question about Egyptian bellydance
- Thread starter trang1808
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trang1808
New member
By the way, I come from Vietnam and I can't find true instructor. Miss Ara Hwang arrived in Vietnam for 2months. Now she doesn't live in Vietnam. Girls, who studied with her, just only take a 2 month course then go out to teach. Everyone in here, except me, call them instructor.
It is reason why I need your guides
ray:
It is reason why I need your guides
ray:
Yasmine Bint Al Nubia
Moderator
Hi Trang1808, Wow, I'm not sure if it's possible to list all the steps, arms, hands and choreography. Middle Eastern dance involves more than what can be written in one sitting. Also, since dance is a visual element, it makes it doubly hard to determine if you are doing fast hip shimmies using proper form.
Emotional connection to the music. Do you understand what the music is telling you?
Posture. The correct posture provides stability in your body and integrity of isolations
Weight placement. it's important to understand where the weight is placed during the dance...especially important with travelling steps.
Choreography versus improvisation. Improvisational dance is the TRUE heart of belly dance. It represents the flowing energy from the body in response to the music. Choreographic elements are easier to learn once one can learn to improvise. Dancers outside of the Middle East and North Africa, place too much emphasis on choreography..there is more to the dance than that.
So you see these 4 elements alone can make or break one's dance. It seems you have a general idea on where to get started, do you have more specific questions about the dance. It may be easier to start slowly and move from that point on.
Yasmine
Emotional connection to the music. Do you understand what the music is telling you?
Posture. The correct posture provides stability in your body and integrity of isolations
Weight placement. it's important to understand where the weight is placed during the dance...especially important with travelling steps.
Choreography versus improvisation. Improvisational dance is the TRUE heart of belly dance. It represents the flowing energy from the body in response to the music. Choreographic elements are easier to learn once one can learn to improvise. Dancers outside of the Middle East and North Africa, place too much emphasis on choreography..there is more to the dance than that.
So you see these 4 elements alone can make or break one's dance. It seems you have a general idea on where to get started, do you have more specific questions about the dance. It may be easier to start slowly and move from that point on.
Yasmine
trang1808
New member
Thanks a lot for your answer.
By the way, could you tell me the meaning of the music? I do not have any meaning.
Kashmir
New member
I'd start with learning how to control your hips and shoulders - then think about the steps, using arms and hands, and choreography.I am just beginner.
By the way, I have some problem when doing fast hips shimmy. Could you tell me any tips for doing it?:dance:
For instance, can you stand in good posture and lift your hips by contracting your waist muscles and move nothing else (apart from your knees that bend but don't drive them)? If not, practice.
Similarly, practice sliding the hips from side to side using your abs. Try and keep them level. And twisting - again with the abs, level and isolated and keeping your knees over your feet.
When you dance you don't do this - but you use the skills.
So, shimmy. I assume you mean the one where the hips go up and down? The secret is start slow and build speed. Make the move smaller as you go faster. Keep in time with the music - don't just shake it all about. And keep your thighs and glutes relaxed and soft. As you get it, slow increase how long you can maintain it.
Good luck.
trang1808
New member
I'd start with learning how to control your hips and shoulders - then think about the steps, using arms and hands, and choreography.
For instance, can you stand in good posture and lift your hips by contracting your waist muscles and move nothing else (apart from your knees that bend but don't drive them)? If not, practice.
Similarly, practice sliding the hips from side to side using your abs. Try and keep them level. And twisting - again with the abs, level and isolated and keeping your knees over your feet.
When you dance you don't do this - but you use the skills.
So, shimmy. I assume you mean the one where the hips go up and down? The secret is start slow and build speed. Make the move smaller as you go faster. Keep in time with the music - don't just shake it all about. And keep your thighs and glutes relaxed and soft. As you get it, slow increase how long you can maintain it.
Good luck.
Dear Kashmir,
I have problem while doing hips shimmy. What I can do is a bit vibration. My hip shimmy doesn't like what I see on youtube. I try hips lift each sides and combine it together. However, I only do it slowly. When I try to do it fast, I......
