FAQ - Belly Dance and Dancing Questions
What
should I wear to Belly dance class?
For bellydance footwear you can go
barefoot or with hermes
dance sandals. For clothing, for bottoms
you can wear Stretch leggings, yoga pants,
or jazz-dance pants . On top a suggestion
is Sports bra or other bra that
offers adequate support. Also recommended is a Leotard
or choli top so teacher can see your posture.
A hip scarf or shimmy belt to emphasize
and define hip movement.
Am
I too fat or too skinny to belly dance?
Absolutely NOT! Belly Dancers
come in all shapes and sizes and the beauty of this
art form is that you can feel free and comfortable
and around other women.
Can I belly dance while pregnant?
Yes! Bellydance is an excellent activity for toning
the muscles used in childbirth. If you have any
concerns though, please consult your doctor. I am
not a doctor and if you are unsure they you might
be better off not dancing.
Am
I too old to bellydance?
Many
see it as a woman's dance, celebrating sensuality
and power of being a woman. Sohair Zaki, Fifi Abdou,
Lucy, Dina, who are all popular dancers in Egypt,
are above the age of 40. Many feel that you have
limited life experiences to use as a catalyst for
dance until you reach "a certain age".
What
are the different styles of bellydance costumes?
There are many, but here are
some of the classics: Beledi Dress, 2-piece Cabaret
(Bedlah) and Tribal Style. Whatever the costume,
some kind of hip scarf is essential. This can be
as simple as a scarf tied around the hips. It should
be positioned below the hip bone. A triangular fringed
shawl is great for practice or many ethnic looks.
Coin hip scarves are nice for the sparkle and noise
and are available through most belly dance suppliers.
What
are the different styles of belly dance?
What
are the health benefits of Bellydance?
The health benefits of
belly dance are both mental and physical. Dancing
is a good cardio-vascular work out, it helps increase
flexibility and focuses on the torso or 'core muscles'.
It is suitable for all ages and body types and can
be as physical as the participant chooses to make
it. Individuals would be wise to consult a doctor
before starting belly dance, just as with starting
any new exercise routine. It is also advised that
one talks with the instructor to see what level
his or her classes are geared for. Mental health
benefits, for many belly dancers, include an improved
sense of well being, elevated body image and self-esteem
as well as a generally positive outlook that comes
with regular, enjoyable exercise.
Where
does Belly dance come from?
It is thought that the dance has been known through
the oral tradition in Egypt since the pre-Islamic
times. There have been many theories about the origin
of belly dancing, but most evidence links it
to the Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa. Egyptian
tomb paintings dating from as far back as the fourteenth
century BC depict partially clad dancers whose callisthenic
positions appear to be very similar to those used
in belly dancing.
Where
can I find photos of belly dancing?
If you are looking for belly dancing photos then
you can go to the belly dancing photos section on
this website. All photos can be downloaded and copied.
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