What is Belly Dancing?

Some people think of Belly dancing and the first thing they think of is, the Sheik in some Eastern Country with a Harem full of beautiful women dressed in beautiful sexy, very revealing outfits. Others think of exotic dancer or pole dancers and think it is in the same category but what they don’t realize is Belly dancing is actually an art form. In some societies it is an expression of oneself. In these same society’s ladies are covered up while in public out of respect but when they get together at lady parties they celebrate their womanhood among their sisters in form of dance. They rejoice in life and freedom dancing in celebration to the beautiful music.

Is belly-dancing a good exercise for weight loss?

Belly-dancing and other types of dance can be good exercises for weight loss. In fact, you can burn as many calories belly-dancing as you can walking, swimming or riding a bike. As with any physical activity, however, the weight-loss benefits of belly-dancing depend on several factors — including the frequency and length of your workouts and your exertion level. So ladies the more you move the more you lose so it is better to do something that is fun!

How do I find a good Belly Dancing Instructor?

You are wondering why I included this. Not all Belly dancers are equal, as I sadly found out. Do you know if you dance incorrectly you could hurt yourself? Always ask around and check out the reputation of the Belly Dancer you are interesting in taking lessons from. Ask the instructor what she teaches? Find out if she does warm ups and warm downs? Does she have any background in the Health field or just someone that took a few lessons and decided to be an instructor? Does she have a web site? Ask for references from other students or get phone numbers so you can call some. My teacher not only teaches me how to Belly Dance but she teaches our class the right way! Christina is a Registered Massage Therapist and understands how the body works. She is constantly checking our form and sometimes she will suggest the proper way, instead of us doing something that could potentially be harmful to our body. If you find yourself coming home time after time feeling sore all over your body or even back pain, than you might consider finding a Instructor that teaches properly.

It is also suggested to have a salt bath after a session and than rinse with a shower.

What happens if I am not good at Belly Dancing?

Like anything you must practise, practise and practise some more. Lots of ladies get the glandular idea that they will come to a few lesson and be able to dance like a professional dancer. NOT! Belly dancing is in my opinion is by far, one of the most beautiful dances I have ever seen. When I watch my teacher I am in awe by the way she moves her body. It is about isolation of muscles all over your body. The more you practise the move, the easier it will get and your body will start to remember the moves. So please be patient with your body. I watched one lady who had amazing potential just give up after only half the course. She just stopped coming, game over. It was so sad because she had a nice shaped body for a Belly dancer and she was in her 50‘s but held herself so gracefully. If she only continued, her confidence would have grown and her moves and routines would have become easier. So if you really want to Belly dance, realize it is not easy but if you take the time to go to class have fun and laugh with your Belly dancing sisters before you know it you will, get it! By our second course we were dancing at performances. Yes there was an audience there! Not just for our families but people from all over came to watch us dance. It was scary at first but after we started dancing, you just flowed with the music and before you know it is over. And you find yourself totally addicted looking for your next fix, your next performance. You make your family watch you. Than you start, all of a sudden looking for junky jewellery that is so large and shinny a Magpie wants to steal it right from your neck. You start shopping at Valley Village looking for anything that is shinny and pretty you can turn into a skirt for your costume. Next thing you know it as quoted by my Instructors Husband “ I only have 6 inches of space in our closest, the rest is Christina Belly Dancing customs” My suggestion before you start Belly dancing is kick your husband out of your closet or find a new closet just for your wonderful, fun hobby (habit). Trust me when I say that anyone can Belly dance. When I first started I could hardly move my hips, they were so seized up and I got frustrated with trying to remember the routines but than I found the "secret". It took me a while but I actually figured it out. The "secret" to Belly dancing is too… are you ready for the "secret" or should I wait and tell you in another article?

Oh NO you don’t want to wait, okay I will tell you the "secret" to Belly dancing as told by Skekina in her "Egyptian Evil Belly Dancing Instructor" voice, so picture in high husky voice. Okay are you ready?


Vhat, you vant to Belly dance? Than you must do it like this like this…………………………....

Yoou mussst practise!

This is done all in fun because that is how Christinah Shekina teaches. It is all about having fun and Belly dancing. In her eyes what else is there, well maybe Henna Art. Oh you’re going to have to ask her about that. That’s another secret.

Most courses I have seem run from 8 or 10 weeks depending on the instructor.

How much does it cost?

I have seen costs from $100.00 up to $150.00 being on the high side. I would suggest paying around $120.00 range.

Where do I find Belly Dancing costume and other stuff needed?

Usually a good Instructor will have some Hip scares for you too borrow. Usually if you ask she will have some to purchase and even jewellery but most Belly dancing Instructors will provide you with a list of shops to find great outfits. I have found the really good shops are in Toronto or on the internet. Ask around with other Belly dancers they always know the best buys.

A picture is worth a thousand words!

Christinah Skekina

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