Belly Dancers Need Mirrors

Wall mounted mirrors in a dance studio.

The art of belly dancing is an exciting dance to learn. Many people have a romantic notion about this dance and when they take classes their initial response is often “this is harder than I thought”. There is a change of attitude and a respect for those women who have accomplished this form of dance art.

Entertain Your Husband

In the 1950’s belly dancing was promoted as a way to entertain your husband. But, it has come a long way from that idea. Today there are many different forms of belly dancing and each style will have its unique name.

Referrals

A friend may refer you to their style of interest and later you will learn about others. After reviewing the many styles I would suggest that beginners start with the traditional Egyptian or Turkish cabaret style or inquire about Middle Eastern Folk dancing in your local community.

Classes

After learning the basic fundamental steps and movements and the origin of these movements you will find yourself more prepared to learn about other styles.

Regardless of your interest a mirror becomes a necessity. In the classroom a beginner is often intimidated by a mirror, but this feeling soon passes as you learn that the mirror is your best critiquing friend and a necessity for improving movements.

Because of the romantic notion, people never realize that this dance requires muscle control. If I were to rename it I would call this dance “Sensual Muscles”. As beginners try to master this dance art or master their muscles they soon learn that there is more to this dance than its beauty and costuming.

Practice and Rehearsals

This dance is more than what you do in the classroom. You will need to go home and practice. As you practice there will be physical, emotional, and spiritual results in a matter of weeks or months.

As you move your body you can feel the motion of the muscles, but it is the mirror’s reflection which helps you to see, identify, and confirm the accuracy of body positioning and movement.

All dedicated students of this art form have one or more mirrors in their home practice area or in their in-home studio.

Mirrors are emphatically needed to rehearse individuals or troupes in readiness for performances.

Most teachers do not like to instruct unless a mirror is present. The reason is the student can see the teacher’s movement as well as their own at the same time. The teacher can see the student’s movement and offer correction or tips to improve it.

Learn more about mirrors click here.