tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post3791343722267684109..comments2024-03-15T04:01:53.036-04:00Comments on Cranky Fitness: Belly Dance: Exercise or Embarrassing Exhibitionism?Crabby McSlackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12108791388350253344noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-16880704950381015342013-12-28T00:02:48.774-05:002013-12-28T00:02:48.774-05:00Bellydancing is a art that comes from the Middle E...Bellydancing is a art that comes from the Middle East and has some faint roots in India. If done well, it celebrates a woman's femininity and is a great way to get moving. The problem I think is that when made too much into an exercise it looses the core roots and can resemble what you describe as something "weird". However, it can a beautiful experience. Try watching some dancers on You Tube who present this art in a more Egyptian and Middle Eastern way such as www.jillina.com Jillina in California, www.youtube.com/NJBellyDancEvents Soraya in New Jersey, Dahlena.com Dahlena from Chicago and Nourhan Sharif in New York. Also watch the Egyptians Fifi Abdu, Nagwa Foad and you see what you may not be getting in your class. Stay away from instructors who make it too much into an aerobics class and do not give a good cultural background and do not present the movements in the proper context. Bellydancing I noticed emphasizes coordination in tandem with the music. When you find a bellydancer and style you connect with, focus on her style. Have fun belly dancing! PriscillaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-86967511320937331102012-11-09T20:25:53.715-05:002012-11-09T20:25:53.715-05:00Belly dance should not be viewed as an exercise bu...Belly dance should not be viewed as an exercise but an art form for that is what it truly is.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-63941751009600096252012-01-22T18:01:38.557-05:002012-01-22T18:01:38.557-05:00Audrey, I think you should create a blog (it's...Audrey, I think you should create a blog (it's really not hard) and write a post detailing what you think belly dance is all about. That way, anyone googling belly dance can read both opposing viewpoints.The Merryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09660495393832517684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-77924907938642248032012-01-22T17:44:14.546-05:002012-01-22T17:44:14.546-05:00I feel like you have belly dancing all wrong and y...I feel like you have belly dancing all wrong and you know nothing about it.Audreynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-47411805029791466452010-09-15T12:11:37.622-04:002010-09-15T12:11:37.622-04:00"Belly dance" is a Western nickname, in ..."Belly dance" is a Western nickname, in the Middle East it is known as Oriental Dance or as Country Dance. This is a social dance style that men, women, children and grannies dance in the Middle East, don't believe those harem girl stereotypes that are shown in the movies - and now sadly also portrayed in most tourist shows. The midriff revealing costumes are relatively recent and Western inspired too, they are not traditional. So no need to get your belly out and no need for the glitter and sparkles. Unless of course you like them! <br /><br />As a teacher and performer in this style I wouldn't recommend most of the DVDs above - try Belly Dance Basics and Beyond with Jenna. I also would only recommend doing a DVD as a supplement to taking a class because a DVD can't tell you if you get it wrong. Repeated poor execution of moves or bad posture can lead to injury. Just make sure you get a good teacher - try several if you can, and make sure they have good experience in the dance as anyone can set themselves up as a belly dance teacher! If you are based near Leeds, UK, and want to learn then look me up!Helenahttp://www.helenabellydancer.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-26825289714185507152010-01-06T15:35:50.094-05:002010-01-06T15:35:50.094-05:00If you live in Chicago, the only REAL teacher that...If you live in Chicago, the only REAL teacher that I've ever known is Sophia Gates at Cheetah GYm in Edgewater. This dance has a rich cultural background and is considered more an art form than an exercise even if you work out with it. I myself am an Instructor at a Edward Health Fitness gym in Woodridge, IL and have to remind people that all the time. :-( Yes, its supposed to be "fun" but it is more expressionistic than a smiley happy stupid dance. Its like Argentinian Tango in that sense You express EVERYTHING. Sad, angry, happy, etc, its just PASSIONATE.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17636358315355891381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-3360602005918952292009-07-13T23:45:54.736-04:002009-07-13T23:45:54.736-04:00ADDICTED and I hate exercise. I'm about as coo...ADDICTED and I hate exercise. I'm about as coordinated as a fainting goat, but belly dancing seems to fit me. 1st class, I was clumsy and embarassed by the whole idea of it. 2nd class, I started thinking "hey, I can do this". 