Listed are some of the basic moves and their descriptions taught in my beginner belly dance class. Please note that these moves are listed as a reference only and instruction is needed in order to properly perform these moves.
Basic Position: This is the basic stance you will come back to again and again when doing basic movements. Stand feet shoulder length apart, toes facing front, knees bent comfortably, tilt pelvis forward to elongate your back, chest up and shoulders back.Shimmy: Basic shimmy begins with basic position. Both knees should be bent. Starting with R knee, begin to slightly straighten knee (do not lock the knee). As you begin to straighten knee, your R hip will raise straight up. Now, relax the R knee and do the same with the L. You are bending and flexing the knees in opposition to each other, this moves the hips up and down.Hip drop: Basic position. Turn body slightly L, place R leg in front, knee very bent with only your toe touching the floor. To drop the R hip, you must lift your R hip by straightening the R knee. Drop your R hip by dropping your tush like your trying to take a seat, R leg and toe twists slightly.Hip Lift: Basic position,. Turn R foot slightly out to to R side. As you step, thrust R hip in upward and outward motion. Maya: Basic position. R hip goes straight up by R knee straightening slightly and lifting R heel off floor. Once hip is raised, push outward in straight line towards R side then gently bring the hip back down and tuck it back under you seat. The movement looks like your hip is moving in a small circle. Up, out, around, down.Circle 8: Basic position. The move flows from R to L in a pattern that looks like you are drawing a number 8 on the ground. Tilt body to face L, keeping the feet facing forward.Push R hip toward the R forward corner, now roll that R hip toward the back R corner in a semi circular motion.. Now, push L hip to L forward corner, now roll that L hip toward the back L corner in a semi-circular motion. Repeat. Please note that your feet should move as necessary in order to facilitate your body movements.More moves to come.....keep checking in!