Little girls know how to dance

 
In my opinion, I think belly dance is a great thing for children to learn. Since there are quite a few reasons

Belly Dance for Kids Dance is a natural means of expression for children; they move their bodies with a sense of freedom that is often somehow lost along the way to adulthood. Ask any child if they can sing or dance and you will probably hear a resounding ‘Yes, of course!’ My philosophy about teaching belly dance to kids is that it need not be difficult for them. Each child is different and progresses at a different rate and this is ok. When it comes to children’s classes at Cinnamon Twist the team of teacher’s encourage a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere with a focus on fun rather than on formal technique training.

 For most children, the experience of attending a dance class with a gentle and encouraging teacher can have a lasting positive impact that can take them well into their adult years and even stay with them for life. On the other hand, a negative experience in a dance class can have an equally lasting effect. Up until recently the first (and sometimes only option) for many mums was to enrol their children in ballet, jazz, or tap dance classes. However, if truth be told - these styles of dance are not always suitable for all girls. A mum once told me how she felt absolutely heartbroken when her shy 6 six year old daughter attended a ballet class and left sobbing when the teacher had told her she would never be a ballerina because she had ‘flat feet’ and ‘bad hips’.

 After enrolling her daughter in belly dancing classes she was thrilled when in the very first class her daughter beamed when she learned that “in belly dancing your feet stay flat on the floor” and your “hips have a life of their own!” It is this grounded nature of belly dance that makes it particularly accessible to kids and adults alike. Benefits of Belly Dance * Fitness benefits – cardiovascular, muscular, energising * Learn teamwork, focus, and improvisational skills * Promotes good self-esteem * Low-impact, develops flexibility * Improved posture and muscle tone * Helps to strengthen pelvic floor muscles (a bonus for new mums!) * Improvement in gross/fine motor skills, improves co-ordination * Development of spatial awareness * Music appreciation and learning about other cultures Today, kids and their mums have a rich variety of dance styles to choose from and belly dancing offers girls a wonderful opportunity to explore movement vocabularies totally different from Western styles they may have tried already. When I was invited to write this article for CoastKids I decided to have a chat with our Little Genies, the girls in our 9-14 years age group.

I asked them a number of questions about why they liked belly dancing and they gave a variety of reasons I was expecting to hear such as the opportunity to make friends, they liked the colourful and noisy dance costumes, and the interesting music. However, the girls also told me some things I was not expecting to hear about the way it makes them feel to dance creatively, to feel like part of a team, to enjoy the positive reactions of audiences when they performed. The responses of the girls showed a maturity and awareness about what it means to belly dance that took me by surprise. What the kids have to say: Rachael(10yrs) – “I love cultural aspect of belly dance, it’s adventurous” Trina(9yrs) – “Belly dance gives me energy and its good exercise. I love my teacher; Kim is kind and tolerant and patient” Barbara(10yrs) – “I love meeting new people and learning new things,” “I like our Cinnamon Twist tops and what they represent” Claudia(12ys) – “meeting new people, learning new things, making friends”. “When everyone claps at the end of our performances it makes me feel really happy”. Georgia(9yrs) – “my mum is a belly dancer and I think it’s really cool. I feel proud to perform in my Cinnamon Twist shirt”. Lianna(10yrs) – “I like that belly dance is not competitive” and “I like it when people smile when I dance”. Madison(10yrs) – “I like to perform and the jingly costumes” Olivia(10yrs) – “I like it because I’m good at it. I’m destined for belly dancing!” What the mums have to say: Julia- Since my daughter started belly dance lessons her self confidence has grown, along with her balance and coordination. Kim- I have noticed how [my daughter’s] confidence has grown, she is not as shy now and looks forward to Cinnamon Twist performances to show of all the fantastic things she has learned. Lisa - My daughter has a great time in class and looks forward to her lesson each week. When she gets home she dances around the house and shows her dad what she learned. Mary - Overall belly dance has been a fun, positive experience for my daughter. I would definitely recommend this to other parents. Being part of a dance class is much more than just learning how to dance it also helps to instil valuable life lessons like working with others, moving in rhythm (physically and socially) with a group of their peers, and understanding and accepting the differences between each other. Belly dance introduces kids to music they may not hear anywhere else, a movement vocabulary that helps develop their fine and gross motor skill, and enables them to explore new forms of creative movement in a safe and warm environment. As one student commented, “in belly dancing class I can be myself”.

