Best Belly Dance Performance

The art of belly dancing is a great way to keep your figure in shape (or get it back in shape). I call it an art because you can learn the technique, but what really brings your dance to life is the energy you put into it, your facial expressions, the movements you choreograph, your attitude. It takes all pieces of the pie to pull off a good performance. While you're soaking in congratulations on a successful performance, you reflect back at all of the time and energy you spent putting that performance together.

The first thing you need to do is get some techniques in your toolbox. What moves can you do well? Hip drops, maias, shimmies, turns, undulations, omis. What styles fit you? Oriental, Tribal, Ghawazee, Fusion. What music fits those styles? Is there a piece of music that "speaks" to you? Is the length appropriate for your stage comfort? What costume will you wear when performing this number? There are several pieces that go into pulling off a great belly dance performance, but rarely does an audience member fully understand the amount of work that goes into crafting that performance for their viewing pleasure.

Once you have your music, potential moves, style, and potential costume in place....now it is time to actually choreograph the specific moves that accompany your music. To get started, one should review their music over and over to get comfortable with underlying tones, repeating sections or other sections where a move you know seems to fit. I typically take out a piece of notebook paper and detail out the different sections, second by second. So if your music is 3 minutes long, you likely will end up with 2 pages of timed notes detailing the specific moves you will make during those moments. There are some sections that will "speak" to you that a certain move fits.

Lock in those spots with those moves. Maybe they're only one 8 count long or maybe it involves an 8 count moving one way and another 8 count to get you back. Continuously listen to the music and try different moves or combinations to see if they "fit" your music. Be sure to include sections where you "stare" at the audience for a short time, to re-engage them and catch them a bit off-guard. Keep your choreography interesting.

Think how you would view it if you were in the audience instead of performing it. Do you have enough different moves in your toolbox? Do those moves catch the audience's attention? Is it boring or exciting? What facial features are you displaying with each movement? Are there any specific hand gestures you should make or refrain from using? What about the space you are dancing in? Is there enough room to perform all of your moves or do you need to adjust your choreography? All of these are items that need to be thought about as you plan your performance.

Best Belly Dance Skirt

Belly dancing can be a great deal of fun. It is also a great way to get some exercise and tone up your muscles. Once you get past the beginner stage and want to take your dancing to a new level you will want to find a great belly dancing costume. The right skirt can make the whole costume. The selection will largely depend on your particular tastes.

The skirt that you ultimately choose should be comfortable enough to dance in. It should be loose enough for the intricate moves you will be making while you are wearing it. If the skirt is too tight you will not be able to perform to the best of your abilities.

The Fabric

The fabric that is used on your skirt is very important. It is one thing that will make your costume the best it can be. The fabrics that are most often used are velvets, satins, silks and chiffon. If price is a concern you will find that silk and velvet are the most expensive fabrics to use. Satins and chiffons are not quite as expensive.

Chiffon is a very alluring fabric because of its sheerness. It almost gives the appearance of being transparent. This can be perfect for enhancing the movements of the belly dancer as she performs her routine. If you have a need to be more modest you will probably want to stay away from chiffon skirts. Satins and silks move and shimmer while the dancer moves as well. They are very light and can catch the air as the dancer whirls and turns on the stage. Velvet is a heavier material and might not be the ideal choice for someone who is looking for a flowing lightweight look.

The Styles

The styles of skirts are very varied. You will want to consider your routine and the audience before you make a final choice. The selection of a fuller skirt is appropriate for a dance routine that has you twirling and whirling around the stage.

A dance routine that showcases your legs might be best served by a skirt that is not quite as full. A skirt that is sheer and shows off your legs is a more appropriate belly dancing skirt for this type of performance.

You can choose a skirt that has slits to show off your legs. This is perfect for an audience of men that will appreciate the look of your legs that will flash in front of them as you perform your routine. Belly dancing skirts come with some beautiful embellishments and adornment. Look for embroidery and jewels to add some extra drama in your skirt.

The Superstars Of Belly Dance

One of the most exciting types of dancing to watch are superstars of belly dance. If you have ever thought of doing this yourself, it is not only fun to do but an exercise as well. You never see a fat belly dancer who gives one of these performances.

When you are watching such a performance you see swaying hips, a surging torso and other body movements. It is fascinating to see when they seem to quiver a special part of their body. Their ability to move certain areas with the other parts remaining in place seems like an impossible task.

These movements indicate complete control of the body and the colorful costumes worn are designed especially for this purpose. One type of outfit is called a baladi and has a hip belt or scarf. At times finger cymbals are used but, regardless of the different costumes, they will fully emphasize the grace and independent control of the body.

This kind of dancing is known for its themes. They are celebrations of the body, beauty, women, life, birth and creativity. In some places, this is termed the Middle Eastern Dance and is considered to represent that particular culture. Balady, Baladi and Beladi is one of their terms which means 'dance from the country'.

Egyptians Raks Alsharqi has a translation as 'dance of the Easterner' and is the one most used by American performers. You will also find the term Danse du Ventre which is French and means 'dance of the belly area'. This type of performance was introduced to America in 1893 at the Chicago World's fair. As time has gone on it has had various interpretations, such as the Russian and Turkish Gypsy styles, but all revert to a fascinating control of body movements in the hip and torso areas.

Historically it can be traced back to ancient times. In Egypt, for example it was involved with art, ritual, Gods, Goddesses and rituals. Iraq, Turkey, and many other countries also connect their mythology and religion with this type of dancing. A more recent type is called the Gothic Fantasy and involves wearing dark fabrics adorned with things such as leather, silver studs, heavy eye shadow and a vampire look. It has become popular with the younger people of Germany and America.

Each country has a similar style of this type of body movement, but often has small differences. American belly dancing, for example, introduced the use of the veil and the use of more space than that of other countries. With so many different techniques adapted throughout the world, it is sometimes difficult to identify a particular style and is just recognized as belly dancing.

Many women have become well known throughout the world for their ability to perform these movements and have become known as the superstars of belly dance. It has spanned all cultures with their unique customs and music used in its presentation. If you are interested in learning these beautiful movements there are many classes and workshops available that will teach you all the steps from the very beginning. This is not only a great exercise but gives a wonderful feeling of personal accomplishment.