I think I should learn by heart a pattern. It is basic for understanding which movements are used along with music.
Thanks for your advice.
:dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance:
trang1808
New member
I find it when searching google
Bellydance Online Textbook
Movement Repertoire for Belly Dance
A note on the movement names:
At this point in time, no standard terminology exists to describe the movement repertoire for Bellydance. Dances and movements have largely been taught by example. The naming conventions used here represent my best efforts to assign descriptive names to the movements of bellydance while using standard accepted musical terminology or ballet-based terms where applicable.
Belly Dance technique may be divided into four basic types of movement:
Lyrical, Percussive, Locomotor, and Layered.
Lyrical (muscular) movements are characterized by a smooth flowing quality. The origin of the movements is in the muscles. Lyrical movements give the illusion of being purely muscular--the dancer appears to have no bones. Lyrical movements have a watery or wave-like quality, one movement flows into the next. They are often performed during a taximi or to slow tempo music, usually melodic. Lyrical movement can be arrhythmic (not following any specific meter).
Percussive (mechanical) movements are characterized by a sharp, exact, quality. Percussive movements are often performed during drum solos or to fast-tempo music. The movements should appear to be "mechanical" and precise. Percussive movements often use "locks" and stops. Percussive movements should always be executed rhythmically (on the meter of the song).
Locomotor movements are moving steps. They are all variations on the basic walk Many movements, either lyrical or percussive, can be turned into Locomotor movements by layering the movement onto a "walk".
Layering is an important concept in Belly Dance. Layering is the process of adding one movement to another to execute both simultaneously. For example: a percussive movement (the hip shimmy) can be layered onto a basic walk. The resulting movement is the Locomotor Movement shimmy walk.
Some layered movements may mix lyrical and percussive elements. Percussive movement can be layered onto lyrical movement (shimmy layered onto a hip figure 8) to produce a mixed effect.
Carolena Nericcio and Suhaila Salimpour both teach "layering" concepts.
Some movement combinations, while not strictly layering, may also produce "mixed" effects. A lyrical movement may end with a lock according to the musical phrasing to produce a dramatic effect.
I do not understand these sentences which are italic. How many instruments do they use in bellydance song? With each instruments, Which movements do you choose to do?:dance:
Bellydance Online Textbook
Movement Repertoire for Belly Dance
A note on the movement names:
At this point in time, no standard terminology exists to describe the movement repertoire for Bellydance. Dances and movements have largely been taught by example. The naming conventions used here represent my best efforts to assign descriptive names to the movements of bellydance while using standard accepted musical terminology or ballet-based terms where applicable.
Belly Dance technique may be divided into four basic types of movement:
Lyrical, Percussive, Locomotor, and Layered.
Lyrical (muscular) movements are characterized by a smooth flowing quality. The origin of the movements is in the muscles. Lyrical movements give the illusion of being purely muscular--the dancer appears to have no bones. Lyrical movements have a watery or wave-like quality, one movement flows into the next. They are often performed during a taximi or to slow tempo music, usually melodic. Lyrical movement can be arrhythmic (not following any specific meter).
Percussive (mechanical) movements are characterized by a sharp, exact, quality. Percussive movements are often performed during drum solos or to fast-tempo music. The movements should appear to be "mechanical" and precise. Percussive movements often use "locks" and stops. Percussive movements should always be executed rhythmically (on the meter of the song).
Locomotor movements are moving steps. They are all variations on the basic walk Many movements, either lyrical or percussive, can be turned into Locomotor movements by layering the movement onto a "walk".
Layering is an important concept in Belly Dance. Layering is the process of adding one movement to another to execute both simultaneously. For example: a percussive movement (the hip shimmy) can be layered onto a basic walk. The resulting movement is the Locomotor Movement shimmy walk.
Some layered movements may mix lyrical and percussive elements. Percussive movement can be layered onto lyrical movement (shimmy layered onto a hip figure 8) to produce a mixed effect.
