Belly dancing is difficult. Not only that, but it is one of the few forms of dance that encourages us to dance in bare feet. I know many of my students suffer from foot pain and either have to wear runners when they dance (very hard for moves like sweeps and arabesques), or they get sore knees and feet when they do moves like twists and shimmies. Recently I did a workshop that was all about feet. I have since been doing these exercises and seeing improvements. I hope these tricks help you! If you need to wear runners, then [...] Read more »
Hi Shimmy Shakers, Chest lifts are such a fun and dynamic move. They are also key to your belly dancing repertoire. Haven't seen my YouTube channel yet? Learn how to do belly dance chest lifts in three easy steps. Enjoy! And happy dancing. Elisa xx Read more »
Now that it is getting colder in Melbourne, many of you may find a spot on the couch by the fire, more tempting than getting out to class. Keeping up your dance and exercise routine is even more important in winter. Boost your immune system Exercising improves blood circulation, which allows cells of your immune system to move through your body freely. In this way, maintaining regular exercise can be even more beneficial during the flu season. Stay healthy to not get sick! You can read more about that here. Now that it is getting colder in Melbourne, many of [...] Read more »
Book Review: Midnight at the Crossroads: Has belly dance sold its soul? Very rarely are we allowed to enjoy our dance, just for the sake of having fun with it. If we ignore the culture or change our interpretations we are accused of cultural appropriation; if we are not willing to learn, we are labelled as uncaring or shallow; if we take one form of our dance and match it to another, we are even called stupid. So what is to be done? Start crying and realise you will never be good enough? Give up belly dancing? Or become [...] Read more »
Interview with Rachel Bond from Inspire Bellydance I first met Rachel in Perth in 2013. It was part of the WA Middle Eastern Dance Festival, and she performed a beautiful show with live music. I was instantly struck by her grace (beautiful arm lines especially) and feeling with the music. Rachel lives in Sydney and is passionate about Middle Eastern dance. For this month’s newsletter, I was lucky enough to interview her about her passion, recent trip to Egypt and life as a dancer. "Performing is another thing that I adore doing, for much the same reasons: it's [...] Read more »
Know the rules. Then break them. In a recent workshop with Lorna of Cairo, she said it is important to learn the rules of belly dance, but then you can break them. Teaching many beginner students, I have recently been thinking about this concept and the importance to correct technique and cultural knowledge. As an example, I think of Picasso. I never liked his work. Cubism. It seemed violent and offensive. But when I saw his earlier classical work, understood his mastery of painting technique and his motivations for seeing and portraying in different ways, and I [...] Read more »
6 Tips to Master Turns and Head Spins Nothing can put you off your performance like feeling nauseous mid-spin. Since posting my requested video on how not to get dizzy when turning and spinning, I have received many more suggestions on how to improve turns and head spins. In this post, we look at 6 new ways to perfect your turns and spins. Are turns a traditional part of Middle Eastern dance? Whilst spins and turns have been popular in Middle Easter dance for centuries, it seems to be becoming more rigourous, more dramatic and even a crucial move for [...] Read more »
Today I am excited to launch my new vlog, Belly Dancer Diaries. It will include beginner and advanced technique tutorials, as well as insights into living and dancing in Egypt. My first video is about my most important lesson living and dancing in Egypt. I hope you like it and find it useful. Please subscribe to see new videos every Tuesday and Friday (Australian time). I’d love to know what you think. Lots of love and happy dancing. XX Belly Dancer Diaries Read more »