Belly Dancing/How Do I Learn?

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Expert: - 8/30/2008


Question
I'm a 18 year old girl and I wanna learn how to belly dance for my boyfriend. My boyfriend told me that he loves watching women belly dance and that it really turns him on. So, I wanna learn how to belly dance! I don't mean sexual belly dancing, I just mean normal belly dancing. My boyfriend really gets turned on by feminine dances (I sometimes even do Indian classical dance to turn him on). Anyways, how do I learn how to belly dance? Do I have to take a belly dancing class? Or is it possible for me to learn just by watching videos of women belly dancing and learning on my own?

Answer
Priya,
As with any dance, you do need formal classes.  Many students who have no other resource begin to learn by purchasing instructional videos/DVDs by reputable teachers of the art of Middle Eastern Dance.
Even if you start by learning from instructional DVDs (and not YouTube, which is strictly for entertainment, not education), you would need the benefit of a 'live' instructor who can keep you from injuring yourself by dancing incorrectly.
You will also have the benefit of learning from a teacher that the beauty of this dance is in SELF discovery and about your own, not another's pleasure.
Best of luck in your studies!
Gia
www.IDreamOfGia.com

Belly Dancing

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Gia al Qamar

Expertise

I am a fulltime, professional Belly Dance Performer & Instructor. I can answer questions about Middle Eastern dance. I can discuss topics such as technique and history, performing, music, props, costumes and more! I will not answer questions about the misconceptions about this dance of a sexual nature.

Experience

I am, literally, a life-long dancer, having studied dance in its many forms since the age of 3. My college degree was in theater arts from Rutgers University. I have studied with a myriad of well known belly dance master instructors (all listed on my website... www.IDreamOfGia.com )and I continue to study with teachers from around the world. I have extensive performance experience and teach group and private classes in Northern NJ and the NY Metro area.

Publications
"The Hip Circle" "Jareeda" "Bella Online"

Education/Credentials
I have studied with master teachers from all over the US and the Middle East, I have a degree in Theater Arts from Rutgers University and continue to study and increase my knowledge and ability through private sessions, workshops and master classes.

Awards and Honors
Voted NJ's Favorite Belly Dance Teacher by NJBellydanceing.org 2009 Oasis Honors "Cleopatra" Division 2008 Performing Arts Awards (various) Mustang Medalion (NJ)

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