|
Can
I learn to bellydance even if I have no previous dance experience?
Yes!
Anyone can begin to learn bellydance at any time. If you
have never learned any kind of dance before, then you have a fresh,
clean slate. If you have
had experience with other dance forms, the skills you have already
learned will flow into your movements to make your style wonderfully
unique!
Is
it too late for me to begin bellydancing?
You
know the answer to that question already: It's never too late! Unlike many other forms of dance, belly dance movements are
natural and not hard on your body.
And most people feel a woman with "life experience"
actually makes a better belly dancer.
Can
anyone learn to bellydance?
Of
course! Although a few of
the movements take a long time to perfect, many others just flow from
your body naturally. You will be learning to move your body in new
ways, which requires some practice and concentration, but most women
find the learning process to be very enjoyable. Regardless of your
size, shape, or physical condition, you are guaranteed to find a new appreciation
of your body when you see all the beautiful movements it is capable of!
But
I have to be some thin beauty queen, right?
No,
especially if you're concerned with being 'authentic'.
Keep in mind cultural standards of beauty vary.
Many middle-eastern societies prefer women who have 'more meat on
their bones,' as an Egyptian man once put it.
Is
belly dancing difficult?
Sometimes.
You discover new ways of moving your body.
Some movements will be easy; others will be unusual and will
require some practice and concentration to get used to.
It becomes easier as you practice.
What
do I wear to class?
Bellydance
class is essentially an exercise class; you should wear something
comfortable that allows you to move, and the instructor to see your
movements, easily. Some
good choices are shorts, yoga pants, an Indian cotton skirt, worn with a
tank top, t-shirt, or sports bra. It
is helpful to bring a scarf or veil to wrap around your hips; this will
allow you to see your correct hip movements as you learn them.
You can go barefoot, or wear comfortable sandals.
What
if I don't feel comfortable about showing my bare belly?
Actually,
many professional dancers keep their stomachs covered, even when
performing. There are quite a few beautiful traditional costumes
that cover the midriff.
What
about shoes?
Many
bellydancers prefer to dance barefoot.
Some people may have medical or other reasons to prefer a shoe
with more support. That's
fine also. The important thing is you want a shoe that doesn't stick to
the floor too much (so sneakers generally don't work too well).
It's also good if you can get a shoe that allows your foot to
flex; for example, a good jazz-type shoe would be excellent.
Do
I have to spend a lot of money?
That's
entirely up to you. If you
just want to dance for the exercise and your personal enjoyment, you
don't have to spend any additional money.
If you decide you want to perform, you can make or buy costumes
according to your personal taste and budget.
If you like shopping, you can shop 'til you drop if you want to!
How
long will it take before I get good?
Bellydancing
is not a competitive sport or dance; therefore, each individual moves at
her own pace. Over time, you will develop your own unique style of
expression through bellydancing.
Where
can I get music?
Some
music stores (like Border's, Barnes and Noble, etc.) tend to have good
International sections; look for Middle Eastern music (it might also be
categorized as Arabic, Egyptian, Moroccan, or Turkish).
Additionally you can often find music on eBay
and Amazon.com. Some good artists to look for include Hossam Ramzy, George
Abdo, and Omar Faruk Tekbilek.
|
