Pro Tips for People Taking Belly Dancing Classes

The reasons people have for taking up belly dancing are as diverse as the dance’s disciplines. Most enrol in belly dancing classes to learn the dance form. Others to challenge their body’s boundaries, build up their confidence, and elevate their self-esteem. And then, there are those who treat it as their day’s exercise. 

No matter what your reason for taking up this amazing dance form, it’s important to remember that it’s a challenging discipline. Even people who have mastered other dance forms sometimes have trouble learning how to belly dance. So be kind to yourself. Here are some tips to have the best experience in your belly dancing classes. 

Don’t be shy – join in! 

Anyone can take up belly dancing, regardless of their gender or body build. You don’t have to be a woman or have an athletic body to take up the dance form. Worried about committing mistakes? Don’t be. Keep in mind that, since you’re enrolled in belly dance lessons for beginners, all your classmates are novices as well. Relax, join in, and have some fun. 

Concentrate and feel the moment 

Breathe through each movement. Pay attention to how you flex your pelvis and move your belly. Focus also on your feet, how they ground you and affect your movements. Don’t feel self-conscious if you find yourself staring too intently at your body and movements. Everyone else is in the same boat. 

Relax your mouth 

Notice how professional belly dancers tend to part their lips sensually while dancing? There’s actually a practical explanation behind that movement. Keeping your lips loose and slightly open lets you take deeper inhales and release bigger exhales, which will put more power into your movements. So, don’t clench your jaw while dancing. Relax your jaw and let your lips part. 

Be patient with yourself 

You’re learning to move your body in a way that you’ve likely never tried before – by isolating and contracting various muscle groups. So, cut yourself some slack. Don’t feel bad if you can’t execute a move properly after a couple of tries. Permit yourself to commit mistakes. Ask your instructor for pointers and practice at home. 

Don’t compare yourself to your classmates 

Everyone has a different level of control over their body. Some may master certain movements faster compared to others. Don’t let this bother you. Focus on your own progress. Pay attention to your body. If something hurts or feels off, let your teacher know. 

Stick to comfortable clothes 

Come up with an outfit that’ll allow your instructor observe your hips and midriff. A comfy top–one that leaves your midriff bare–and some yoga pants are ideal. Wrap a scarf around your hips to accentuate your movements. 

Keep learning outside the studio 

Expand your belly-dancing knowledge outside of your classes. Read books, practice with instructional videos, and immerse yourself in its rich music genres. Familiarize yourself with its various rhythms. Watch how professional belly dancers move their body. 

Practice whenever and wherever possible 

Take every opportunity to polish your skills. Stuck in a desk job? Maximize your short breaks. Practice abdominal flutters, rolls, tummy pop, and other stationery manoeuvres that only require the contraction of your muscles. Do head slides, circles, and shoulder rolls. You can also do this when you’re stuck behind the wheel during traffic. 

Make your belly dancing classes a memorable, enjoyable, and successful experience with these helpful tips!