Belly Dancing Information
Lotus Tribal Belly Dancing
Archive for April, 2009
They all think I'm a bad girl cuz I want to learn how to belly dance. I'm not trying to be all slutty and seductive…belly dancing is just FUN for me. Plus its a good workout. AND I love the music.
But all people are hearing is BELLY DANCING = SLUTTYNESS
How do I convince them otherwise?
Is there a video on youtube or something of a non-seductive belly dance?
Raqs sharqi, Oriental dance, belly dance is performed by people of all ages and both sexes during festive occasions. YES, men do "belly dance". Alot of what is seen performed in the US is American Tribal Style and cabaret style. Much dancing in the Middle East is in the social context not by the glamorous professional nightclub dancers.
Yes, there are some who have been seriously misinformed about belly dance. It is a serious art form. Belly dancers don't strip, do lap dances, or use a pole. But some seem to think that's part of what we do. Those are distinctly separate dance forms of their own. Hollywood helped to create some of the confusion by sexualizing the dance.
It definitely wasn't created to "entertain and arouse" men, since men and women were, and still are, often separate when socializing.
Belly dance is something that I do just for myself. I love music and dance. I love belly dance and have no plans to stop any time soon! I'm almost 50 and know dancers from 7 to 70. 
Hubby doesn't dance. Belly dance I can do by myself, or with the troupe. He doesn't have to worry or wonder what may or may not be going on since I'm with other women when we practice or perform. I let him know when we're performing so he can come along if he chooses.
The best way to educate the misinformed is to conduct yourself with class and good manners. In time some will realize that belly dance may not be what they had previously been told.
Morocco is a belly dancer in New York City who is very well-respected and is extremely knowledgeable about belly dance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voqHFey-RJM
Belly dancers have a wide range of costume options, bare midriff with top and skirt being just one option.
read comments (8)Arabic Belly Dance Fat Burning Part 02 of 04
Author: admin
Arabic Belly Dance Fat Burning Part 02 of 04. by Zaheer-Rafiq.com Media Production. Learn the art of Arabic Work Out in simple steps and remain heath and fit. Good for all ages.
Duration : 0:7:54
Weight Loss For Women: Top 7 Reasons To Get Fit Not Slim
Author: admin
When you were born you were given a unique one of a kind gift. You were given the genetic code to be YOU, someone unlike anyone else in the world. Whether or not it is the particular gift you might have wanted, it is the gift you have. You can choose to honor that gift or not.
You may have received the genetic code to be tall or short, large-boned or average, the tendency to be more of a pear shape or an apple, and so much more. No matter what your gift, I guarantee you that you are beautiful!
I encourage you to find a way to get fit and healthy for the body shape you have. You might lose weight and then again you might not. But in the process of getting fit you will look better, feel better, and reduce your risk for health problems both now and in the future.
Here are some of the many benefits you could have with a primary goal to get fit not slim:
1. One of the most immediate benefits is that you can have fun! Yes fun. There are many different possibilities for exercise to propel you on your path to fitness. Walking is always a good choice but why stop there?
How about hiking, or belly dancing, or pole dancing? Explore the options. There are hundreds if not thousands of ways to get active, burn calories, have fun and get in shape!
2. When you exercise, a healthy diet plan will not only ALLOW you to eat more food than when you choose to diet without exercise, it will REQUIRE you do so to avoid slowing down your metabolism. More food is good right?
3. If you are 35+, your hormones may have begun to dance in unpredictable ways. You may find it to be challenging enough just to maintain weight much less lose weight.
4. If hormonal changes aren’t enough, your metabolism begins to slow down by age 40 if not sooner. Exercising to burn 100 calories a day could mean the difference between no weight gain and a gain of 10 pounds in one year.
5. Adding a little more muscle is a good! Yes, muscle weighs three times more than an equal amount of fat. But muscle burns more calories than fat tissue and gives you the added benefit of toning and shaping your body. New studies have revealed that women who lose a significant amount of weight WITHOUT exercising have MORE cellulite than those who have not added muscle or have not lost any weight at all!
6. With low calorie diets it is difficult to obtain all the nutrients you need. However, given that you can eat somewhat more when you exercise, it is easier to obtain the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber you need to stay healthy. Food sources of these nutrients are far more beneficial than most supplements.
7. Women who are slim are at much higher risk of getting osteoporosis. Having a little extra weight gives you the advantage of greater protection for your bones.
Seven solid reasons to get fit not slim. Go now and pick your exercise program, have fun, get fit, feel better and look better! Just remember to appreciate who you are each day on your path to fitness because you are already beautiful!
Lori Pirog, M.S. is a Nutritionist who shares her knowledge of healthy eating and weight management in her articles, blogs, and websites.
Lori Pirog, M.S.
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/weight-loss-for-women-top-7-reasons-to-get-fit-not-slim-56009.html
what is the significance behind belly dancing?
Author: admin
i am doing a project for dance class and i need to know what the significance is behind belly dancing and i cannot find it online.
