husband is also one who prefer girls with meat. He saw pictures of me at 15lbs lighter than I was when we met, 30 lbs from now, and said i was too skinny. I'm only allowed to go down to where I was when we started dating.
Yes, Bonny Pearl! I wasn't sure of their names...Veena and Nina?
I'm one to say that unless you're getting live instruction, you may be missing out on a lot of the proper postures and things that will save some muscles and build other important ones up.
HI, my name is Blue, and I've been a belly dancer for about 2 years now. I've danced with Wine and Alchemy, as well as around a few fires here and there LOL! I'm still learning, I'm not all that awesome, but I know my way around a good chest lift and a shimmy. Oh, and I can belly dance to anything. My faves so far seem to be 80's new wave and ska music like Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Reel Big Fish.
I don't belly dance, but I'd like to. I've found a couple of places that teach lessons, but right now my schedule is such that I can't make it at the times they offer. :( Maybe this fall, though, when my schedule shifts a bit, I'll be able to.
I can not shimmy, though. For some reason, I just can't get my body to move that way. Can a good teacher fix that? Or am I doomed to never being able to shimmy, and thus never belly dance?
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on July 31, 2010, 05:20:17 PM
I've been in search of an instructor in my area and not having much luck. :(
Thinking I might just have to get a dvd for instruction, but I'm going to keep looking for a teacher.
Bonny
You should chat up Lady Nina at The Pirates Treasure when TRF starts up. If memory serves she is part of a troupe that performs around the Houston area. She may know a teacher that you can reach.
Shimmy is all about posture and muscle isolations. A good teacher can have your body doing things you didn't know your body could do. A good teacher can look at your form and figure out the best way to teach YOU how to do it so that you can understand it. You can't get that from a video. Now, learning some new techniques and choreography from a DVD is ok. But I would combine it with a regimen of a class or two a month.
I'm always surprised when people say "you have to be skinny to belly dance." The best dancers I know are all gorgeous curvy girls (and one curvy guy).
More curves=more room for coins=more jingles!
So tomorrow is lesson 7!
I am REALLY enjoying the class. We have started learning combinations and I want to start taking the beginner choreography when it loops back (missing the beginning of this session due to work travel). Pyrate Fest is coming up and now I have the delima of choosing between pirate and gypsy (my teacher and her troupe will be performing at fest)! I made a new skirt for my outfit and have changed/added quite a bit from the photo I posted. It looks really different now. I like it a lot better.
Quote from: Dinobabe on August 25, 2010, 09:54:32 PM
So tomorrow is lesson 7!
I am REALLY enjoying the class. We have started learning combinations and I want to start taking the beginner choreography when it loops back (missing the beginning of this session due to work travel). Pyrate Fest is coming up and now I have the delima of choosing between pirate and gypsy (my teacher and her troupe will be performing at fest)! I made a new skirt for my outfit and have changed/added quite a bit from the photo I posted. It looks really different now. I like it a lot better.
Sounds like you need to be a Gypsy Pirate. :)
Quote from: BryanPopp on August 02, 2010, 12:03:49 PM
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on July 31, 2010, 05:20:17 PM
I've been in search of an instructor in my area and not having much luck. :(
Thinking I might just have to get a dvd for instruction, but I'm going to keep looking for a teacher.
Bonny
You should chat up Lady Nina at The Pirates Treasure when TRF starts up. If memory serves she is part of a troupe that performs around the Houston area. She may know a teacher that you can reach.
Also talk to the dancers from the Gypsy Dance Theater & Sunyata troupes. Several of them are instructors & may be familiar with teachers in your area.
Quote from: analise on August 26, 2010, 09:20:38 AM
Quote from: Dinobabe on August 25, 2010, 09:54:32 PM
So tomorrow is lesson 7!
I am REALLY enjoying the class. We have started learning combinations and I want to start taking the beginner choreography when it loops back (missing the beginning of this session due to work travel). Pyrate Fest is coming up and now I have the delima of choosing between pirate and gypsy (my teacher and her troupe will be performing at fest)! I made a new skirt for my outfit and have changed/added quite a bit from the photo I posted. It looks really different now. I like it a lot better.
Sounds like you need to be a Gypsy Pirate. :)
I'm just trying to figure out where to put my pistol! :o
Quote from: Dinobabe on August 26, 2010, 11:24:38 AM
Quote from: analise on August 26, 2010, 09:20:38 AM
Quote from: Dinobabe on August 25, 2010, 09:54:32 PM
So tomorrow is lesson 7!
I am REALLY enjoying the class. We have started learning combinations and I want to start taking the beginner choreography when it loops back (missing the beginning of this session due to work travel). Pyrate Fest is coming up and now I have the delima of choosing between pirate and gypsy (my teacher and her troupe will be performing at fest)! I made a new skirt for my outfit and have changed/added quite a bit from the photo I posted. It looks really different now. I like it a lot better.