  Published in CoastKids Illawarra July/August 2009 - all material and images copyright Virginia Keft-Kennedy

How to Make a Cheap Belly Dance Costume

You can make your basic belly dance costume look much more expensive---and much more performance-worthy---by accessorizing yourself to the hilt.

  

 

BANGLES. Bare arms look ... well, bare. So cover them up with bunches of sparkly bangles. Available at any Indian apparel store, cheap bangles will add sparkle and color to your costume. Since they are cheap costume jewelry, you want to a wear a lot of them. Buy enough bangles to cover your wrists from the palm to half-way up your forearm. Don't worry about overdoing it: less is NOT more when it comes to belly dance costumes. Start your bangle collection by buying the basics: a set of gold and a set of silver. When you get more money to invest in jewelry, buy colored bangles to match each of your costumes. The bangles not only dress up your outfit, they also catch the light beautifully when you dance.

GLOVES. Another way to compliment your cheap costume and cover up bare arms is to invest in a pair of gloves. There are many styles of gloves available to belly dancers, and you can have them custom-made fairly cheaply. A typical pair of custom-made gloves only runs about $15. Considering that you could wear one basic pair of gloves with several costume, they are a really good investment. You can also find one-size-fits-all gloves on many belly dance costuming sites. If you don't want gloves, arm cuffs or sleeves are another option. In any case, covering your arms with some type of sparkly or flowing fabric will dress up your plain costume and emphasize your arm movements.

EARRINGS. An abundance of fancy costume jewelry will make any costume look even more dazzling. Since your audience will be looking at your pretty smile often, it's important that you compliment your face with big or shiny earrings. Choose long chandelier earrings if appropriate or go with smaller rhinestone pieces. These earrings are just meant to catch the light, so they don't have to be expensive. You can find something suitable at Wal-Mart or the beauty supply store.

NECKLACE. Sometimes a large pair of earrings will add enough sparkle to your face and neck. But if you still feel bare, add a necklace to your costume as well. Rhinestones and other large, fake jewels are always good choices. Remember that you can wear this necklace with many other costumes if you go with a basic rhinestone setting. Some rhinestone necklaces can get pricey, but you can find a cheap one for $10 to $20 at the beauty supply store or online. Fire up Google and do a search for cheap prom jewelry; you're sure to find something suitable that's within your budget.

RINGS. Add even more sparkle to your arm and hand movements with shiny rings, especially if you aren't going to be dancing with any props that will distract from your bare fingers. Go with rhinestones, cubic zirconia diamonds, or even oversized gold and silver butterflies. Rings are another versatile, cheap costume piece that you can use with every costume.

TIARAS AND HEADBANDS. Don't neglect the jewelry that's made for your head. Besides making you feel like a queen, a rhinestone tiara or jeweled headband will make your costume look richer. If your basic costume came with arm cuffs that you never wear, you can sometimes turn the cuffs into a headband. Just sew elastic to the ends of the arm cuff, and then cover up the elastic with your hair when you put on the headband. Rhinestone tiaras are another great option. They are affordable and readily available both online and in beauty supply stores. Remember to look for prom and costume jewelry and avoid fancy (overpriced) bridal tiaras. A great tiara will cost you only $10.

SKIRT. Since you spent so little on your basic costume, it's best to splurge on your skirt. After all, it's a really big, noticeable part of your outfit. Look for skirts made from shiny lycra, sparkle velvet, or chiffon skirts embellished with sequins or rhinestones. A fancy skirt will go a long way in making your outfit look expensive. A custom-made skirt could be pricey, but you can find great options in online belly dance boutiques for between $40 and $65.