I also need help finding the type of music they listen to or if they have any roles while dancing.
Bellydance is thought to be so old that any associations and significance behind the dance and movements it uses are considered lost. However, there are several theories about it's origins which subsequently hint at certain significance which the dance may have once had. Some theorize that the dance was used to invoke the Goddess in ancient temple rituals. Some theorize that the dance began as a childbirth ritual. It has been used in the middle east for centuries as a folk dance that women would perform in order to entertain each other. For example the rippling and staccato movements that bellydancers sometimes do are said to immitate childbirth and the fetus kicking which relates to it's possible origin as a childbirth ritual. Some people have attributed the sensuous movements with the movement of snakes, an animal which is often associated with Goddess archetypes. Unfortunately whatever it's significance may have originally been lost and we cannot know for certain what it's original meanings and symbolism may have been. Unlike Polynesian, hula, and Indian dances which have specific meanings attached to certain poses, movements and combinations of movements; bellydance does not hold any specific meaning in it's movement vocabulary.
If your looking for music I would suggest looking up music by Farid Al-Atrash, Umm Kalthoum, Abdel Halim Hafez, Amro Diab, Nancy Ajram, Hakim, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Warda or any other modern or classical Arabic Popular singer. Bellydance is done to all types of Middle Eastern Music but there are many different styles of bellydance and those specific styles are more appropriate with specifc types of Arabic music such as shaabi, pop, egyptian, lebanese, etc…
I've been putting together some small skits with my marionettes to go with a belly-dancing troupe's performance. The puppets are the water-breaks…I spell the flesh and blood dancers with short skits.
I've got belly-dancing Marionettes, naturally.
I'm thinking of adding a Grand Turk to the mix (one puppet that transforms into six).
But what else do you think would go well with the theme?
Not short SKIRTS! Geesh!
How about an audience of puppets commenting on what they just saw? They could comment on especially hard moves (in case the audience didn't realize just how hard it is to "just shake your hips") and just basically provide small talk about the show and the origin. Maybe have a few of the puppets try to do a belly dance, not well, of course.
Just a few ideas.
Have fun!
I've been belly dancing to work out but I would like some music to dance to! Can anyone help me? Thanks. =)
There's this tv show called hezzi ya nawa'em aka world bellydancing championship it aired on a channel called lbc ( lebanese broadcasting company ) around dec 07 - jan 08 , the second season is coming up too , it had dances classic ones here you go :-
fire bellydance - - http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZbPOZNZoj8s
other dances - - http://youtube.com/watch?v=OzWxT1SRpPk
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2Mr_ND9oCo8
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GdEn9JOe8DE
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4aZm9o9Kny8
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tEjhZxmUeB8
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JzVayvTweKo
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xgJZLjqgGXM
and to download go to www.youtubecatcher.com and save the file name is .flv format , for example u wanna save and name the file as bellydance , type " bellydance.flv "
I'll love to learn belly dancing.
I would like to have opinions as to which ones are the best web pages where they show how to belly dance, with photos, pehaps videos, etc.,
Any ideas will be much appreciated.
Thanks so much
The only real way to learn is to take lessons. You cannot learn well from a video, book, or website. Here are some resources for you to look into. Keep in mind that anything other than an actual instructor is meant to be supplemental to your live instruction. These materials are meant to enhance and reinforce what's learned. If nothing else take beginners lessons so you at least know how to do the basics and then you will be able to learn from supplemental sources like videos, books, and websites much better.
WEBSITES (for finding teachers/classes)
http://www.shira.net - probably the most extensive directory
http://www.middleeasterndance.net… - my site which has a decent sized directory as well.
http://www.bhuz.com - another large directory as well as a great forum which can answer pretty much every question you will ever have about bellydance since it's comprised of bellydancers from all over the world.
If you can't find lessons looking on these three sites there may not be any in your area.
WEBSITES (for learning moves on-line)
http://www.middleeasterndance.net… - my own site look under the movements section, there will be enough to keep you busy for a long time. Also please read the before you begin section with the disclaimer, warm-up, cool-down, and basics about posture.
http://www.shira.net - Shira's site is an extensive collection of articles written about and for bellydancers and can provide you with a wealth of information that will be very beneficial. It's one of the oldest and most respected sites on the Internet and is referenced by bellydancers world-wide. She has a specific page which tells you how to do some moves as well as extensive links to other sites that offer on-line lessons as well.
http://www.venusbellydance.com/vocabulary.htm - More movement descriptions.
http://www.aleena.com/miramar/ - go to on-line dance lessons there are several articles about dancing there.
http://www.zilltech.com/onlinelessons.htm - Another old, well, respected website full of information you should check out. She offers a few instructions for several basic moves.
http://www.kawakib.com/page-30.html - more of a technique lesson but might be helpful after learning some basics.
http://www.raqs.co.nz/moves.html - has some descriptions of select movements.
