tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207889732011-12-07T08:26:54.674-05:00Dedicated to the Ancient Art of Belly Dancing including the Moves, Costumes, History and Music of Belly DancingLisanoreply@blogger.comBlogger1001100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-29116545169123297542009-02-19T06:36:00.002-05:002009-02-19T06:40:11.898-05:00

For any of you who used to follow this blog, huge apologies that it hasn't been updated for the past year.However, good news for you and new visitors.... I have created a new Belly Dancing blog that WILL be updated regularly and I would love you to take a look.There are already a few weeks worth of posts on there and lots of ways to interact and share your own Belly Dancing experiences, so please

Lisanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-8935793765102196362008-01-31T08:50:00.000-05:002008-01-31T08:56:36.678-05:00

I was browsing the videos in the video bar on this blog (look in the right-hand column) and found this interesting news piece on the decline of belly dancing in Egypt.I think it is sad that there are so few professional Egyptian dancers in Cairo now, and that other countries, such as the US, are leading the way in training and supporting belly dancers. Please watch the video and add your own

Lisanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-3780253858994893922007-06-26T04:37:00.000-04:002007-06-26T04:44:12.959-04:00

The latest Belly Dancing Secrets Presents podcast is now available and you can listen to it here on the blog - simply click the play button on the mp3 below:You can also listen at http://www.bigcontact.com/bellydancingsecrets or download it at iTunes. If you missed the last episode it is still available at both of those locations.This podcast features feedback from some of the dancers and

Lisanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-55740249355391731412007-06-20T17:01:00.000-04:002007-06-22T06:15:58.564-04:00

Looking for a different type of belly dance?Learn about some of the dances that evolved into the styles of belly dance we know today. From Beladi to Ghawazee, Karsilama to Khalegi, discover some of the folk and country dances of the Middle East.

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-19989328745362126142007-06-20T16:56:00.000-04:002007-06-20T17:00:42.212-04:00

Do you like the new look blog? OK, it's not that different, but definitely less cluttered.If you look down the right hand side you'll also see some useful links and some belly dancing videos from Google Video - just click on a video and (all being well) it should play in the blog.Enjoy!Lisa

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-54788462967019412492007-05-30T15:29:00.000-04:002007-05-30T15:34:00.795-04:00

Are you interested in creating your own belly dance tribal costumes?Read more about the different elements you will need for your outfit and how different styles of tribal dance warrant different costumes. These are different from all other belly dance styles.

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-41217303081113300712007-05-04T18:09:00.000-04:002007-05-04T18:23:06.781-04:00

This is the sight that the audience didn't see at the Egyptian Moonlight Tour show in Torquay. On stage I wore a lovely pair of black suede heels. Off stage I prefered comfort and kept slipping on my pink slippers! Here I am with dancers Raheesha and "the ever so slightly pregnant" Anna.Lisa www.bellydancingsecrets.com

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-69479996135984150642007-04-19T16:43:00.000-04:002007-04-19T16:57:36.599-04:00

One of our Belly Dancing Secrets' subscribers has emailed to let me know what she is doing for National Dance Week. There aren't many belly dancers taking part according to the website, but please post your events on here (by making a comment to this post).Or join Barbara and her event:Let’s celebrate!!!!Saturday, April 21 from 1:00 – 2:00More than a thousand dance studios, solo dancers & dance

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-29122645444077315412007-03-26T13:45:00.000-04:002007-03-26T13:49:16.758-04:00

I am just recovering from my weekend of Egyptian Dance. My feet are raw and every muscle and joint aches, but it was fantastic. I will be making posts about it here, and will create another podcast, but until I have caught up let me just say...it exceeded ALL my expectations!So, until the next post, feel free to post any questions you might have here (I did workshops in Ghawazee, Saidi & Baladi

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-28164186088643541042007-03-13T07:21:00.000-04:002007-03-13T07:27:39.622-04:00

I'm afraid Tito (or Mr Yummy as he is quickly becoming known thanks to our podcast) didn't get his visa so he will not be appearing at the Egyptian Moonlight Tour. But never fear! Lubna Emam's brother Ousama will be taking his place."Ousama Emam is a teacher and Director of the Kaoumeya Troupe for Egyptian Folklore Dance.He has represented Egypt in many International Dance Festivals in America,

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-64684063907246627122007-03-08T06:47:00.000-05:002007-03-08T06:53:24.381-05:00

I've created a new Belly Dancing podcast!I've been meaning to start this for some time and then the ideal opportunity arose to kick-start me into action.The first podcast is an interview with my own belly dance instructor Rosie Mockler and is to help promote the Egyptian Moonlight Tour I have already mentioned in the blog, taking place in Torquay Devon (UK) in two weeks.However I wanted the

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-43577006089691966292007-01-29T10:09:00.000-05:002007-01-29T10:21:01.330-05:00

Whoops, sorry, I got sidetracked. A bit later than promised here are the workshops you can take part in as part of the "Egyptian Moonlight Tour 2007"Saturday 24th March10am - 1pm - Aida Nour teaching Oriental Sharki"Don't miss the opportunity to learn Cairo technique with this famous Egyptian star"10am - 12noon - Tito teaching Ghawazi"Learn the funky, fun, high energy dance from Upper Egypt"