SHOES AND ANKLETS. They say that a person's shoes make a big impression. So forgo the boring black heels from Wal-Mart or Target, and find a pair of prom-worthy shoes at a big chain shoe store. Look for shoes that have some sort of embellishment like rhinestones or big plastic jewels. Colored satin heels are a great option while clear plastic heels will also work. Either type of shoe should only cost you between $20 and $30, and the clear plastic heels will go with any costume. If you dance barefoot, you can still dress up your feet with anklets made either of rhinestones or coins.

Choosing Belly Dance Music

 

What kind of music does a 'real' belly dancer dance to? The answer depends on the type of dance you wish to do. For the purpose of this article, we can divide it into two broad categories: practice or performance belly dancing.

Belly Dance Music For Practice

People have all kinds of reasons for taking up belly dancing, but the majority of people practice belly dance for fun, fitness, or as a hobby. Most don't plan to dance anywhere but at home, the dance studio, or perhaps mixing in a few belly dancing moves at parties. Practicing for these purposes is informal and non-professional.
  If you're dancing for fun at parties and mixing a few of your favorite moves along with popular dance steps, you're doing a 'fusion' style of dance. The definition of fusion dance is the mixing or fusing of different styles or genres of dance movement and music. Because of this mixing, you can use virtually any type of music for fusion belly dancing.

	Ehab Saif - Al Naghama Al Sa7era [Magic Rhythm] .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Virtually any type of music can also be used if you're practicing for your own fitness or health purposes. Music is a fantastic motivator to get us on our feet and moving. Whether you want to dance for an aerobic workout, a moving meditation, or a stretching routine, choosing the right music is very important. Using the music that most inspires you to move helps you enjoy the experience more and gives you better end-results. To best achieve your health goals, you aren't limited to a particular style or genre of music and you're free to use your favorite songs.
If you're learning belly dance as a hobby, art form, or to experience other cultures, you'll need to learn how to dance to authentic music.

	Ehab Saif - Se7r Al Sharq [Orient Rhythm] .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

 Belly dance music is a large category, but to generalize, it is Near or Mid-Eastern dance music that is traditional or modern. Some traditional genres of Middle Eastern music are Turkish, Lebanese, Egyptian, and Arabic. Modern Middle Eastern music is traditional music that is mixed with some Western elements, a style that's been evolving for decades.

	Ehab Saif - Eqa3 Demashqy [Damas Beat] .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

If you're serious about learning authentic belly dancing, you'll need to understand traditional and modern Middle Eastern music and how to apply belly dance hip moves to it correctly. Unless you're already familiar with Middle Eastern music, you'll definitely need a teacher (via class room or video) to introduce you to this diverse subject. Fortunately, authentic music, both traditional and modern, is beautiful and compelling, making the learning process exciting and fun, if not a bit challenging for the Westerner.

	Ehab Saif - Fantazia [Fantazia] .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Belly Dance Music For Performance

As mentioned earlier, most people don't take up the study of belly dance so that they can perform. But once your friends and family hear about your newfound skill, they often want to see you dance, sometimes in a public setting. In addition, if you attend classes, you'll frequently have opportunities for public performance with your teachers or fellow students. There are also the belly dancers whose main goal is to perform in public venues, as well as those who wish to become professional performers.
In all the above cases, authentic dance music must be used if you are presenting yourself as an authentic belly dancer. That means using music that is either tradition Middle Eastern dance music or the more modern blends using Mid Eastern instruments, rhythms, and/or melodies with Western instruments, elements and interpretations. Furthermore, you must use the proper music for the style of the dance that you are doing. An example would be using authentic Egyptian dance music for an Egyptian cabaret style dance. This is where it's really important to understand the style of bellydance that you're doing and the music that goes with it.