BOOKS
Belly Dancing Basics by Laura A. Cooper (ISBN: 140271078X) - newer book, not great but not bad either.
The Art of Belly Dancing by Dahlena with Dona Z. Meilach - This book is out of print but shows up on amazon and e-bay from time to time. It's ok but it's written for a different time the history part is especially questionable but the moves are pretty straight forward.
Grandmother's Secrets by Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi (ISBN: 1566563267) - An interesting read has several descriptions of dance moves as well.
A lot of books have been coming on the market recently and most of them (excluding out of print books) are available at Barnes and Nobel or borders books as well as other chains and smaller stores.
ON-LINE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
http://www.trybellydancing.com/ - Like a mini instructional video available online. It's not bad quality.
http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/egyptian-belly-dancing.htm Several mini instructional segments on various moves as well as zills, costuming, and musicality.
http://bellyrolls.com/howtopage.html - more mini on-line instructionals. The video quality is a little poorer and not is clear to see but the instructional quality is decent.
VIDEOS
Precision Motion Workout Series by Suzanna Del Vecchio - offers good posture basics as well as quality instruction on many moves.
Bellydance for Fitness Series by Neena and Veena Bidasher - this series is very cheap and available from major retailers like target, walmart, borders, and Barnes and Nobel but the quality of instruction is low. This is more of a workout for beginner dancers who already have had some training. The videos are a good quality as far as picture and sound but these are not good for an absolute beginner.
If you have any questions about bellydancing, please feel free to contact me through my site http://www.middleeasterndance.net
Belly Dancer AZIZA
Author: admin
7 Fun Activities to Help You Lose Weight
Author: admin
Exercising and staying fit doesn’t have to mean hard work. Simply being active will help you get or stay in good shape… and it’s a great way to burn extra fat too. So with that said, here are some enjoyable activities that can help with your fitness and weight loss goals too.
1. Bicycling – When you ask many adults when the last time they rode a bike is, they cannot answer. Although bicycling is a favorite pastime, many adults do not take advantage of this great option for exercise. Not only does bike riding exercise the body and build a stronger cardiovascular system, it allows you to get out and enjoy nature, fresh air, and see new sites.
2. Jogging or Walking – Both jogging and walking are GREAT ways to get fit. Not only do they tone the muscles, relieve stress, create a healthier heart, and improve lung capability, they make you look wonderful, which in turns helps you get excited about doing other exercise for fitness activities.
3. Swimming – Swimming is an excellent way to get into and stay in shape. If you do not own a pool, many high schools have aquatic centers, or there is always the YWCA or YMCA, or your local gym. Many offer water aerobic classes that will help you tighten your body, lose weight, and get a good overall workout.
4. Tennis Anyone? – Tennis is not only a fun sport, but also a great way to exercise. You do not have to be a professional to play – in fact, you do not even have to be good. Just running after the ball alone will help get you into shape. This is a great way to strengthen your cardiovascular system and lose weight. You can find tennis courts in just about every city and if you would like to play but have no idea how, lessons are reasonable.
Tip: Raquetball is sort of a “one person tennis”. If you don’t have someone to play tennis with, or you aren’t feeling sociable, try raquetball instead.
5. Dancing – Dancing is so much fun and whether you enjoy a slow, Ballroom dance or a nightclub packed with people all moving to heart-pumping techno, as long as you are moving, it really does not matter what type of dance or music. The whole idea is to move your body. Dancing has long been recommended as an avenue to fitness.
Tip: Belly Dancing is an excellent workout for your stomach, waist and hips ladies!
6. VCR or DVD – If you have a VCR or DVD, rather than just using it for your favorite comedy or action-packed movie, try sticking in some good workout tapes. Even taking 15 minutes every day to work out will get you started. Try that for two weeks and you will be surprised at the results. Once you see that 15 minutes a day makes a difference, you will be encouraged to increase the time spent.
7. And one of my personal favorites… Yardwork! – Whether you’re pulling weeds, planting flowers, mowing the grass or chopping wood: All of these activities can help you get into better shape. Don’t cheat yourself though. Using a riding mower to cut the grass won’t help you use the muscles or get your blood pumping 
So go out and get active, have fun, and work on getting or staying fit too!
Kathy Burns-millyard
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/7-fun-activities-to-help-you-lose-weight-64749.html
Where can you download free belly dancing music online?
Author: admin
I don't want to register and I don't want to pay a monthly or yearly or any kind of fee. Does anyone know of a site where I can download some belly dancing music? Or worst comes to worst, who knows of some good belly dancing artist, albums, or just music?
Well there isn't really a reliable source for free music downloads and it is illegal since the artist’s won't get paid for their work. The best, and cheapest way to get music downloads is through MP3Lingo. com. They offer unlimited music downloads for only a few bucks a month. It's much cheaper than any other site I've came across and they are 100% legal paying the artist for their hard work in making music you enjoy. They also have just about every song in every genre. Check them out at www.mp3lingo. com when you get a chance.