edinburghbellydancing.com

WHY YOU SHOULD START BELLY DANCING

Kostas Mavrokefalos — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 09:48:04 +0000

Belly dancing is for all women of all ages and you don’t need any previous dance experience to join our foundation course. Middle Eastern Dance has the ability to transform your physical, spiritual and mental well being. Here at Edinburgh Belly Dancing we specialise in Egyptian cabaret style belly dancing and fusion belly dance classes. These combine traditional techniques with modern influences from Egyptian and middle eastern dance, Spanish, and latin.

BELLY DANCING HISTORY

admin — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:05:36 +0000

Belly dancing is a well renowned dance throughout the world it is commonly referred to as oriental dance and in many Arabic speaking countries it is known as “Raks Al Sharks” which means the “Dance of East.” The role of belly dancing in the Middle East has been that of a folk dance for occasions such as weddings, births, community festivals and other events that would bring people together to a party.
Belly dancing was performed by women for women. Arabian women considered the dance to be sacred. As the word “belly” suggest the dance was taught to girls at an early age in order to strengthen their abdominal muscles in preparation for child birth. Muscle isolation techniques, through abdominal movements like hip circles and belly rolls, makes the mid section of the body seem as if it was dancing and hence the name “Belly Dancing” originated.
Traditionally the dance is performed in bare feet with smooth flowing movements which may incorporate techniques from the Middle East. Belly dancing is danced in Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, Iran and Morocco. Each country has its own techniques and styles. Belly dancing has been known for more than 2000 years. Its music and costumes have changed but the basic movements have remained the same for centuries.
Belly dancing in modern times has become popular for women of all ages and all across the world. There are variety of dancing styles including baladi, classical, modern Egyptian cabaret and tribal. Belly Dancing may accompany different genres of music, the expression of interpretation of each playing an important role in the dancing movements, but all styles of the dance begin from a series of basic core moves and isolations incorporating every other muscle group.

BELLY DANCING TECHNIQUE

admin — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:04:53 +0000

I specialize in Egyptian and cabaret style belly dancing. I am a versatile and creative dancer. I also have the ability to create fusion dance styles. I have a unique and inspirational dance style and a wide range of teaching and performance experience.

My classes are fun and aim to progressively take students through the entire foundation core belly dancing moves and steps. My techniques include veil work, foot work, spin sequences, arm and hand manipulations, core isolations, fusion and drum rhythm. I also teach choreography and performance techniques

Belly Dance Core Moves and Steps
There are essential basic core moves that define belly dance. Mastering these foundation movements will gradually build a solid base with which to learn all styles of belly dance. There are thousands of authentic moves in belly dance but I start with a very basic 12 moves which, with continued practice, will give the foundation for many other moves and steps.

The Core 12 will help to improve muscle isolation, coordination and rhythmic awareness.
By building these 12 basic core movements my students have been very successful in mastering the foundation of belly dance moves.

12 CORE MOVEMENTS

BASIC STACCATO HIP MOVES

1. HIP TWIST
2. HIP DROP
3. HIP SIDE TO SIDE {HITS}

BASIC ROLLING HIP MOVES

4. DIAGONAL FIGURE OF 8
5. BASIC HIP CIRCLE
6. HORIZONTAL 8

BASIC RIB CAGE MOVEMENTS

7. RIB CAGE SLIDE
8. RIB CAGE CIRCLE
9. RIB CAGE DIAGONAL

BASIC ARM AND HAND MANIPULATIONS

10. ARM WAVES
11. SHOULDER ROLL {SNAKE ARMS}
12. FINGER MANIPULATIONS

TUITION AND CLASSES

admin — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:04:03 +0000

Classes start with our Foundation Course which is also for complete beginners and focuses on teaching core Egyptian movements, developing tone, improving suppleness and posture and are a great cardio work out whilst being lots of fun. This class is for all ages and aims on improving overall fitness.Our Intermediate classes on Tuesday focus on improving technical ability, drill exercises and developing and building on hip accents and improving your overall fitness.

Advanced Styling Classes on Thursday focus on developing further existing dance technique and improving performance, expression, musical interpretation and learn how to use props. There are also opportunities to join our performance group.

BUILD STAMINA FITNESS & CONFIDENCE

admin — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:03:03 +0000

BELLY DANCING CLASSES TUITION & EVENT HIRE IN EDINBURGH

admin — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:02:10 +0000

Here at Edinburgh Belly Dancing we can perform or teach at a wide variety of events to suit your needs and will accept bookings all over the UK. Our experienced teachers and dancers have an exciting and captivating dance style which can add a colourful highlight to any event. Workshops / Parties last for 1 to 2 hours. We can put together a taster workshop for groups where we will come to you and teach you some of the belly dance movements and introduce you to this exciting dance. Please click here to Contact me