Carolena Nericcio and Suhaila Salimpour both teach "layering" concepts.
Some movement combinations, while not strictly layering, may also produce "mixed" effects. A lyrical movement may end with a lock according to the musical phrasing to produce a dramatic effect.
da Sage
New member
They are often performed when one instrument plays alone, or to slow music, where the "tune", or voice of one instrument, is strong and moves like a river.
Moves that are sudden or sharp should be done as the drum sounds, or to match the "clapping along" parts, of the song.
You can dance around the stage by mixing bellydance movements into your walking. These movements can be slow and dreamy, or fast and sharp.
Those are very good questions! Sometimes dancers dance to only drums or finger cymbals. Other times they dance to an orchestra of 20 or more musicians. Start by listening to the music again and again, and try to find something new each time around. That is an easy way to start to understand the music. Then dance with it.
trang1808
New member
Could you explain it and go into details? Could you use a song and recommend me when to use each movements? I love the song "Wishes" and "Streams on the Nile" in "Best of belly beats" album. Could you advise me the choreography and movements? I am so sorry for asking too much.
No instructors live near my place and I want to learn more about bellydance. :dance: By the way, thanks for your praise!
I feel ashamed:redface:
trang1808
New member
www.hossamramzy.com | Hossam Ramzy - Official Site | Egyptian Bellydance Music, DVDs & Videos by Hossam Ramzy
In this site, they introduce many instruments and style of songs. I can only post the style. It has problem when I try to post instruments' pictures.
1. TARAB
(Singing and enchantment)
This is the style used in classical Egyptian songs. The style here is very refined and delicate in its approach to the rhythms. Keeping a good metronome and expressing the beauty of the rhythm with minimum embelishment. In this type of class you will only learn Riq, Tabla and Duff.
2. RAQS
(Dancing)
Power, finess and full expression of musical phrasing while accentuation where the dancer's would be.
3. DRUM KIT
(Traps)
This has to be done on individual, one-on-one basis. You will learn how to play the Egyptian, North African and Gulf style rhythms on the western Drums, learning how to convert the Middle Eastern Rhythms into Rock, Pop, Soul, Jazz and R&B grooves.
4. North African
The sound of Algerian Rai and Gnawa Music has been echoing around the world in the recent years. The term "North African" in these classes usually means the rhythms that are used in Tunisia, Algeria and Moroco. We will be studying the various instrumnts and rhythms that are particular to those countries.
5. Khalidji
(From The Arabian Gulf)
Having studied with Bedouines from the Deserts of Saudi Arabia and performed with numerous artsist from the Arabian Gulf, I found their rhythms to be influenced by 4 major historical paths. 1. Their own tribal Desert sounds. The centuries long standing trade with India through the Silk and Spice Routes. 3.The Slave Trade from Africa and of course 4. The Turkish Middle Eastern Maqams and Rhythms they learnd through the Ottoman Empire that occupied the area for no less than 400 years.
6. TECHNIQUE
Having studied all the above, you will need to have certain skills to help you keep up with all those instruments and sounds. I have developed various special techiniques that I use personally in my playing and practicing, be it on Middle Eastern or Western drums and percussion. You will be learning those techniques that will help you develop your own style and assist you in reaching good control over your instruments. You think it…. You play it.
In this site, they introduce many instruments and style of songs. I can only post the style. It has problem when I try to post instruments' pictures.
1. TARAB
(Singing and enchantment)
This is the style used in classical Egyptian songs. The style here is very refined and delicate in its approach to the rhythms. Keeping a good metronome and expressing the beauty of the rhythm with minimum embelishment. In this type of class you will only learn Riq, Tabla and Duff.
2. RAQS
(Dancing)
Power, finess and full expression of musical phrasing while accentuation where the dancer's would be.
3. DRUM KIT
(Traps)
This has to be done on individual, one-on-one basis. You will learn how to play the Egyptian, North African and Gulf style rhythms on the western Drums, learning how to convert the Middle Eastern Rhythms into Rock, Pop, Soul, Jazz and R&B grooves.