	Ehab Saif - Eqa3 Demashqy [Damas Beat] .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

In a professional or public setting, if you're performing a 'fusion' style it's important that you represent it as fusion in your advertising and introduction. As long as your audience knows that you're mixing genres of dance moves and/or music, it's acceptable to use any type of music (an example of fusion would be using belly dance and jazz dance moves to hip hop music). However, if you try to pass off a fusion style as authentic belly dance, be prepared for the possibility that someone will criticize you. More people than ever are educated about bellydance and many don't like to see it misrepresented. When performing in public or professionally, it's important to understand the different genres of dance moves and music and to know how to use them appropriately.

The good news is that for bellydancing, you aren't restricted to a narrow definition of what music is acceptable for you to dance to. There's a style of music for every dancer's tastes and needs, whether dancing for practice or performance.

Darbuka

Origin of the Darbuka

The Darbuka is also known as a doumbek, dumbelek, derbocka and darabukka. This goblet shaped hand drum is mainly
used in the Arabic music. Apart from this, Darbuka is also considered to be a popular instrument in the Balkan, Persian and Turkish music. However, you will be able to know more about this instrument from the history of Arabian music.
It is said that Darbuka had been a popular instrument in the Middle Eastern music. In fact, according to historic evidence, the frame drum is considered to be the chief percussion instrument in the Middle East. The origin of darbuka or doumbek dates back to the Oriental music, where the distinctive rhythms are quite common. However, in the later years, Darbuka founds its way into the Western music

The materials which make the Darbuka

The body of this musical instrument is made from fish or skin of the goat. Traditionally, it was made out of clay. According to most of the people, darbuka resembles the African Djembe. However, nowadays, Darbukas are seen to be consists of metals, such as, copper, brass, aluminium, whereas, the skins are seen to made out of plastic. But, sometimes in order to produce a deeper sound, natural skin is also used. While playing this instrument, the musician usually places the drum on his knee. However, in the past, while performing players use to place this instrument under the arm.

The techniques of playing the Darbuka

Apart from all these, there is a wide range of techniques, following which this drum can be played.
This technique differs from region to region and varies on the basis of the material the instrument is made from. There are mainly 2 types of goblet drums. Among them, the Turkish style exposes the edge of the head, whereas, the Egyptian Darbuka  style features rounded edges around the head. Though, this instrument was invented long years back, till now people love to listen to its melodious tune.

Darbuka Music Darbuka music has its own charm that has soothed the senses of music loving people in the past and in present as well by producing a series of symphonious and sublime sounds. Its popularity have not waned in the present rather it is gaining momentum day by day. What separates it from the rest of the other musical is its sheer simplicity and nothing else. However, here simplicity stands for the rare blending of meticulous musical notes, creative touches and its close association with classical music. Though the musical industry has underdone massive transformation in the past few years, Darbuka Music, as it seems, remains largely insulated from these upheavals. This is what helps this musical genre to its retain its distinct identity.

Belly Dancing with fire

There is nothing like dancing with fire…

When you hold something dangerous in your hands and your wow and amaze audience members with the skill and ability of moving and twirling with live fire…

The fire trails, the heat, the tricks are all what make fire performing unique.

Like anything else you learn, fire poi is truly an art form and continued practice will turn your performance into something completely different, versatile and enchanting.

Poi is a performance art which involves a ball suspended from a length of flexible material held in the hand and swung in circular patterns.

Poi originates from the traditional performing arts of the Māori people of New Zealand, and has since developed many forms enjoyed worldwide as a hobby, exercise, or performance art alongside juggling and other forms of object manipulation.

Poi spinning has grown beyond the scope of the originating Māori culture, and is enjoyed worldwide as a hobby, exercise, or performance art. Poi dancers may be found performing alongside jugglers, staff spinners, belly dancers and other similar performers. 

                                                 Practice poi

When first learning to your poi, it is important to first invest in a pair of practice poi. Practice Poi is something soft on the end of your rope / chain which lessens the effect of the impact of the poi should you hit yourself with your poi during your practice sessions.

Performers often employ brightly colored, contrasting poi to distinguish their performance, enhance aesthetic, and emphasize pattern. Tails and streamers attached to the poi further these aims.

