Practice makes Perfect
The hardest part about belly dancing is knowing where to start on a daily regimen for training and practice. There are different areas to focus on and most women don’t know that each area should be worked on equally. I wasn’t taught in the beginning of my dance career this methodology of practicing on specific areas separately and to this day I wish I would have. I think that practicing everything together can muddy up movements and the completion of moves. It can also keep a dancer from seeing that she really doesn’t have the moves down. This happened to me because when I look back at my first performance videos many years ago, all I see is a bird getting ready to fly out of the nest that’s totally floundering.
Another case in point; Remember not to over practice a choreography. I have a student who just recently lost her rhythm because she over practiced. She could not hear the beat of the music anymore because she forgot to listen to the music. I had to ask her not to practice for a week so I could get her back on track with the movements to the music. What was surprising to me was the fact that she said she felt off in certain areas but she did not do anything about it. So if there is robotic repetition in practice, the danger can be that a dancer won’t know the difference or if she does, do nothing about it. This doesn’t mean students don’t care about the quality of their dance; it is human nature to stick with what we know even if it’s wrong. There definitely seems to be a need to put in a work schedule so that a dancers weekly drilling and practicing stays fresh, graceful and relaxed. Ultimately we want these elements with us up on stage so how we practice at home is not only showcased but definitely makes a difference on the outcome of a performance. Remember that how you practice says a lot about what type of dancer you are. Since we are artists using our bodies as an art form, it’s important to complete the work of art that is representing you before you get on stage or the dance floor. How we do this is by a specific type of preparation and drilling at home or in the studio.
First choose a day that will be hips only and focus on sharp, soft, sharp and soft combined. Work in your opposition hips and make sure to keep both hips equally strong and precise. You can include shimmies with sharp and soft but focus on your execution of the moves and follow through with each movement. On another day do layering with hips, chest and pelvic area. This may seem easy but you really have to work on your timing with the layering to music. Next work on your arms with combinations and movements so that you have that natural flow with them. With the arms you can actually work them in with each practice day but have one day where you really focus in on them. One important aspect of training is working in your traveling steps with different hip combinations and turns. Subsequently, include different body angles and positions with traveling steps and combinations within the week. The audience needs to see you from all angles so your back is just as important as your front. Remember to work in stage presence and use your space. I will work with in place movements and alternate them with traveling steps. To be more specific work in your hip combinations with your traveling steps. It’s important to incorporate a day for shimmies of all kinds; in place, traveling and shimmies with sharp and soft moves can really tell the audience how skilled and professional you are. Props are important so keep one to two days for your sword, cane and veil etc. If you are working on a choreography make sure the props don’t showcase what you are lacking in body movement. Remember your body is your greatest prop! Practice your finger cymbals more then one day a week because this is the only way you will get good with them. Also your props can be included in more then one day a week. For those dancers who are just starting out and have a lot to work on, this schedule will help you get the results you are looking for.
Perfect Hips Belly Dance Workout: Abs, Hips, Butt & Thighs
November 13, 2009 by admin
Filed under Belly Dancing DVD's
Amazon.com
Spice up your fitness routine with belly dance, a fun and exotic new workout that promotes strength, balance and confidence. Hosted by professional belly dancer and personal trainer, Michelle Joyce, this DVD is designed to intro… More >>
Perfect Hips Belly Dance Workout: Abs, Hips, Butt & Thighs
Perfect Hips Belly Dance Workout: Abs, Hips, Butt & Thighs
November 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Belly Dancing DVD's
Amazon.com
Spice up your fitness routine with belly dance, a fun and exotic new workout that promotes strength, balance and confidence. Hosted by professional belly dancer and personal trainer, Michelle Joyce, this DVD is designed to intro… More >>
Perfect Hips Belly Dance Workout: Abs, Hips, Butt & Thighs
Belly Dancing and Erasing Cellulite: the Perfect Combination!
With all the noise about cellulite, many women wonder if these fatty lumps can ever be eliminated after they have developed on different areas of the body. And to add to the confusion, a number of fitness gurus and medical professionals proclaim that it is impossible for anyone to be free of cellulite. But there are those who took these proclamations more as a challenge than a barrier; and what these remarkable individuals did blew up many preconceived notions about cellulite.
So is it possible to eradicate cellulite? The answer is a big yes! You can definitely say goodbye to most, if not every inch, of the cellulite in your thighs, tummy, arms or any other area of your body. But just like in any other aspect of life, nothing comes for free when it comes to dealing with cellulite. You have to work hard and you need a lot of self-discipline in order for you to stamp out unwanted fatty dimples on your skin.
