Bellydance Basics: Pure & Simple

By Atéa

This is a comprehensive yet concise eBook introducing the fundamentals of bellydancing with easy-to-understand text and video instruction, Quick Study Guides, photos, and music samples. Learn the steps and concepts that are the foundation of all traditional and modern styles of bellydance. Bellydance Basics - Pure & Simple is a well-rounded overview of this healthy and captivating art form.

The author Atéa produced the best-selling Bellydance! Magical Motion video/DVD series and is a pioneer in bellydancing video instruction. She's known for her effective and innovative teaching methods for learning how to bellydance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Mar 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543926927

Book preview

Copyright © 2018 Magical Motion™ Enterprises

Published by Magical Motion™ Enterprises

www.MagicalMotion.com

ISBN: 978-1-54392-692-7

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Foreword

What Is Bellydance and What Can It Do for You?

How to Use This eBook

Getting Started

What to Wear for Practice

Warm Ups

Posture, Stance, and Breathing

Basic Stance

Arms — Poses and Freestyle Moves

Isolations — Concept and Techniques

Ribcage Isolations

Ribcage (Chest) Lift and Drop

Ribcage (Chest) Slide

Hip Slide

Pelvic Tilt

The Basic 12 Bellydance Moves – Quick Study Guide

Staccato Hip Moves

Ninah’s Staccato Hips Demo to Doumbek and Tamborine

Hip Twist

Up and Down Hips

Hip Bump

Rolling Hip Moves

Basic Hip Circle (Horizontal)

Figure 8 Hip Rolls

Bicycle Hips (Vertical Hip Circle)

Ribcage Circles (Chest Circles)

Horizontal Ribcage Circle

Diagonal Ribcage Circle (Clock Circle)

Vertical Ribcage Circle

Arm, Shoulder and Head Moves

Arm Waves

Shoulder Rotation with Arm Ripple

Head Slide

More Moves

Hip Shimmies

Undulation (Upper Torso Version)

Belly Roll

Traveling Steps

Basic Walk

Common Walk

Freestyle Walking, Turns, and Spins

Applying Bellydance Moves to Music

Dance Demo to Nile Cat

Essential Bellydance Techniques – Quick Study Guide

Dance Demo to Tick Tock Ballady

Improvisation and Choreography

Veil Dancing

Atéa’s Veil Dance Demo to Desert Dahlia

Veil Moves

Veil Wraps Demo to Raqs Anaheed

Finger Cymbals (Zils)

Ninah’s Dance Demo with Finger Cymbals

Finger Cymbals – Quick Study Guide

Basic Finger Cymbal Patterns

Performance Costumes

Dance Demo to Fabulously Fahtiem

Props

Atéa’s Sword Dance to Echos of Alhambra

Floor Work

Essential Bellydance Rhythms

Styles of Bellydance

Western Bellydance Styles

Classic American Bellydance

Modern American Bellydance

Tribal Bellydance

Gypsy Bellydance

Goddess / Spiritual Bellydance

Fusion Bellydance

Fitness Bellydance

Eastern Bellydance (Oriental Dance) Styles

Egyptian Bellydance / Raks Sharki

Turkish Bellydance (Oriyantal Dansi

Lebanese Bellydance

Greek Bellydance / Tsifteteli

East Indian / Bollywood Bellydance

History

Diet and Lifestyle

Atéa

Credits

Dedication

Dedicated to my Mother,

Anna May Bach

May my dance through life always reflect her beautiful

soul, loving heart, and joyous spirit.

Acknowledgments

Many heartfelt thanks to my husband and soulmate, Denis. Not only has he always inspired me to be the best I can be, but he got down in the trenches with me to do this book, giving invaluable help with the artistic and technical aspects of it (as well as composing the music!). What a multi-talent he is, and I’m so lucky and grateful to have him as my partner in life.

Also, thanks and gratitude to all the wonderful dancers and students that I’ve had the privilege of working with, and dancing with, over the years. My life has been enhanced in so many ways by their talent, warmth, and enthusiasm for life. Special thanks to the dancers who put forth their best efforts for my favorite labors of love; dance events, videos, and TV shows. They’ve brought joy and inspiration to many, and I’m fortunate to have been a part of those happy collaborations.

Foreword

Years ago, when I took my very first bellydancing step, it was because I wanted to learn an effective form of exercise that I’d enjoy enough to keep doing. From that very first step, my bellydancing journey continued over time with many fine teachers and talented colleagues. I absorbed every bit of information I could find on this historic, multi-cultural dance. I soon discovered that bellydance was much more than a beautiful form of fitness — so much more.

As my dancing life has progressed, more and more layers of this multi-dimensional, multi-faceted dance have revealed themselves to me. In its fullest expression, bellydance can be a sacred gift, as it was believed to be by many primal cultures. It’s able to strengthen, revitalize, and uplift us, and it allows us to directly experience the divine essence of who we really are. Dancers who love this dance understand its power and how it connects us in a global and ancient sisterhood. By practicing this enduring art of motion, you can evolve physically, mentally, and spiritually in a most fun-filled and satisfying way.

This eBook is designed to get you started on your own journey of discovery and empowerment through dance. Its goal is to present the all-important basic movement vocabulary and essential techniques of Classic Bellydance as it’s been practiced since time immemorial, and to do so in a manner that is simple to understand and to master.

May your bellydancing experience be as wondrous and rewarding for you as it has been for me and for so many others throughout the long history of this divine art.

What Is Bellydance and What Can It Do for You?

Bellydance is a beautiful and healthful art form that has been practiced around the world for thousands of years. It’s identified by a specific movement vocabulary that is expressed through traditional and defined techniques. These traditions have created a classic foundation that has remained constant throughout the known history of this dance. This traditional base constitutes the core of the many authentic bellydance styles that are enjoyed around the globe today.

Bellydance is characterized by torso and hip movements, but every part of the body is used in motions that are natural and organic. Muscles are articulated in isolation or are coordinated with (or in opposition to) movements in other parts the body. Bellydancing is a holistic and low-impact way to get, and stay, healthy.

In bellydance, the slow, circular, wave-like movements are great for flexibility, stress reduction, improved circulation, and increased energy flow. The fast, angular, and vibrating moves improve your cardiovascular system, muscle strength, and vitality. Dancing to your favorite music gets your endorphins flowing and is exhilarating, while using relaxing music can make your dance a meditation in motion.

The improvisational aspects of the dance will develop your spontaneity and creativity, building your self-confidence and self-esteem. Just about any positive aspect you can achieve through mind/body disciplines, bellydancing can do for you!

If you’re looking for a way to get fit, express your inner artist, touch your spirit, or just to feel good about yourself and enjoy life, give bellydancing a