Belly Dancing, anyone?

I do it! My advice is to have fun with it, and don't worry if you're moves aren't perfect. It takes time to learn it, it's an art. Sorry I can't recommend any videos, I've never used any.

I bellydance! I did it years ago when I was slimmer but gave it up due to money issues and underconfidence. I have recently restarted it and am loving it again!

Not sure about videos but im sure there are lots of different classes out there. Try a few until you find one you are comfortable with. My last instructor had a very slow learning style which was good for a beginner but started to get boring. My current instructor doesnt really take the time to explain the choreography but it is so much more fun (even when im tripping over myself).

Oops double post.

Check out YouTube- search for Belly Dance Fitness and TONS of stuff comes up. I'm not huge into belly dancing, but I did a random one last week out of boredom, and it was fun.

I tried DVD's and took classes. Hands down, the classes were more informative. I think I need that interaction, otherwise it's feels vapid to me. Not sure if that made sense outside of my head :laugh:

Tips, if you get too lean, the moves are less visually effective. If you are too plump, the moves are less visually effective, HOWEVER, when you DO slim down, you will have amazing range of motion & easily bypass the leaner folks.

I was the latter. Plump with lots of hips & belly to toss around. By the time I was able to slim down & try some of the moves I learned, I found that the articulation was absolutely incredible. In my head, my hips were doing figure 8's but IRL it looked like I was just moving gracefully (as much as one could doing such an exercise haha).

I say take the classes if you can afford to. Even once a week & practice on your own till the next class.:drinker:

Okay, so I know I'm a little late to the party here, but I just stumbled on this thread looking for something else. I am a belly dance instructor, and as such I do have to echo the sentiment of if there is any way at all that you can swing a live class, do it! (check local rec departments, as their classes tend to be cheaper.). I also have been dirt poor and understand that may not be feasible, so my recommendation for videos are the ones by Jillina. She explains things very thoroughly, and takes a nice pace through everything. The videos are also chartered very well, which is great for first learning. The problem with a lot of the videos on the market is they don't really give good explanations of posture and technique, which are key for not getting injured. Just remember, whatever you do (or have already) gone with this, keep your knees soft and tailbone down (like when doing a plié in ballet - prevents arching if the back)! Helps to create space for easier isolations and protects the spine. And above all, relax and have fun with it!

*chaptered well* not chartered well. Damn autocorrect!