Typically, poi spinners start out with simple moves, gradually learning to involve more complexity. Many find it helpful to practice spinning their poi to music in order to keep a smooth cadence or rhythm.

                                         Glow poi / Glow Sticking

Poi performance may be undertaken in darkness to dramatic effect when poi include a light source -such as UV-sensitive materials, LED lights, or chemical glow sticks. Glow Stringing, similar to poi, uses Glow Sticks swung from shoelaces. Glow Stringing is popular at festivals and raves.

                                                        Fire poi

The first known fire poi shows were part of private men's rituals in Hawaii. Traditional knife spinning was modified to include fire in 1946, then known as fire knife. The first public appearance of these rituals started around 1959, and became a tourist attraction by the early 1960s. However it can be seen today in the entertainment industry and as well as amongst certain belly dancers.

 

Fire poi are constructed from chain, with kevlar blend wicks, sometimes also stuffed on the inside with more absorbing non-melting material such as cotton, that can be soaked in fuel and set on fire.

The best fuels to use is: Citronella oil as it preserves your Kevlar from perishing when left to dry out and makes for easier transport of your poi. Other fuels used include paraffin, kerosene, naphtha (also called "white gas") or alcohol. Each geographic and social cluster of performers has its preferred fuel.

Typically these decisions are based more on legality and availability than on showmanship. Though each fuel has its strengths and weaknesses, proponents of any given fuel tend to be fiercely faithful to their particular type.

There are many tricks involved with your poi and it is very important you attend a school which can teach you properly with clear instruction. Remember though that has humans we do err and mistakes can slip up when we practice with our Poi and end up hitting ourselves with it … Heaven knows I have done that many times.

Safety

Although fire dancing is a great talent to have and to perform with it is important that you still at the end of the day must always respect fire as it can be unpredictable at times.

Depending on their construction, poi can strike the user (or bystanders) with enough force to cause bruising or minor injury (this is especially so with your performance poi made from kevlar, metal pipes and chain).

Metal parts on fire poi have a high heat transfer coefficient and may burn on contact; the wick has a lower coefficient and is less likely to cause burns directly -but can spray or spread fuel.

Costumes from non-flammable or flame retardant materials are preferred when employing fire poi; synthetic materials tend to melt when burned, resulting in severe burns to the wearer.

However, when practicing with your poi, ensure to wear the same type of clothing you will be performing in. i.e: it is a good idea to wear loose clothing when practicing your poi so that you can get used to the distance between yourself and the flame.

When you perform and choose to wear slightly tighter clothing, the risk of catching fire is to a minimal. When including Fire Poi in your belly dance routine ensure to wear your harem pants only as flare skirts can fly up when you turn and catch alight. Tight skirts restrict movement when poi spinning.

It is a very good idea that all who practice fire poi learn and understand all the safety requirement and a regime which addresses the risks of setting fire to the user, bystanders, or the surroundings.

Typical elements of such a regimen include a sober, rested, and alert spotter who has access to a fire extinguisher for putting out material and fuel fires (water-based extinguishers may spread oil fires), a damp towel or woolen/duvetyne fire retardant blanket (for extinguishing burning clothes and fire toys), a bucket of water (for the eventuality of out of control fires), and plastic wrap (for protecting burns that require hospitalisation).

Typically, a metal container (located away from the performance area) that can quickly be sealed (so as to be airtight) is used as a fuel dump; with the lid in place, fuel fires may be extinguished. Paint cans are commonly used for this purpose

 Aspire to Fire

In conclusion to my fire poi article, I would just like to say, that you can create true magic with the use of fire, leaving your guests with a memorable occasion or to build up your own adrenaline rush with doing something truly great…

connecting people and events…

Whatever you choose, simply remember… Aspire to Fire!!!

Belly Dancing With Snakes

Snakes... you either love them or you fear them. Snakes are primordial and mysterious. They have been linked in a negative way to the underworld and in a positive way with life force and renewal. Snakes have fascinated people for thousands of years.

