1.Begin in a position so that your upper body is straight. Don't arch your back or hunch. Tuck in your butt so that it also aligns with your back. Bend your knees slightly and never, ever, lock them.
2.Use your stomach muscles to 'pull' or lead your hip movement; the lower back should not have a large arch. Some schools insist on the stomach pulling from the start, in order to train your stomach. (Hence the name, belly dancing) If your prefer this way, the movements initially show less, but develops stronger movements. The hip movements first, is slightly superficial, and will never fool a pro, until it is perfected with the stomach pulls. Also, improper posture can cause problems in the lower back.
3.'Separate' your upper body from your lower body. The movements are very different: The ribs upward (Especially arms) focuses on 'flowy', languid graceful movements. (Often referred to as goddess or heavenly movements) The stomach downwards, to the feet have more strong, bold, quick and precise movements. (earthy movements).
4.Move side to side (which works well if you're hippy and small chested) and back and forth (which looks great if you're busty with small hips-since the side movements show less movement)
5.Divide your torso (mentally) vertically down the centre. Try to move one side of your hip up and down, back and forth etc. The trick is to keep everything else dead still while one side of your hips work.
6.Try 'drawing' little circles in the air with your one side. As you get the hang of it, try 8's, arcs, swirls etc. Don't forget your other side. One side will always be easier, or stronger, depending on whether you are left or right handed.
7.Alternate by trying different combos, like left hip circle, right hip circle, two rights, two lefts etc, always using your stomach to pull your hips in different directions.
9.Try isolating or clenching each one individually. First 1, then 2, then 3. This, once mastered is the basis for the stomach ripple. Once the individual clench1, clench2, clench3 is mastered, try release1, release2, release3, just after the consecutive clenches.
In my 20+ years (gawd! has it been so long?) of Belly Dance experience I've done tribal and cabaret style. I prefer tribal but as far as mainstream performing at restaurants, events, and weddings the client usually wants the flash or cabaret. So I have to adapt to the marketplace and dress the way people expect when I perform.
My specialty is what I like to call Tribal Gypsy Fusion style Belly Dancing - I synthesized the style by borrowing a little from different styles of folkloric dance: flamenco, gypsy, Turkish, Greek, and the American Tribal Style Belly Dance exemplified by Rachel Brice.
Tribal Belly Dance Costumes - I design and make my own Belly Dance costumes. I've collected vintage pieces for years and I incorporate old Belly Dance paraphanelia into new tribal style belly dance costumes. You can check out some of the costume pieces I make and sell at my Etsy store.