4. North African
The sound of Algerian Rai and Gnawa Music has been echoing around the world in the recent years. The term "North African" in these classes usually means the rhythms that are used in Tunisia, Algeria and Moroco. We will be studying the various instrumnts and rhythms that are particular to those countries.
5. Khalidji
(From The Arabian Gulf)
Having studied with Bedouines from the Deserts of Saudi Arabia and performed with numerous artsist from the Arabian Gulf, I found their rhythms to be influenced by 4 major historical paths. 1. Their own tribal Desert sounds. The centuries long standing trade with India through the Silk and Spice Routes. 3.The Slave Trade from Africa and of course 4. The Turkish Middle Eastern Maqams and Rhythms they learnd through the Ottoman Empire that occupied the area for no less than 400 years.
6. TECHNIQUE
Having studied all the above, you will need to have certain skills to help you keep up with all those instruments and sounds. I have developed various special techiniques that I use personally in my playing and practicing, be it on Middle Eastern or Western drums and percussion. You will be learning those techniques that will help you develop your own style and assist you in reaching good control over your instruments. You think it…. You play it.
Artemocion Malta
New member
Belly Dance Malta artemocion
Artemoción Belly Dance , Malta
Learn the sensual art of Belly Dancing!
Artemocion is offering courses of Belly Dancing in SLIEMA ,NAXXAR AND MELLIEHA.
Our courses are held by professional teachers. We offer courses , workshops and private classes.
Classical Arabic Belly Dance, Modern Belly dance, Turkish Belly Dance, Spanish fusion and much more!
Classical Arabic Belly Dance course is starting in August in Sliema
so don't miss this great opportunity to indulge in the world of Oriental Belly Dancing!
Our professional performers and teachers can be also booked for shows , parties and weddings.
Our exotic dancers will make your celebration an unforgettable experience!
Contact us on 79068761 or scorpian.turner@yahoo.com for more information
Thanks
Artemocion, Malta
Artemoción Belly Dance , Malta
Learn the sensual art of Belly Dancing!
Artemocion is offering courses of Belly Dancing in SLIEMA ,NAXXAR AND MELLIEHA.
Our courses are held by professional teachers. We offer courses , workshops and private classes.
Classical Arabic Belly Dance, Modern Belly dance, Turkish Belly Dance, Spanish fusion and much more!
Classical Arabic Belly Dance course is starting in August in Sliema
so don't miss this great opportunity to indulge in the world of Oriental Belly Dancing!
Our professional performers and teachers can be also booked for shows , parties and weddings.
Our exotic dancers will make your celebration an unforgettable experience!
Contact us on 79068761 or scorpian.turner@yahoo.com for more information
Thanks
Artemocion, Malta
da Sage
New member
Could you explain it and go into details? Could you use a song and recommend me when to use each movements? I love the song "Wishes" and "Streams on the Nile" in "Best of belly beats" album. Could you advise me the choreography and movements? I am so sorry for asking too much.
By the way, thanks for your praise!
Hi Trang,
I am not advanced enough to teach or choreograph for others. If you cannot find a local teacher that you like, you will need to work from video, and experiment on your own.
Use YouTube to watch other dancers, decide what you like and don't like about their dance. Get a full-length mirror, and find some way to buy a good belly-dance video every few months. You will learn more than way, than from online text.
da Sage
New member
Aniseteph
New member
I'm pretty sure this is the wrong thread for all that.
Yup - travelling from Vietnam to Malta for a class? Now that's what I call a belly dance obsession...
Kashmir
New member
You have to have the underlying movement correct to get a good shimmy. My students work on slow for several months before trying to go fast and take it in stages.
Just think of one hip. At half time, hip up then down, up then down. Weight must stay centered (initially). Heels on the floor. Thighs and butt loose and relaxed. Try and make sure the movement is only up and down (if you are going out to the side it'll be hard to get it fast). Check with your mirror.