Throughout the world, tribal religion and art features the serpent as a symbol of great power, regeneration and inspiration. Many ancient tribes honored the MOTHER OF CREATION in the form of a serpent, paying tirbute to her eternal wisdom and ageless mystique. This was a vas influence in the origin of belly dance. At the lovely Hathor's temple at Dendarah, Egypt, in the innermost shrine, are long wavy serpents carved in black basalt and featured in places of honor among the other power symbols. For several millenia the caduceus, two snakes intertwining up an eternal flame or winged staff, has been widely used in the medical and healing professions.

In the pre-Christian era, snakes appeared in sacred places of power and respect throughout Africa and the near and Far East . Since then there have been many false rumours. They are not Satanic demons of temptation, nor are they cold and slimy. Their muscled bodies feel strong and smooth and beautiful. Snake dancing is not really a Middle Eastern tradition. I believe the origins were most likely from India, where temple dancers would dance with snakes as part of their worship. Now some modern American Belly Dancers work snakes into the act in a few different ways... 

Have you ever felt drawn to a slithering reptile and wondered if you could incorporate a snake into your dance performances? Before you run out to your nearest pet shop and purchase a snake, do some research. There are sources on the internet that can advise you from personal experience. There are many things to consider before you determine if snake dancing is truly right for you.

Take your time in determining what kind of snake you want to work with. A Ball Python can curl up on top of your head and create a dramatic crown. The bigger the snake, the heavier it is to bear. Awkward handling and fatigue reduce the length of your routine and restrict your movements. A boa constrictor and a python has no venom or fangs and is ideal to dance with as it naturally holds on. They are frequently arboreal and feel secure swaying in the upper limbs of the dancer, giving reasonable freedom of movement. Movements done with the snake should also be slow. Snakes, especially the large pythons and boas which are often used by belly dancers, have some personal do's and don'ts such as they don't like spins or fast moves.

Buy a young snake that you can raise yourself. That way you will know that it has a good disposition with no past history that includes mistreatment. Also, this gives you time to become familiar with handling the snake and learning about it. Most important of all, I make sure that they're warm and clean with fresh water. Many of mine spend a great deal of time at the bathes. I handle them often, so that we are sure of each other and i know they are healthy and happy. Snakes tend to do better if they are just a little bit hungry. This way they are more active, and the chances of getting pooped on or thrown up on are much less. i also take note of the colours in the scale patterns to see if they are bright or dull. If they are dusty or dry in appearance, or if the belly is pinkish, perhaps the eyes a milky blue, I let that snake rest, for the skin will be shed soon. You will generally be able to read the disposition from their response at first contact. My snake dances are not choreographed. The snakes won't hear of it!

Snakes are MOVERS! They exist in celebration of primordial atonement and natural "beingness", making them inspiring teachers and wonderful dance partners and it is important to not regard your snake as prop, but remember that it is your partner. It is a living entity that needs to be respected. Snakes are wild creatures that are not trainable. You cannot bribe them or reward them as you might with other pets. When you take it with you to a show, you are responsible for its safety. You must first take care that it is kept warm, but not overheated. You must pay attention to its feelings and movements. If the snake squeezes, it may mean that something has happened which makes it insecure.

For performances, I transport them in a basket which is often used in the dance. Bringing the snake out of the basket can be a sensitive moment. Remove the lid gently so as not to be alarming. Use a light, yet firm touch to hold the snake several inches behind the head, and use the other hand as necessary to support the rest of the body as your bring your snake out of the basket, or any other enclsoure as well. Target the audience. Some audiences really like it, others may not. This is not traditional Middle Eastern dance. Have an announcer tell people that they can expect to see a snake, especially in an indoor area.

The audience may want to touch the snake during or after the show. This is generally not advisable. You never know who you are dealing with in the public. You never know exactly how your snake will react.

