Belly Dancing

[Blondie]

So about a week ago I randomly decided to youtube belly dancing. I got interested in belly dancing when I was really little when I saw one at a restaurant I was at. Mesmerizing, aren't they? I never picked it up because it was "for adults". xD I was so young... But I started doing some belly dancing workouts and I am in love with it! It's a great workout that doesn't completely exhaust you and hey it's FUN!

I just ordered my first coin belt off of Amazon and I'm pumped to start dancing with it! Does anyone else here belly dance or have belly danced before?

[Winged Mermaid]

Me! I've been meaning to start since high school, but life got in the way, as it often does. I found a studio here and started taking some classes recently ^_^ I can't afford as much as I'd like, so I'm looking for good instructional DVDs or online classes. Have any recommendations?

[Ayla of Duluth]

I've always had a secret interest in belly dancing, but I hide it because my 68 year old mother who is obsessed with losing weight would try to join the class with me. She's suggested it before, but I told her belly dancing is stupid so she wouldn't try it. There gets to be an age limit where you aren't supposed to lose weight, especially when you're at a healthy 140 pounds. So yes, I would love to do belly dancing, but I lack the privacy. I also have a coin skirt. It's black and gold. Got it at the renaissance festival.

[Azurin Luna]

Woo! More belly dancers :D
I've my own belly dance costume, black and silver and I've 5 lessons so far and I love it. Hopefully I will be able to continue it, since my work made me do a work related course at the same time... *grunts* But I should be able to join in on the monday classes.

[Dacora]

I would love to learn belly dancing. My dads grandma was a belly dancer and she had a bunch of books and VHS tapes. I was not allowed to have them since it was "inappropriate" and "ungodly" to my parents. I still want to learn. XD

[Sea Pearl]

I've always had an interest to start belly dancing. I would still like to get around to it someday when I have more time. Fun to see that other people here have such an interest in it too!

[happyguava]

Doooo it, all of you!! You'll never look back!! It's completely addictive and one of my favourite things in the world. I've been belly dancing for several years now (after 15 years of the typical ballet/jazz/tap combo, hehe). I would love to be able to work part-time as a dancer one day... I get that I'm probably not good enough and that is sometimes a struggle for me as I'm a perfectionist. But the dance itself is just beautiful and has so very much to offer. You will fall in love, seriously. :)

I am lucky enough to be in an amateur troupe though, this is us: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFcW8zgaNTs&feature=player_detailpage#t=342s

[Mermaid Saphira]

I recently started belly dancing (like REALLY just started...2 weeks ago XD)! I really like it, it's a ton of fun and a great work out! PLUS you can get all the beautiful dance costumes to come with it ;) lol I am learning from this great free instructor on youtube! BellydancingB I believe their user name is, she is really good at showing through the lessons and makes it easy to understand. I hope to get a hip scarf for my birthday *fins crossed*

[Koral]

Back in California I was belly dancing for workout purpose. I agree it is a lot of fun. I utilized it when I went clubbing, and dancing anywhere else. I was definitely no pro but I enjoyed it and it is a genuine confidence boost that you supply yourself. I've been wanting to get back into it again - my coin belt is forming dust I am sure - but for some reason I haven't had the time or enough motivation.

[Mermaid Annariea]

i want to learn, but sadly i lack the money or time. :/

[Mermaid Saphira]

To all of those who ould like to learn belly dancing, but can't afford it..plz chec out ths place! She is a wonderful instructor :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBqXxXL-6jo

[Joy&RaptorsUnrestrained!]

I started taking classes at the gym. Unfortunately, they only have them early on Saturday mornings, and this month I work on Saturdays. I am one of the younger students (at 27) and one of two guys in the class. It is a lot of fun, but at least in my current state of fitness, it does leave me worn out and sweating through at the end... I usually throw myself in the pool afterwards.

[Blondie]

@Winged Mermaid: This is by far my favorite belly dance tutorial/workout video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d89ZMP9b-A&feature=my_liked_videos&list=LL9umkDTISI01OG3QMjVBHyw You should try it out! :)

@Ayla: That's funny xD I could see my mom being interested in doing it if I asked her to. Yeah it definitely needs space and privacy. I do it normally at night in my room when no one is awake :P

@Happy: That's AWESOOME! I love the costume! You're pretty good in my eyes! I've done nine years of normal dance myself (acro/jazz/tap/lyrical/hip hop) So picking up belly dancing isn't extremely hard with that experience right? :) It's refreshing too since typical jazz and lyrical gets repetitive after so many years. Belly dancing is a total new element that's so exotic.

@Saphira: That's what I'm doing as of now :) Youtube is loaded with fantastic belly dance workouts. It's amazing for me since I'm looking to lose some weight in my belly and hips. Plus it's FUN! Good luck with getting a coin scarf. I got mine on amazon for $2 they're around so just browse.

@Brianna: You can get a coin scarf for dirt cheap on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_12?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=belly+dance+hip+scarf&sprefix=belly+dance+%2Caps%2C171 There's some for $1.50. Mine was a total of $6 including shipping. As for costumes, those can run pricier but if you're just doing it for fun you don't exactly need anything more than a coin scarf.

@Joy: It IS a workout! When I first started, I was pouring with sweat. I've never been "amazing" with isolating my hips so I was working all these new muscles. After a week of practice I've gotten SO much better and I wasn't exhausted last night for the first time after doing it for 30 minutes. So just hang in there!

[Merman_Shawn]

I learned how to dance from belly dancers and rivet-heads. So I dance with an aggressive sensuality. It's great on my abs!

[Mermaid Saphira]

@iblondie: Glad you like the video! Really helpful isn't it? BTW I'm getting my hip scarf from ebay for .99 cents and free shippin :yay: I love belly dancing!

[Mer_Adella]

I have been a belly dancer for 5 years now :) I have done 4 recitals and am currently an instructor and choreographer. I am working in "voodoo" by godsmack I will post pics of my costumes

[Mer_Adella]

7095
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[Mermaid Saphira]

^ The last one is my fave! Very pretty :D

[Raayvhen]

Ready for all my bellydance learning secrets?
Belly Dance Lessons Online - Free E-Classes (http://bellydancelessonsonline.com/freecontent.html)
Free Online Classes | (http://www.bellydancingclassesonline.com/free-online-classes/)
Core Belly Dance Moves, Steps and Concepts (http://www.bellydancingvideo.com/core-belly-dance-moves.htm)
Howcast Bellydance Playlist (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL96656CF8C3B5B1E4&feature=view_all)
Home page | Datura Online (http://daturaonline.com/index.php) (This one is paid, but its a great alternative to standard classes)

Find classes in your area (http://www.bellydanceclasses.net/)

[Fortuna]

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[MermaidAliyah]

It seems as if all mers were secret belly dancing fanatics since I toohave been youtubing bellydancing and trying it since I could remember.

[Mer_Adella]

Well you think about it....

Belly dancing strengthens your core arms and legs. Technically you use all of those things while swimming like a Mer. Besides, swimming is like dancing. If you get down a certain movement you look beautiful and like a "dance" underwater

[Blondie]

Well you think about it....

Belly dancing strengthens your core arms and legs. Technically you use all of those things while swimming like a Mer. Besides, swimming is like dancing. If you get down a certain movement you look beautiful and like a "dance" underwater

Indeed! I know Hannah Fraser is a belly dancer and apparently that helps her move more fluidly when she swims.