backbends

[Shanazel]

Then there is the pseudo-backbend, beloved of aging AmCab dancers everywhere. One foot in front of the other. Deep knee bend automatically tilts you backward without bending the back at all. Then drop shoulders and head back without involving mid or lower back. Tah-dah- looks remarkably nice, though not as dramatic as the real thing. To rise, roll head and shoulders back up as you straighten your knees.

[Fire Lily]

Thaaaaaaankyou. Goddess I love this forum. It's great!

Fire Lily

[Suhad]

Yes, Shanazel, I love this one...I injured my back when I was still fighting fire full time, and this is about the best I can do now, even with yoga and weight training. And it looks quite lovely when done with drama and flair. I was even taught a way to come out of it like 'pulling up a zipper' using a reverse (down to up) undulation to come out of it.

I keep working on the full one, though. I can't go as far as I'd like but I can go much farther than I could right after my injury!

[Yasmine Bint Al Nubia]

Dear Shanazel, See, that's what's cool about old-school Oriental dance
It wasn't about all the gimmicks, but smooth moves. Thanks for the tip.
Yasmine

[Shanazel]

Ah, Suhad and Yasmine, I feel all warm and fuzzy now. I'm never sure how these old style things will be received. Thank you!

[miss_shimmy]

you need to be exremely strong and flexible,lots of yoga for sure. you will know when you are strong enough