Expert: Gia al Qamar - 9/3/2007

Question
hello..
im a 15 year old middleastern female living in states
& ive been really interested in bellydance lately.
my new obsession(;
but i have a problem since my mom is not willing to send me to classes...
ive been trying to learn on my own.
ive mastered belly rolls, belly flutters, camel walk, snake arms,chest drops; lifts; & circles.
but im having trouble with shimmies & some other movements.
please help me out.
thank you(:


Answer
Marhaba Sarah! Hello Sarah!
I am sorry to hear that your mother won't send you to classes to learn the dance that is so much a part of your own culture!
My suggestion is that you keep practicing what you have learned and enjoy the music until you are 'of age' and can attend classes yourself.
Meanwhile, if she IS willing, you could rent or purchase videos or DVDs with your mom's blessing that instruct the art of raqs sharki, or Belly Dance.  There are many affordable instructional videos on the market and your local library may even have some that you can borrow for free!
This is NOT the best way to learn to dance, but will get you started and you'll be able to enjoy learning to dance until you're able to get to a class yourself.
You say that you've "mastered" certain movements.  I want to caution you about this...as it's easy to think that you're creating the proper movement with your body by copying another dancer or dance student, when you could be initiating the movement incorrectly.  It's VERY important to know the proper body positions so that you NEVER injure yourself OR perform ANY movements in this dance in such a way that sexualizes this beautiful, artful dance.
I wish you luck with your pursuit!
Gia
www.IDreamOfGia.com