Learn to Dance DVD

How hard is it to learn belly dancing?

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2 Responses to “How hard is it to learn belly dancing?”

1. JenGen Says:
   May 30th, 2010 at 12:42 am

   To dance socially and have a lot of fun is really easy but if you want to be a good dancer you need an excellent teacher and a lot of dedication.

   If you possibly can, take some classes as nothing beats a teacher showing you the moves, criticizing and correcting. Its also a very sociable activity with haflas (parties), workshops, festivals, performances, costumes etc.

   It is possible to learn from DVDs – but it’s not easy to see every detail of arm positions, posture, how to use your feet etc. Most dancers use DVDs to back up what they learn in class, expand their skills and learn styles that their teacher may not be interested in.

   Amira’s Bellydance 101 Belly Dancing Basics For Beginners gets consistently good reviews
   http://www.amazon.com/Amiras-Bellydance-Dancing-Basics-Beginners/dp/B001W2HZ0S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1274657261&sr=8-1

   Then haunt youtube to find out which dance styles you like before you start spending more money.
   General resource http://www.shira.net/
   Fat Chance Bellydance http://www.fcbd.com/
   Bellydance Superstars http://www.bellydancesuperstars.com/
   The Indigo and Rachel Brice http://www.theindigo.net/
   References :

2. Hadassah Says:
   May 30th, 2010 at 1:21 am

   The effectiveness of a DVD is dependent largely on your interests and your self-discipline. As noted, if you just want to test it out (or if there are no dance teachers in your area), go ahead!

   There are many good DVDs, but they don’t show you everything or cover all the aspects of belly dance. DVDs are great because you can watch them as often as you want, whenever you want. However, the DVD can’t correct your posture, and correct posture is very important to avoid injuring yourself while dancing! Likewise, a DVD can’t tell you if you are actually doing the move correctly…and a DVD can’t answer your questions. So using DVDs alone to teach yourself can pose its own challenges and deprive you of a lot of the variety and beauty of Middle Eastern dance styles. Perhaps ask yourself if you would learn ballet or ballroom dancing from a DVD?

   If you can afford it, it is always better to study with a qualified teacher. (I can’t stress *qualified* enough. If you happen to find a teacher who you don’t like or who isn’t actually qualified…research a little harder and then move on to someone else–don’t quit!)

   She (or he) can correct your posture, drill technique, judge your progress and mastery of a particular skill, and teach you other things that a DVD may not cover (multiple choreographies, different show features, musicality, etc.). She can also introduce you to other events in your community or region.

   If there aren’t teachers near you, look for them in surrounding cities and take private lessons, or look for workshops, events, and private lessons in the areas you visit (such as when you go on vacation or business travel).

   I have found in my experience that a lot of students first became interested in belly dance classes because they saw or purchased a DVD…and then they followed up that experience by seeking out a teacher. If you’re not sure yet about whether you want to belly dance, this is the approach I would recommend you.

   Hope that gives you the pros and cons of learning from a DVD.

   Happy dancing!
   Hadassah
   hadassahdances.webs.com
   References :

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