Expert: Gia al Qamar - 3/31/2008

Question
Hi Gia: I was just reading your answer to some questions about posture in BD. I am 41 years old, I've been dancing since age 4 many different dance styles, but mainly Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Spanish Dancing. I've been teaching a belly dance class for a year and a half, it's a mixed level, and I have few ladies with the slouching problem, I constantly remind them of the posture, but they keep doing it, even when performing. I always tell them to look in the mirror, etc. Last week I started telling them that it looks bad when they are belly dancing that way, and I execute the belly dance move with the posture they are using, and the way it's suppose to be, so they see. I got some people's feelings hurt, and I am close to giving up, I don't know what else to do. For the year and a half I've been trying the positive reinforcement way. Now we are getting closer to performance, so I had to say what I felt I needed to say. The women are between 40 and 50 and have had this posture for a long time. I have some 20 year old with bad posture too. If I had a gig where they need more than one belly dancer, I have nobody to choose from.

Answer
Hello Sandra,
I am so glad that you wrote and I hope that I can help!
First, you must take into consideration that your students are probably not lifelong dancers as you have been.  Patience is DEFINITELY called for here and you must encourage your students to make improvements and be satisfied with their efforts, no matter how small!

The collection of muscles needed to hold the upper body in position is vast and need to strengthen *over time*.  If you've been teaching belly dance to them for only 2 years, then you may be expecting too much too soon.  As you keenly pointed out, most of your students have had this posture for a long time!
The BEST thing to do is to set a good example, correct KINDLY and also offer warm-ups and technique that will strengthen this area for them in class.

If your students aren't aware of *how* to properly lift their rib cage and how to isolate their shoulders effectively, this can also be an issue.  Showing them how to do an effective & correct ribcage lift using their upper abs as well as the erector spinae will assist them in building these muscles.  They need to learn to roll their shoulders back and down without creating a curve in their backs or forcing their scapula together.
Doing slow-motion ribcage lifts and holding for a count of 4 would be a great way to start!

I know that we want the best for our students, but you must take a kind approach when correcting.  Middle Eastern dance encourages the free flow of emotions to express the dance fully.  When a student feels as though she is being judged harshly, it is counterproductive.

I understand your need for dancers to book for gigs.  When my students don't fit the bill, I call on other professional dancers and alleviate the pressure for myself and the students who aren't yet ready for that responsibility.  Again...too much too soon. ;)

Finally...my suggestion for you would be to contact a trusted Middle Eastern dance teacher in or out of your area.  Even the BEST teachers take classes to learn to teach...as a matter of fact, the better ones do!  It sounds as though your heart is definitely in the right place...but a bit more education for you would help you and your students immensely!   You've taken the first step by asking for advice...you're well on your way to being a powerful help in these ladies lives!
Gia
www.IDreamOfGia.com