Sounds like you need to be a Gypsy Pirate. :)
I'm just trying to figure out where to put my pistol! :o
Thigh holster? :)
thanks Bryan and Ravic! i will have to check with them! :)
Quote from: analise on August 26, 2010, 11:57:07 AM
Quote from: Dinobabe on August 26, 2010, 11:24:38 AM
Quote from: analise on August 26, 2010, 09:20:38 AM
Quote from: Dinobabe on August 25, 2010, 09:54:32 PM
So tomorrow is lesson 7!
I am REALLY enjoying the class. We have started learning combinations and I want to start taking the beginner choreography when it loops back (missing the beginning of this session due to work travel). Pyrate Fest is coming up and now I have the delima of choosing between pirate and gypsy (my teacher and her troupe will be performing at fest)! I made a new skirt for my outfit and have changed/added quite a bit from the photo I posted. It looks really different now. I like it a lot better.
Sounds like you need to be a Gypsy Pirate. :)
I'm just trying to figure out where to put my pistol! :o
Thigh holster? :)
:o :o :o :o :o
So I had to dig this one up.
I too am a student of belly dance and love watching those who dance at faire. I myself am not quite up to snuff to perform yet. I also unfortunately missed the two local fairs this spring.
What does this all mean? Wearing my practice dance garb or my ren garb around everywhere! employees at walmart love me!
Ooh! I totally forgot this thread was here!
;D
I tend to resurrect dead threads.
Was just outside walking the puppy. . . with my dance practice garb, which included a noisy hip scarf. My neighbors thing I am so strange. Can't figure out why.
I go to class in about 3 hours. Only 2 more left this session.
Woo hoo! Have fun.
Sadly, for a long while I had to stop due to health and I am picking it back up again. Before I restart classes I am warming up with some of my videos of the Belly Twins, Neena and Vina. Yes, I did talk to my Dr.s and they are quite happy with the idea of me dancing.
(http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-dance007.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
I don't bellydance but I've always wanted to! Anyone know of any lessons in the Denton/Dallas area?
Does this (http://www.shira.net/directory/dir-us-tx.htm) help any?
Quote from: Magpie Flynn on June 01, 2011, 03:45:12 PM
I don't bellydance but I've always wanted to! Anyone know of any lessons in the Denton/Dallas area?
Isis studios. One of the best in the US & one of the largest. It's in Bedford. I've been taking classes there for about 6 years.
Here is a link to Isis Studios.
http://www.isisandthestardancers.com/homepage.html
Awesome! thanks for the links!
I have been belly dancing on and off since 1976. Took lessons in 4 different states, because we lived there at the time I wanted to start dancing again.
My teacher now is from California & has been a professional belly dance teacher for about 15 years, recently moved to Galena, IL. Anna is awesome, and she is a rennie! Has attended faires in CA for many, many years, & has beautiful garb and many belly dance costumes.
Boy, what a workout! Between that and tap dancing, I'm sweating away while thoroughly enjoying myself. ;D
And I am officially envious of you!
I have just been moved up to intermediate level last month and I'm loving every minute of it!
I just wish that I had classes up here. The teacher that I loved moved away and now all the classes that they have are way too late for me to go to. Lets hear it for videos
Somewhat off topic...
I have noticed that a lot of the instructional videos are quite terrible. Yes, there are good ones but few and far between. My teacher has been thinking about making a video(s). What would you like to see in a bellydance instructional video? Thanks!
There is a nice site that has reviews. I am sure that if she were check it out I am sure she can find what people would want and what to avoid. There is even a Yahoo group devoted to just belly dance video.
I wish I myself could add something but I don't feel like I know enough to help but would rather hinder anything.
I think posture is sometimes overlooked, so a video that takes some time to focus on posture would be awesome.
Quote from: maeven on June 02, 2011, 02:05:28 PM
I think posture is sometimes overlooked, so a video that takes some time to focus on posture would be awesome.
Agreed!
Shira has a nice section where she reviews videos.
http://shira.net/
Posture is definitely something that is overlooked and hard to describe.
Hi! I'm Meagan, and I've danced for almost 9 years now. I didn't realize it had been that long until just :D now. Currently I dance to rock music as a warm up and cool down for my heavy workouts. "New Low" by Middle Class Rut is a current favorite.
Is there any male belly dance?
Yes, but it is very different.
Male belly dance tends to be a bit more folkish and less glitzy. There are some amazing male dancers out there.
The new belly dance session began tonight. Fifteen of us in the class. I was sweating so much by the end of the class (it was 96 today when I got off work at 5 p.m.), it looked like somebody threw a bucket of water on me. Walked in the house, straight into the shower.