Think about your costume and keep it simple. Don't give the snake lots of jewellery to tangle into, or belts that it can grab and break, or sequings that catch in the scales, or use colours that clash with the pattern. I make sure my costume is strong enough to support a snake tail seeking a good grip. Don't keep the snake out longer than necessary. After you come off stage lots of people will want to see the snake, hold the snake, pet the snake etc. The snake will not appreciate a crowd of people pinching and poking at it, and it's not fair to other dancers who are on stage while the audience is crowded around you and your snake.

When dancing, the smoother and more refined your isolations, the easier it is to hold the snake steady. When handheld, you can readily do turns, travels, hips, ribs and shoulders as well as arm work. This gives you opportunity for variety and dynamics. Once around your neck and shoulders, the ribcage and shoulders must remain stable, and only slower more flowing moves will keep your partner from being bounced around. Although this position confines your upper body expression, it does free the arms and hands. Sometimes if the proportions are inviting, your partner can feel secure by wrapping around your waist or hips. Your costume can give added support. In this case, upper body and arm or even head moves work very well, while only the most undulating slow hip work will be best.

Some snakes will enjoy holding a "crown" position on your head. The Royal, or Ball Pythons are known for this. The serpent crown is dramatic and excellent for slow or fast hip work. At times, an inquisitive snake head may appear at your cheek, or upon your brow. Never allow a snake to lose its grip or fall. Avoid sharp, uneven movements that shake them. When turning, hold them in close to you or centered above you so that the centrifugal force will be minimal. Although we can wrap and unwrap to place them, the touch that is used must be gently firm and insistent. To unwrap, begin at the head or the tail. 

it is important to understand that snakes are wild creatures of the first degree. Patience is a key element. We may work with them well by respecting their primitive nature. Snakes prefer to hold onto you, rather than be held by you. They are cold-blooded so a warm environment is essential to their well-being. The heat generated by our bodies when we dance is very attractive, making the neck a warm and comfortable place.

In conclusion...

For those belly dancers who cannot fathom performing with a snake, let alone touching one, take heart. You don't have to! If the closest thing you ever come to snake dancing is performing serpentine movements like undulations and snake arms, that's just fine. Snake dancing is not a requirement for a modern Egyptian cabaret routine. It is a specialty show -- truly special for the daring dancer, her well-loved snake and her mesmerized audience. Perhaps it is a new version of snake charming, one that charms all involved, the snake, the audience and the dancer!

Fifi Abdo Egyptian belly dancing queen

Of the world, Egypt is seen as the Mecca of belly dancing, and the popularity of the modern Egyptian belly dance owes much to the icon's legendary Fifi Abdou. Described as a national treasure, is the Queen Fifi, "the municipal Raqs" folk dance of ancient origin which originated in Egypt.Belly dancing at the hands of Brazilian dancers
Despite the impressive technology Fifi expressive in all parts of the world, did not hone her talent through dance career. A growing up in a poor family and wide in a village outside Cairo, I saw Fifi great dancers such as greeting Carioca on television. Before the age of 12, she began belly dancing with the local folklore band. Tall for her age and sophisticated beauty modelesque soon began to do at weddings, nightclubs, hotels, five start.
Although an accomplished dancer Fifi is, technical skills are not the reason behind its success. Instead, her character made the Witch, and the megawatt smile explanatory flow pattern with a pregnant Queen of Egyptian belly dancing. At the height of its success was Fifi belly dancing with live band for large crowds from all over the world. Its authenticity and the use of props also innovative. Fifi has danced with the shisha (water pipe Egyptian), finger cymbals used, danced with a cane and with a veil.
Fifi dance style is not about tons of complex movements, but the accuracy and implementation using high-energy style is admired because it shifts smoothly and has a performance activity. One of the signature move is the Egyptian belly dancing shimmies rotating them to be able to travel up through her body. Circles in the pelvis, hip drops, jumps and spins also distinct movements. Fifi is the transfer of her signature backbend recycling. I also worked moves facial expression, energy, sassy, ​​and many hand movements in her routine work.
Has been known to dance bare feet Fifi and belly dancing costumes and legendary. It is believed to have caused more than 5000 costumes in the earlier part of her life, she will re-invest profits often have to go buy some new clothes. Fashion has its own set of fashion flashy cabaret featuring exquisite details, dresses with sleeves Saidi bell and evening gowns with high heels. Fifi has also famous for the performance of belly dancing while wearing a galabeya, a traditional dress and the white man is characterized by a wide sleeves and falling to the ankles. Could be that those who attend live shows for her to expect to see changes through multiple costume Fifi her routine.
What really distinguishes Fifi apart from others in the scene Egyptian belly dancing is the love of their appearance. As in all parts of an entertainer, Fifi realizes the importance of the interaction of the public. Often speak to their audience with the microphone during a performance, comes to the tables to chat and get the audience to applaud her as you make. Took advantage of a sharp business woman her love for dance in the eastern sound business to become one of the richest women in Egypt.
Now in her 50s, and retired from the belly dancing Fifi in 2004, but still active. It was in Egyptian belly dancing workshops all over the world, where students learn eager signature moves and performs at special occasions. During the 1990s, actress Fifi also became known in the Arab world, performing in movies and soap operas and plays. Her Egyptian belly dancing videos are also very popular with art students and fans. He married five times Fifi and has three children. From humble beginnings, taught herself how to Fifi read, write and learn English to help her career. Rose is a national treasure in the art of belly dancing, and left a legacy that can not be ignored.