3rd class I was feeling downright sexy and feeling it. I actually went to two classes today and am practicing moves at home. I'm loving it... it's exercise that doesn't feel like exercise and is dare I say it?... "fun". I don't think I'll be wearing the costumes or anything (maybe on Halloween) but as far as "exercise" goes, it's the one thing I found that doesn't suck :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-53381696436312193552009-07-04T13:34:45.212-04:002009-07-04T13:34:45.212-04:00I started doing the Twins belly dance dvd's 2 ...I started doing the Twins belly dance dvd's 2 months ago. Seemed hard at first but now I surprisingly have the moves down.I dont see it as a workout and actually look forward to doing it daily. Ive lost inches all over the place and found curves I thought I had lost. I highly reccomend the twins instructional dvds.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-57942770631427977602009-06-22T16:24:05.218-04:002009-06-22T16:24:05.218-04:00I second the Suhaila videos. They are similar to ...I second the Suhaila videos. They are similar to "Learn to Bellydance" in that they move fairly quickly. I have found it best to do the video and then practice the exercises alone so that I am better at them the next time I try to go through it.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10866090712764190813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-26448829422132192642009-06-19T09:22:46.155-04:002009-06-19T09:22:46.155-04:00I signed up once for a class, many years ago in my...I signed up once for a class, many years ago in my thinner (but not skinny) days, but the class was cancelled. I've wanted to try again. I might check out some of these DVDs!Karen (formerly kcinnova)https://www.blogger.com/profile/16705613736966783261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-63105520269940968552009-06-19T00:10:55.911-04:002009-06-19T00:10:55.911-04:00Belly dancing is fun! I never took a class, but u...Belly dancing is fun! I never took a class, but used the Neena and Veena DVDs. They have some fun routines and teach at a slow enough pace for uncoordinated people like me! Definitely not good for cardio, but great for learning how to isolate muscle groups. Plus, once you know a few moves you can always put on some music and have fun looking silly and getting your heart rate up. I just envision that any man walking by my window will be awestruck by my mad skilz!<br /><br />I have always heard that many classes out there are for all fitness levels and body shapes. For instance, belly dancing classes are extremely popular at one of our local senior centers!Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06190657501435007768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-9694825932942833932009-06-18T22:52:47.201-04:002009-06-18T22:52:47.201-04:00Kellie -- well, so long as you're still enjoyi...Kellie -- well, so long as you're still enjoying yourself, with or without giggles!<br /><br />E.A. -- Yes, I've heard other people recommend Jenna before; she has a good reputation for teaching belly dance.The Merryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09660495393832517684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-4326277588965179742009-06-18T22:33:23.910-04:002009-06-18T22:33:23.910-04:00Jenna's basic moves and isolations DVD explain...Jenna's basic moves and isolations DVD explains everything very clearly, i highly recommend this one! Belly Dance has staved off depression, got me in the best shape i've been in years and i've only been doing it for 2 months! Plus you can turn your husband into a sultan! haha, ok just kidding about that last part but they do like to watch...Shannon Lynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00878949652946949088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-29424873632636910472009-06-18T22:17:36.763-04:002009-06-18T22:17:36.763-04:00I took intro bellydancing classes and loved the po...I took intro bellydancing classes and loved the positive energy from an all shaped group of women. I just found myself giggling and laughing too much. I didn't exactly get kicked out of the class, but I realised it wasn't for me. After that I tried boxing classes, which got rid of the giggles very quickly.Kellie - My Health Softwarehttp://www.my-health-software.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-88318692993710944992009-06-18T21:19:19.468-04:002009-06-18T21:19:19.468-04:00Aw, Nikki, we knew what you meant.
