Is it hopeless?

Desidra

New member
I am overweight, and am using belly dance DVDs for exercise (and fun). My problem is that I am a bit uncoordinated, and some of the moves feel strange to me, like my body doesn't feel flexible. It never hurts. I follow exactly what they say and show, but when I try something like the camel, I can't seem to move that way. Will it eventually fall into place, or is it just hopeless?
 

Aniseteph

New member
Hi Desidra! No, not hopeless - that all sounds perfectly normal. Some of the movements do feel weird to start with, and can look very weird indeed until you get to grips with them. You are trying to get muscles you probably never knew you had to do things they are not used to - it takes time and practise to get the fine control and strength and range of movement to make it look good.

It can be harder with DVDs though. Most people here would strongly recommend finding a class, especially as a new beginner, because a live instructor can give you encouragement when you are on the right track (no matter how awkward you are feeling/looking), or correction when you aren't.

Good luck, and happy dancing. :dance:
 

Salome

Administrator
Nope, not hopeless :) Part, a sizeable part in my opinion, on what kind of quality in movement a dancer achieves has to do with where he/she is at in terms of flexibility and balance. Consistent stretching for flexibility (at the optimal time - at the end of practice when you are nice and warm) goes a long way in terms of ease and range of movement, grace, and control. Of course you have to practice the movement vocab itself to improve the execution but you can supplement that, hurry it along if you will, if you prepare your body.
 

Desidra

New member
Thank you. Actually there probably aren't any classes that I could take around where I live. Plus, I'm quite low on money, and I'm pretty out of shape.

That's good to know. I will start stretching more, and maybe incorporate yoga and pilates into my exercise routines. :)
 
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Miranda Phoenix

New member
Desidra, it's absolutely not a hopeless prospect. It may take a little longer to really understand what's being taught, but perseverance goes a long way. :)

When you can, though, I would definitely recommend taking lessons; even if it's just one private a month. You'll progress faster when you have on-the-spot-correction and feedback.

Good luck! And stay in touch. :)

Nope, not hopeless :) Part, a sizeable part in my opinion, on what kind of quality in movement a dancer achieves has to do with where he/she is at in terms of flexibility and balance. Consistent stretching for flexibility (at the optimal time - at the end of practice when you are nice and warm) goes a long way in terms of ease and range of movement, grace, and control. Of course you have to practice the movement vocab itself to improve the execution but you can supplement that, hurry it along if you will, if you prepare your body.

Salome, if you don't mind (and you don't think it's OT), could you please describe some of the stretching exercises you find most effective, or, perhaps, recommend a good stretching DVD or two?

Thanks!
 
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Kashmir

New member
I am overweight, and am using belly dance DVDs for exercise (and fun). My problem is that I am a bit uncoordinated, and some of the moves feel strange to me, like my body doesn't feel flexible. It never hurts. I follow exactly what they say and show, but when I try something like the camel, I can't seem to move that way. Will it eventually fall into place, or is it just hopeless?
As others have said learning by DVD is very hard - especially when first starting off. I am wondering if you have started with a DVD that is too advanced. I do not start teaching camels to students until they have mastered the basic, simple and safe moves. Certainly not for 6-12 months unless they are already fit and dance ready.

Checking posture is important. If you cannot get to class get someone to check your alignment - or use a video camera on yourself - both standing and moving. Bad habits you develop now will take a long time to undo.
 

Desidra

New member
I completely understand. I am using basic videos like Veena and Neena, and this one called belly dancing basics and beyond with Jenna. My husband watches my posture. Also, I've been using videos for a while, so I can usually follow fine, except that I sometimes have trouble with footwork, because I'm uncoordinated. Thanks for your concern, Kashmir!
 

Amanda (was Aziyade)

Well-known member
Any movement that requires changing your weight balance, or moving the body through space is going to be quite challenging without a teacher. No offense to your husband, but unless he is a bellydance teacher, he is not going to be able to correct your alignment, weight placement, etc. :)

Although I don't mind the Neena and Veena videos for people to practice with, I think they are very poor instructional videos for people with no live teacher.

I've had students come to my classes after "dipping their toes into the pool" with videos, and I swear they have the HARDEST time in actual classes. I don't know if it's just that have already developed bad habits, or what, but it's immensely harder to teach them than it is the absolute beginners.

I personally believe that if you enjoy bellydance, you should enjoy it with a proper teacher. You will get a LOT more out of your workout, will be able to exercise much more efficiently, and you won't develop bad habits or balance issues that you have to correct later. Where are you? There are teachers EVERYWHERE -- you'd be amazed. And don't you OWE it to yourself to take a real class? :)

(Don't let your weight or fitness level keep you out of class. PLEASE don't do that.)
 

Desidra

New member
I live in Dickson, Tennessee, and I'm pretty sure there isn't anything at all like that down here. Very, very country. ;)
 

Ariadne

Well-known member
I don't know about Dickson but a quick search found schools in both Nashville and Clarksville. I suppose it depends on how far you are willing to drive. Perhaps you can arrange some occasional personal classes when you have the time and money.
 

Desidra

New member
Ohh, I didn't know there were any so close! I will definitely check that out when I have money. Thanks, Ariadne!
 

Desidra

New member
I did a little research, myself, and I do believe the Renaissance Center in Dickson has a class.
 

Nebetmiw

Member
Hi Desidra,

I am over in East TN. The place to look for classes or workshops would be Nashville for you. Try Shiras site for teacher listings if I remember right. I too am working from DVD but I took classes years ago so have sturcture down.

One DVD I recommend highly is Habiba Quick Start Belly Dance. It is 2 DVD's but a whole course not just one class. Real easy to follow and work with, you can pick what you want to work on. It is a 4 hours broken down to class segments. Even has homework to do. She is Egyptain style. There are 9 lesson section on these DVD total covering everything.

Hope that helps some. I am off to do my intro to site but just had to respend to you.:)

Keep dancing,
Nebetmiw
 

Amanda (was Aziyade)

Well-known member
One DVD I recommend highly is Habiba Quick Start Belly Dance. It is 2 DVD's but a whole course not just one class. Real easy to follow and work with, you can pick what you want to work on. It is a 4 hours broken down to class segments. Even has homework to do. She is Egyptain style. There are 9 lesson section on these DVD total covering everything.


LOVE that video (mine is 2 VHS tapes). LOVE Habiba. :)
 
Desidra, I know what you mean. I am 100+ lbs. overweight (but losing weight fast :pray:) and I let that stop me from trying it; even for fun, even in my own home! I regret that. Now that I have decided to get healthy and lose weight, I feel more confident (well, sort of) to try it. Even though I have a long way to go, I wish I hadn't waited and if I don't lose one more inch, I will keep going and pursuing it. My friend in NY turned me on to belly dance years ago and she dances and is 300 lbs. She doesn't let it stop her at all. I was just weaker than her! lol! You do it! Don't let weight stop you anymore! Go girl! :dance:
 
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