I know I will ache tomorrow, but it was so worth it! ;D
Isn't it always worth it?
Almost 30 years ago when I attended the Sterling faire in upstate new york, There was a belly Dance troupe there and the head of the group was named Babara(correct spelling Babara). At that time I believe she was in her late 30's to early 40's. Her son, in his 20's was an accomplished male belly dancer. He was good but she was fantastic. So to answer your question, yes there are male belly dancers.
I'm so ready to get back to class on Tuesday after my vacation! I missed it!
John Compton has been a staple in the belly dance scene for decades! He and his troupe, Hahbi Ru, are fabulous! Here's a link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsiliflKx_U&feature=related
Reviving this thread! :)
I started lessons two weeks ago along with learning some basic yoga moves to help with flexibility, etc. I am thoroughly enjoying belly dance class! Started learning stomach undulations last week...all I can say is WOW what an ab work-out! Also started with zills which are fun and am told is becoming a lost art so it will be nice to be able to carry that on.
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on April 15, 2012, 12:15:45 PM
Reviving this thread! :)
I started lessons two weeks ago along with learning some basic yoga moves to help with flexibility, etc. I am thoroughly enjoying belly dance class! Started learning stomach undulations last week...all I can say is WOW what an ab work-out! Also started with zills which are fun and am told is becoming a lost art so it will be nice to be able to carry that on.
It IS great, isn't it!
We had our student salon this afternoon. I'm uploading the videos now but it will take a while. ::)
Check out past videos if you want and keep your eyes open for the new ones!
http://www.youtube.com/user/AnastaziaDesmond?feature=guide
That was great Dinobabe! It is fun to see the moves on your video and think to myself.. 'I learned that one and OH I know that one too!' lol! ;D
:o :P ;D
I've been taking classes for about two and a half years and done some small venues. I'd like to do more and take different kinds of classes, but there isn't really in my area of Houston.
Quote from: Rosie Nell on December 12, 2012, 03:21:34 PM
I've been taking classes for about two and a half years and done some small venues. I'd like to do more and take different kinds of classes, but there isn't really in my area of Houston.
Check out this site!
http://www.habda.org/
Quote from: Rosie Nell on December 12, 2012, 03:21:34 PM
I've been taking classes for about two and a half years and done some small venues. I'd like to do more and take different kinds of classes, but there isn't really in my area of Houston.
Rosie, what side of Houston are you located? I am NW, Magnolia/Tomball area and take a class not too far from 249/Spring Cypress area. The class is in hiatus at the moment for the holidays but should kick up again after that. The instructor also has classes at other locations, so maybe there is something around you.
Oh Dinobabe! We had our first performance back in August! I had such a blast! ;D
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on December 12, 2012, 04:13:50 PM
Quote from: Rosie Nell on December 12, 2012, 03:21:34 PM
I've been taking classes for about two and a half years and done some small venues. I'd like to do more and take different kinds of classes, but there isn't really in my area of Houston.
Rosie, what side of Houston are you located? I am NW, Magnolia/Tomball area and take a class not too far from 249/Spring Cypress area. The class is in hiatus at the moment for the holidays but should kick up again after that. The instructor also has classes at other locations, so maybe there is something around you.
I am on the opposite side, down in League City towards Galveston.
That's a bummer.
Have you ever been to the 3rd Coast Tribal Festival? I haven't yet but want to. There is a FB page here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/3rd-Coast-Tribal-Festival/79474796606
and if FB isn't your thing try here: http://www.3rdcoasttribal.us/
Just in case you are in need of a belly dance road trip in January. ;D
There's a "Houston Bellydance and Flamenco" Meetup Group -
http://www.meetup.com/HoustonBellydance-Flamenco/ (http://www.meetup.com/HoustonBellydance-Flamenco/)
- and the lady who heads up the group is down here in the Seabrook area (I'm also in the "Gettin' out of the House: Clear Lake Area Walking & Exercise" Meetup Group with her).
Take Care,
David Baldock
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on December 12, 2012, 04:16:25 PM
Oh Dinobabe! We had our first performance back in August! I had such a blast! ;D
My first BIG show was in August! Isn't it a blast! ;)
Quote from: dbaldock on December 12, 2012, 10:24:33 PM
There's a "Houston Bellydance and Flamenco" Meetup Group -
http://www.meetup.com/HoustonBellydance-Flamenco/ (http://www.meetup.com/HoustonBellydance-Flamenco/)
- and the lady who heads up the group is down here in the Seabrook area (I'm also in the "Gettin' out of the House: Clear Lake Area Walking & Exercise" Meetup Group with her).
Take Care,
David Baldock
She is? I had no idea she was so close.
Rosie,
Also check with San Jacinto College, I remember at one point they did belly dance classes down this way.
ETA: Or perhaps it was College of the Mainland....don't quite remember....
