Belly Dancing

asmithTXfit

A friend recommend a belly dancing class as a fun alternative to exercise. Anyone taking classes or have experience with dance classes? I found a beginners class in my area and plan on starting soon. Would love any feedback.

AvalonsUnicorn

Belly dancing is the best thing I ever discovered! no matter your size you just can;t help feeling sexy and smiling once you get over that feeling awkward phase. I started in May and have enjoyed it since! btw your talking to some one who admits to being lazy lol It's the one exercise I can always find motivates me

asmithTXfit

Awesome ... that is great! Now, I can't wait to start. Thank you!

Flissbo

I started in June and I can't get enough! It's so much fun and a real challange to make your hips do things they're not used to doing! :laugh:

Ashleysh22

I have never tried but I'm not certain I can move my hips independent of my waist and butt and vice versa. Lol

callikia

I've never been able to find a class nearby but I have tried the at-home workout DVDs and found the exercise amazing! You don't even realize you're working your muscles so much because you're having so much fun and/or concentrating so much on technique (especially in the beginning). And the muscles you work are ones that a lot of other exercises seem to miss (at least in my case).

violet_sphinx

I love belly dancing! I really want to get back into it. It can be a great workout and because you do a lot of isolating of muscle groups, particularly in your torso, it's really good for getting a more defined, hour-glass shape to your figure. But no matter what size you are, people who teach or do belly dance tend to be really encouraging, body-positive, and really fun!

Izanami66

I have been dancing for about four years, and I love it!! I haven't necessarily lost weight doing it, but I have gained muscle definition, flexibility, and confidence. I do it at least three times a week, and I can't imagine life without it. If you find a class nearby GO!! And don't get discouraged! It can be intimidating at first, but I promise, you'll love it if you stick with it!

JoyfullMovement

I love Belly Dance and it is a great workout.
I have several good DVDs. Amira Belly Dance 101 might be good for just startng and basics. I have Rachel Brice's Serpentine. It has has drills, combos and great yoga workouts. I don't think it is best for beginners. Asharah's Modern Tribal Belly Dance DVD is a great workout. It covers conditioning, technique and choreography. It has over two hours of workout. Whew, just try to keep up with her. Amazon is a good place to search for DVD's. Amazon reviews and You Tube videos can give you a feel for what a DVD will be like. I started last spring taking a few classes and just fell in love with it. The movements can feel so foreign at first but before long it is natural and an expression of joy. Be ready for a shift, it is healing on many levels. My advice is to keep looking till you find the style that is a good fit for you and most of all just have fun with it. Happy dancing!

stacyll

i've been doing belly dance about 3 years and i love it! the women are great to be around. the moves are fun and challenging and there's no equipment needed, you can do it anywhere. it can really build upper body and core strength. i've even performed with girls from my class. it's fun to get dressed up and perform. perfecting choreography keeps your brain sharp too. i also buy lots of dvd's from amazon, many have reviews that allow you to see a little clip. i do other forms of exercise too but belly dance is to me what yoga is for many people, a good workout that is also calming and centering.

porffor

Hi, I started going to a local class for a giggle and some exercise indoors.
I've really enjoyed it and must say you do feel muscles working so it's definately exercise! lol
It's hard to work diff muscles but you get the hang of it. Really gets the inner girl out in you too.

shimmygirl411

I have been belly dancing for 8 years and love it! I take classes, perform, and teach. It's great for core strengthening, balance, and cardio.

It can take lots of practice to master the technique, which is good for toning and strengthening. If you are a beginner and looking for more cardio, I would suggest beginning your workouts with some nice, slow technique (toning) and then start moving with it. You will have a tendency to lose the technique as you move faster, but you will sweat......and have fun doing it. The more you do it, the better you will become.

Shimmies!
Zoya

EmCarroll1990

I've taken a class, it's a great work out and a lot of fun.

missdaisy79

I love belly dancing too, unfortunately I can't afford to go to my regular classes at the moment so I've lapsed somewhat, but I am full of good intentions to pick up my dvds and practice!

LaurenAOK

Belly dancing is a great workout! I was in a musical where I had to be a belly dancer, and our directer brought in a professional to teach us. It was so much fun and yes, definitely a workout! I'd definitely be taking classes if I had the time.

lizard053

Belly dancing is probably the most fun dance class I have taken in my entire life! My instructor is also a personal trainer, so she really knows the proper advice to give, and she gives lots of modifications to movements for people who have difficulties with some movements. I was self trained for years with belly dance videos, but I have found actually taking a class so much more rewarding and I get faster results! My waist went down 2 inches in the first 6 week session I took! My legs and butt look awesome and muscular, and even my arms have gotten more tone in them. And it's fun! I can't say enough good about it.

mznisaelaine

I was invited to go belly dancing a while ago but I chickened out. I think taking classes would be fun though

embersfallen

There's not a class I can afford in the area, but I found a DVD i love you can get at walmart and target... called cardio bellydance, dance off the pounds ( or it might be dance off the inches) it's not PURE bellydance...but i love it still..and my zumba class incorporates a lot of bellydance

Pohudet

Belly dancing is very enjoyable and also an excellent workout for your abs! Iloved it. Even now that i am no longer doing it, i sometimes move my tummy in that special way before the mirror. Belly dancing requires you to isolate diffrent groups of muscles, so it is very effective for getting a definition. I can still see a nice definition in my tummy even though it is covered by some fat padding ( i need to lose about 20 pounds).
Enjoy your new belly dancing course!