 

Bellydance costumes

Unlike other modern dance wear, belly dancer costume holds a prominent part in this dance form.
Wear a belly dancing costume provides the confidence to then pull the internal confidence and most of the desired look. Belly dancing is fun and good exercise too! Most people enjoy belly dancing and want to be part of it. 

If you want to get the look of a sexy dancer, then choose the clothes that are meant to 
bellydance . And belly dancing costumes are different in many ways. Ranging from cuts, shapes and styles of clothing, color printing, you get many options to choose from. Choose a dress that highlights your appearance as it moves the body. It is quite common to replace the fabric with transparent pieces mix.

 Combining accessories with clothing is not uncommon with clothes belly dancing. And you will not find it difficult or impossible to get a personal favorite that matches your sense of fashion as well. Another important thing to consider is to be found on the clothing of belly dancing in different sizes. When you are looking to buy consume belly dancing, make sure that you get the correct measurement. You can even buy your clothing online after searching for the most suitable.

 Top rated belly dancing clothes belly dancing is a professional fashion and Egypt, belly dance costumes Ian. Apart from these, is the American fashion and Turkish belly dancing clothes belly dancing to win among other hot dancers and enthusiasts. While you can get a local distributor for your outfit a dancer, and there are chances that you will not have the same quantity and quality that will help you achieve the best choice.

 It may be best if you select the dancer Halloween costume on the Internet. Find online and hassle-free, and offers you various options to get the perfect match for wearing this Halloween. On the other hand, dance, accessories and fashion is not only a dancer costumes. There are several hundreds of dance tribute T-shirts that allow you to display your love of belly dancing during this particular style of clothing. There was a change in the world of belly dancing. With modern times, belly dancer costumes have become sexier than a lot to both of the body and the movements of a dancer. Although the traditional caftan is in use today, but most of the belly dancers choose something such as a popular dance costumes Bedlah module.

 You can choose the style Bedlah belly dancer costume this time. Like the groups Bedlah and bra top or fitted bra lined with coins or beads. You will find even matching and the combination of hip-belt, which once again lined up with coins and beads. With the veil, and dancer makes Bedlah dress costume Halloween can be great to draw attention to your moves and the body. You can find other options are also different.

 In fact, the type of dancer clothing varies from place to place. For example, in Egypt, and most of the dancers dress in clothes embroidered in full. There is another common pattern known as the cabaret costume, which consists of harem pants, skirt, hip belt, bra and veil. You can increase the attractiveness of belly dancing, adding accessories such as beheading, brushes, scarves, bracelets, neck bands, shoes, jewelry, and wear the veil. So, get to dress your dancer today,