Sekmetsat... d...Aw, Nikki, we knew what you meant.<br /><br />Sekmetsat... do I want to ask how you get past metal detectors? Naah... probably not ;)The Merryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09660495393832517684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-51926257283103076292009-06-18T19:09:08.417-04:002009-06-18T19:09:08.417-04:00I just published a post on my bellydance experienc...I just published a post on my bellydance experience. I loved everything about it. I love feeling sexy while getting a workout too....that didn't come out right, but I meant bellydance LOLnikki necolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07269944620280781688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-67285483074865760742009-06-18T18:09:06.537-04:002009-06-18T18:09:06.537-04:00i've done belly dance. i like Bharatiya Natyam...i've done belly dance. i like Bharatiya Natyam better. but ALL dance is greaty in my book.<br /><br />and i have ankle bells, belt bells, saris, cholis, salwars, nose rings, hair jewelry, i have it all... i love jingling.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-63316471072655742822009-06-18T16:21:40.785-04:002009-06-18T16:21:40.785-04:00My wife swears by belly dancing. And she's th...My wife swears by belly dancing. And she's the boss so I'm on board!Arena Fitnesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08139354923792176025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-40181634970579849962009-06-18T16:03:02.976-04:002009-06-18T16:03:02.976-04:00That's quite true -- this is one exercise clas...That's quite true -- this is one exercise class at least where larger people are not scoffed at.<br /><br />If people are not confident enough about their ability to a)brave the classroom setting or b) move their body, then the Veena and Neena Basic Dance DVD is a good place to start.<br /><br />Some great comments here! I'm still snickering at the idea of using your abs to pop coins into the parking meter :)Merryhttp://www.crankyfitness.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-12855907771342756772009-06-18T15:59:30.518-04:002009-06-18T15:59:30.518-04:00I took belly dancing classes and the instructor st...I took belly dancing classes and the instructor stressed the history of the dance. It wasn't a sexy, lap dance type of dancing but we danced as an art form. I really got into it. The clothing is great. The people are weird. (I met a woman who claimed she was a witch) and in the area I live in, there are many, many belly dance troupes. One thing I loved about it was there were a lot of different sizes of folks who danced. You could weigh 300 lbs and dance or you could be a thin-y mini and dance. All sizes welcome. No one made fun. As Roxie said, it was a very body-positive exercise and experience and my self-esteem improved.Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07369763028982948026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-72658206976061980792009-06-18T15:42:10.126-04:002009-06-18T15:42:10.126-04:00That video was CrAzY!!!! I never knew abs could b...That video was CrAzY!!!! I never knew abs could be a substitute for your hands!! Imagine flipping quarters off your abs into the parking meter, soda machine, etc.! The possibilities....RickyRaehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03099193347243204294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-37620403997847403932009-06-18T15:33:38.683-04:002009-06-18T15:33:38.683-04:00I have taken a class and it was hilariously funny ...I have taken a class and it was hilariously funny and eventually you do get a work out. At first you spend a lot of time just figuring out what muscle you are supposed to use to move JUST your hips. For anyone trying the first time, I highly recommend an actual class. It helps to have a teacher right there who can really help you focus on the part that should move and the part that should stay still.MidLifeMamahttp://mkosboth.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-49124072852043590112009-06-18T14:55:11.384-04:002009-06-18T14:55:11.384-04:00I don't know about this - my feet don't mu...I don't know about this - my feet don't much care for dance classes. Last time I took one I ended up on the floor. And I wasn't supposed to be there. I tripped over myself and landed square on my bum.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-38067577539849878002009-06-18T13:47:22.835-04:002009-06-18T13:47:22.835-04:00I tried belly dancing when I was younger & was...I tried belly dancing when I was younger & was not great at it but it definitely works the core! I also like that their view of a beautiful body is not stick thin!Jody - Fit at 51http://www.truth2beingfit.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-79529977246071921502009-06-18T13:18:05.462-04:002009-06-18T13:18:05.462-04:00I loved trying belly dancing! Haven't tried an...I loved trying belly dancing! Haven't tried any dvds though (it was a 8 week class). It was tons of fun and some decent exercise. We were also commanded to smile and enjoy ourselves every time we got too serious with concentration.Saganhttp://livinghealthyintherealworld.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.com