I did see some flyers at the start of the semester that I was going to grab, but then they vanished. I guess they filled up really fast or got cancelled.
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on December 12, 2012, 07:48:49 PM
That's a bummer.
Have you ever been to the 3rd Coast Tribal Festival? I haven't yet but want to. There is a FB page here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/3rd-Coast-Tribal-Festival/79474796606
and if FB isn't your thing try here: http://www.3rdcoasttribal.us/
Just in case you are in need of a belly dance road trip in January. ;D
I
highly recommend 3rd Coast. A lot of the classes are full already, but sign up for what you can, and at least come for the shows and shopping! And then be on the lookout for 2014 info, because we start planning for this freakishly early. :P
For the Houston area, there is also Dance From the Heart (http://www.dfth.org), and for the Woodlands/Spring area, Affinity Ballroom (www.facebook.com/affinityballroom) has belly dancing on Thursday evenings. Kim Piwetz (who works with Dance From the Heart and Affinity Ballroom - http://viridianvixen.com) is also available for private lessons if you need fine tuning, and she can probably get you in touch with other instructors around Texas and beyond. ^_^
Anna Ferguson is my instructor. I absolutely love her as not only does she teach dance and zills but basic drum beats, the history behind the dance and regional folklore of Egypt. Anna also produces a Hayati show http://www.hayatihouston.com/ where all dancers are welcome to sign up and perform. Had my first experience dancing on stage with our class there and it was a great time. :) Classes are on hiatus at the moment for the holiday season but are typically held here: http://www.houston-yoga-ayurveda.com/ Just walking through the front door of this place takes all the stress of a workday away. :)
Anna also holds classes in other locations. Her website has more info: http://www.raqsanna.com/index.htm
Yes I will unashamedly market for this lady lol! ;D
I would like to go to the 2014 show. I will have to plan better for it.
I've got a few thousand photos of Belly Dancers, from here in Houston and at Sherwood Forest Faire, including Anna's Hayati Show that Bonny Pearl danced in -
Flickr - Belly Dance Photo Collection (https://secure.flickr.com/photos/david-r-baldock/collections/72157630583768846/)Take Care,
David Baldock
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on December 20, 2012, 08:29:39 PM
Anna Ferguson is my instructor. I absolutely love her as not only does she teach dance and zills but basic drum beats, the history behind the dance and regional folklore of Egypt. Anna also produces a Hayati show http://www.hayatihouston.com/ where all dancers are welcome to sign up and perform. Had my first experience dancing on stage with our class there and it was a great time. :) Classes are on hiatus at the moment for the holiday season but are typically held here: http://www.houston-yoga-ayurveda.com/ Just walking through the front door of this place takes all the stress of a workday away. :)
Anna also holds classes in other locations. Her website has more info: http://www.raqsanna.com/index.htm
Yes I will unashamedly market for this lady lol! ;D
I would like to go to the 2014 show. I will have to plan better for it.
David I am having a blonde moment.... ::) I don't see the Hayati show from August... :)
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on December 22, 2012, 12:44:08 PM
David I am having a blonde moment.... ::) I don't see the Hayati show from August... :)
You're right. My mistake.
Sorry, I haven't finished shuffling image files around on my hard drives, to get the post processing done on all of those photos. I'll get them done and uploaded to Flickr when I get back to Houston after Christmas.
Take Care,
David Baldock
Ah okay thanks David!
David did you ever find the pics from the August 2012 Hayati? :)
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on March 05, 2013, 02:42:29 PM
David did you ever find the pics from the August 2012 Hayati? :)
They've been processed, and are being uploaded to my Flickr account right now --- but it takes awhile to upload 1,790 images. ;)
I know this thread is a bit old, but wanted to introduce myself as another belly dance enthusiast :) I live in the League city area too and have been taking classes in the Heights for about 2.5 years now. I've been mainly doing Egyptian style, but am branching out to the ITS and tribal fusion styles :)
I went to 3rd Coast in January and LOVED it - I got to dance with so many great women - it was amazing.
Thanks David!
Hi Lady Hez! Nice to meet you.
All of the images are currently in one set, but I may divide them into separate sets for each performer/group.
Flickr (David R Baldock) - Hayati Houston Show - 2012-08-26 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/david-r-baldock/sets/72157632986129430/)
Great photos David!
Awesome! I try to make it out to the hayati's when I can - I missed that one though. Looks like a great show!
Hello Lady Hez! Its nice to see my fellow League City residents about! :)
Saw this on FB. This is pretty cool.
I always hear modern songs that I can imagine belly dancing to. One song that usually makes me think of these dance moves is Trouble by Lindsey Buckingham. What modern songs make you think of belly dance?
Mahafsoun Metal Bellydance ~ Lacuna Coil {Trip The Darkness} (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RIgsVoGElQ#ws)