Beginners Guide to belly dancing
In recent times belly dancing has gained huge popularity and recognition in India. With this increasing popularity, there has been an increase in professional belly dancing classes in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chandigarh and many more.
Belly dancing is believed to originate from somewhere in the Middle East. Belly dancing in the Middle East has two different social contexts, one as a social or folk dance and the other as a performing art. The most common costume worn while performing belly dance is bedlah style suit which includes a fitted top or bra, a full-length skirt or harem pants, and a fitted belt. The top and the belt are decorated with lots of beads, sequences, coins, etc. otherwise these have high embroidery and fringes.
When we talk about belly dancing in India the first name that clicks is Meher Malik aka Banjaran. She has taken the form of belly dancing to greater heights in Indian society. Other famous belly dancers that India had given to the world are Bindu Bolar, Arun Bhardwaj, Alex Victor, Suraiya Ibrahim, Maya Elixir and Debapriya Das. The only thing that helped them in establishing their name in the field of belly dancing is dedication and long hours of practice.
Being a belly dancer who has just started learning belly dancing one should be aware of many facts about belly dancing. The below mentioned are some of the important points that you should keep in mind while your training and learning period.
1. Break the myth: the first thing to know about belly dancing is that there is no such thing as the ideal body. There is no such rule or regulation that to be a belly dancer you must have a flat stomach or a lean body. To be a belly dancer you just need to have the passion and dedication to learn. You should be in love with your body and feel comfortable about yourself.
2. Leave the consciousness behind: once you start learning belly dancing, you should never feel conscious. Try and express yourself through your belly dancing just like you would have done in any other dance form.
3. Try not to hold your breath: one of the most common mistakes that beginners do is that people hold their breath while learning new moves. Try to maintain a regular breathing pattern throughout your routine.
4. Practice makes a man perfect: The way you can be a perfect belly dancer is practicing in proper schedules and with all your dedication.
5. Wear what makes you comfortable: it is not compulsory to show your belly while dancing. If you are comfortable wearing a t-shirt wear that. There is no such hard and fast rule about the costumes in the learning stage. Once you are sure that you want to become a professional or you want to continue belly dancing further then you can invest in the gears you need like fitted tops and belts loaded with beads, coins and even with heavy embroidery.