Then in time - up, down, up, down. If yoou tense up, stop. Start again slow.
When you can do it in time, then try double time - up, down, up, down.
When you can do it double time for 10 seconds, try for 20 seconds. Build slowly.
Once you have this shimmy, there are a dozen or so other ones to learn
Kashmir
New member
You need to watch lots of good belly dancers dance. A good Egyptian style belly dancer will use the movements that help make the music come alive. What they do will depend on the instrument, the maqam (a bit like a scale), the rhythm, the lyrics, and how they interpret all of that. After 16 years I am still learning this - I know people who have been learning for over 20 years. You really cannot learn over the internet! If you cannot get a live teacher, next best thing would be a good teaching DVD.Could you explain it and go into details? Could you use a song and recommend me when to use each movements? I love the song "Wishes" and "Streams on the Nile" in "Best of belly beats" album. Could you advise me the choreography and movements? I am so sorry for asking too much.
Amarise
New member
I am just beginner.
By the way, I have some problem when doing fast hips shimmy. Could you tell me any tips for doing it?:dance:
Is there anyway you could order some DVD's from the UK, some other country in Europe or the USA? Do you have a way to play them on a player or computer? If so, the visual aspect would help you more than a verbal explanation without visuals.
Amarise
Lotus Dancer
New member
Hey Trang
How wonderful is this forum!!! The ladies are amazing. I am so proud to be a dancer right now, these ladies have been so amazing with there knowledge, wisdom, advice etc...etc...
Everyone should give themselves a big hug. Your all very special!!!
Now Trang, I am coming to Vietnam in September. I have danced in Australia for 11 years and taught classes for 4 years.
I would love to catch up, and I will spend a day teaching you the basics and you can spend a day showing me the sights!! How does that sound? (I love Vietnam dance, I would love to learn what YOU can teach me, the meanings, the culture, the music of your dance)
I feel DVD's are the best way to learn if you do not have an instructor nearby.
Also if we catch up bring a camera and you can tape what you are practising (another great way to practise and learn REPETITION)
Okay smiles to you from DownUnder
Lotus Dancer
How wonderful is this forum!!! The ladies are amazing. I am so proud to be a dancer right now, these ladies have been so amazing with there knowledge, wisdom, advice etc...etc...
Everyone should give themselves a big hug. Your all very special!!!
Now Trang, I am coming to Vietnam in September. I have danced in Australia for 11 years and taught classes for 4 years.
I would love to catch up, and I will spend a day teaching you the basics and you can spend a day showing me the sights!! How does that sound? (I love Vietnam dance, I would love to learn what YOU can teach me, the meanings, the culture, the music of your dance)
I feel DVD's are the best way to learn if you do not have an instructor nearby.
Also if we catch up bring a camera and you can tape what you are practising (another great way to practise and learn REPETITION)
Okay smiles to you from DownUnder
Lotus Dancer
Last edited:
trang1808
New member
Dear da Sage,
Thanks for your suggestion.
I am not advanced, too. It is ok, Sage. I think that we could discuss about the music and choreograph for it. I know it is difficult and our choreography is not perfect like teacher. However, we can share experience to dance for a song we love. It is wonderful, isn't it?
I know that we all need instructors. And whatever we do can't replace the role of teachers.
Thanks again, Sage.:redface:
trang1808
New member
You have to have the underlying movement correct to get a good shimmy. My students work on slow for several months before trying to go fast and take it in stages.
Just think of one hip. At half time, hip up then down, up then down. Weight must stay centered (initially). Heels on the floor. Thighs and butt loose and relaxed. Try and make sure the movement is only up and down (if you are going out to the side it'll be hard to get it fast). Check with your mirror.
Then in time - up, down, up, down. If yoou tense up, stop. Start again slow.
When you can do it in time, then try double time - up, down, up, down.
When you can do it double time for 10 seconds, try for 20 seconds. Build slowly.
Once you have this shimmy, there are a dozen or so other ones to learn
Thank you, Kashmir. It is wonderful experience.:dance: