Looking for some advice...

lori_en

Hi everyone!

I've been obsessed with learning belly dancing since I was in college, but I never had the opportunity to go to classes.

Recently, I found out there was a local class where I live and jumped straight into it. Unfortunately, the teacher was rubbish (shouted orders rather than constructive advice) and as someone who is really self conscious, I couldn't keep up with everyone or in time with the steps. To make matters worse, I ended up with a bad back so had to give them up after only three weeks. :frown:

I was gutted as it was the closest I came to learning belly dancing and it made me think that clearly I wasn't meant to do it! :sad:

I was wondering however, after seeing this forum if you guys could give me some advice, as I would like to give it one more try...

Are there any instructive videos/DVDs that anyone could recommend to me if any at all? Or would the best thing be for me to look for another class, if any?

Thanks in advance! :flowerforyou:

KenosFeoh

There are free belly-dancing lessons on YouTube. Practice in front of a mirror; there are a lot of posture corrections you will be able to make yourself.

P.S. - I've mostly learned through videos and practice. The class I took was taught by somebody who was so out of shape looking that I couldn't respect her as my teacher. (which may have been unfair)

dValkyrie

There is an awesome web site: daturaonline.com that has amazing resources. It is however a pay site and I can't share their videos. You can rent single videos for a month, or pay the monthly fee (less than the classes I took) and watch any video any time you like.

You have a choice of instructors and you may recognize Rachel Brice.

If you have back problems, or any joint problems for that matter, be sure to check with your doctor and be kind to your body. If something causes you pain - STOP! I'm not talking about sore muscles the day after, but any joint pain is a sign that something is wrong and you need to discontinue until it is remedied. It could be improper form, but better to check before damage is done. A strain will only take a few days to heal, surgery takes months.

Now that butts have been medically/legally covered, I hope that you do continue to learn and enjoy belly dance. You may also try your local library and see if they have any videos to peruse.

lori_en

There are free belly-dancing lessons on YouTube. Practice in front of a mirror; there are a lot of posture corrections you will be able to make yourself.

P.S. - I've mostly learned through videos and practice. The class I took was taught by somebody who was so out of shape looking that I couldn't respect her as my teacher. (which may have been unfair)

Thanks for the tip!

To be fair, I thought the same about my teacher, but I thought the fact that she was previously a champion would override that, clearly not! :-/

There is an awesome web site: daturaonline.com that has amazing resources. It is however a pay site and I can't share their videos. You can rent single videos for a month, or pay the monthly fee (less than the classes I took) and watch any video any time you like.

You have a choice of instructors and you may recognize Rachel Brice.

If you have back problems, or any joint problems for that matter, be sure to check with your doctor and be kind to your body. If something causes you pain - STOP! I'm not talking about sore muscles the day after, but any joint pain is a sign that something is wrong and you need to discontinue until it is remedied. It could be improper form, but better to check before damage is done. A strain will only take a few days to heal, surgery takes months.

Now that butts have been medically/legally covered, I hope that you do continue to learn and enjoy belly dance. You may also try your local library and see if they have any videos to peruse.

I only had back problems after every lesson, my boyfriend would come and pick me up and I'd have to lay flat in the back of the car because the small of my back would be killing me; it would go within a few days though.

My main form of exercise is pole dancing, so I'm used to muscle pulls and aches, but this was different as I felt it during the class when with pole it'll be a day or two afterwards. I will give it another go but be a bit more careful this time, and I know now that if I do feel a twinge I can just stop! I do honestly believe the a class was just the wrong type of learning for me, I'm better at learning new things at my own pace, without any pressure or orders being barked at me, so I'm looking forward to trying again! :happy:

Thanks again guys for the advice! :drinker: