Belly dance is effective for toning and strengthening the entire body. It is a dance in which small movements are made to look larger than they are by means of fine muscle control. While this control takes a lifetime to master, basic belly dance moves, such as shimmies, are fairly easy to learn and provide a good workout. Look for recordings of Middle Eastern drumming to which to practice. You may also wish to purchase a hip scarf with coins hanging from it. Hearing the movement of your body along with the beat of the music is helpful.
Step 1
Stand in basic belly dance posture, with your feet hip-width apart, and your knees slightly bent. Tuck your pelvis, roll your shoulders back and down, lift your chest and bend your arms at a 90-degree angle. Keep your elbows slightly up and to your sides, imagining your upper body as the support from which your lower body hangs. The more lift you achieve in your upper body, the easier it is to move your hips.
Step 2
Straighten your right knee and allow your right hip to "snap" up. Shimmies are all in the knees. Your buttocks should be completely relaxed. All you are doing is shifting your weight from side to side.
Step 3
Bend your right knee and straighten your left.
Step 4
Alternate between straightening your right knee and straightening your left. Notice how this moves your hips up and down. Shift to one side for every two beats in the music.
Step 5
Speed up the movement when you feel comfortable, remembering to keep your shoulders back and down and your pelvis tucked. Try moving one hip per beat, then go double-time, moving both hips for each beat.
Things You'll Need
- Comfortable clothing
- Drum music
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