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1169737053724918282007-01-25T09:47:00.000-05:002007-01-25T09:58:38.103-05:00

Are you based in or near Devon, UK? Or do you fancy a holiday in the English Riviera?Bellywobble.co.uk Presents "Egyptian Moonlight Tour 2007"Friday 23rd March 2007 - 8pm til 10.30pm at Babbacombe Theatre TorquayA night of wonderful colourful dance from top Egyptian dancers:- Aida Nour- Tito- Lubna EmamAlso, International Dancer from Egypt/England - Khaled MahmoudAnd National and Local Dancers:

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1167514150766421422006-12-30T16:26:00.000-05:002006-12-30T16:30:19.746-05:00

Belly Dancing Bloopers! What Can I Say? If it Could Happen, it Did Happen to Me!By Leyla Najma LatrimurtiJust about every dancer out there has a blooper story to tell. Bloopers are almost like a right of passage and there are a lot of us out there that are seasoned!Bloopers can happen for many reasons; like you forgot to check your costume and make sure your snaps and hooks are sewn on tightly. I

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1164893410922174882006-11-30T08:21:00.000-05:002006-11-30T08:34:31.766-05:00

Christmas is fast approaching and some people are harder to buy for than others. If you are looking for the perfect gift for the belly dancer or belly dance enthusiast in your life, take a look at these items in my new Cafepress shop. The Belly Dancing Bears were lovingly created by my friend Sally and are perfect on bibs and childrens clothes - perhaps for a recent arrival or soon-to-be-born

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1164555885673281772006-11-26T10:42:00.000-05:002006-11-26T10:45:44.606-05:00

Belly Dance BurnoutBy Leyla Najma LatrimurtiMuch thought has gone into this article regarding belly dance burn out. For most dancers who are just starting out working in restaurants and nightclubs, it is hard to fathom ever getting to a point where you find yourself sitting on the side of the bed trying to talk yourself into getting ready for another show, but in reality it happens and the

Lisanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1163107080045991872006-11-09T16:11:00.000-05:002006-11-09T16:18:00.066-05:00

I've just received an email from Kismet regarding their popular Belly Dance Festival.They are now planning next year's 27th festival and are open for performance applications. Deadline is January 31st 2007. You can find out more and get an application form here:http://www.kismetdance.com/belly-dance-festival/perf-registration.htm2007 Festival will be August 17-18, 2007 at the Utah Cultural

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1162326907164709712006-10-31T15:26:00.000-05:002006-10-31T15:43:14.686-05:00

Huge thanks to Barbara of www.thedancingspirit.com for sending me this and allowing me to publish it on the blog for you all to share: The room was huge, elegant, white –lovely tall ceilings that go on and on,a large wonderful wooden dance floorround white tables for 100– the smell of chocolate ,oysters and excitement filled the air………………..They were expectingJust a belly dancerbut they watcheda

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1160993939142003502006-10-16T06:11:00.000-04:002006-10-16T06:18:59.173-04:00

"Belly Dancing Secrets Vol. I" was released last Thursday (12th) and includes "Oriental Dance: Discovering the Art of Belly Dancing" in eBook and Audio Book formats, an interview with Canadian belly dancer Yo-Ahn-Na on Belly Dancing for Business and Profit and - for a limited number of people - a short interview with Jillina from the Bellydance Superstars. To find out more, read the other posts

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1160494057116724762006-10-10T11:17:00.000-04:002006-10-10T11:29:52.110-04:00

When I asked recently for questions and queries on the launch of "Belly Dancing Secrets Vol. I" many of you wanted more information on making or creating your own costumes.In "Oriental Dance: Discovering The Art of Belly Dancing" there is a whole chapter dedicated to the costumes of the different styles of Belly Dance. And, as a result of your interest in creating costumes, I have added a section

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1160137158012309842006-10-06T08:12:00.000-04:002006-10-06T08:19:18.030-04:00

"Belly Dancing Secrets Vol. I" will be launched on Thursday October 12th, and I'd like to answer some of your questions and concerns regarding the whole package.Feel free to post your own comments and any further questions here on the blog.First of all, there was a 50/50 split between people who wanted to know more about belly dance moves and those who wanted to know about Belly Dancing

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1159999847902031872006-10-04T18:06:00.000-04:002006-10-04T18:13:17.080-04:00

To join the pre-notification list and find out more on what you can expect from "Belly Dancing Secrets Volume I" please fill in your details below.Belly Dancing Secrets PrenotifcationMy Belly Dancing eBook "Oriental Dance: Discovering the Art of Belly Dancing" is finished and I'm going to release it next week, plus a whole bunch of extras (I got carried away)!I'll be letting you know more about

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1158650513071342832006-09-19T03:15:00.000-04:002006-09-19T03:23:47.060-04:00

I received an email this morning from the Belly Dance Superstars website. There is a new feature on there called "The Casbah After Dark" which is a new Abarbic radio station (created by Miles Copeland). So if you love listening to Arabic music take a look at:http://www.milescopeland.net/bellydance/radio/Enjoy!Lisatechnorati tags:belly+dancing+music, belly+dance+music, bellydance+music,

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1158416354847815282006-09-16T10:13:00.000-04:002006-09-16T10:19:14.856-04:00

She is also a featured photographer in the bellydance community and events such as Burning Man."In photography, I've found a way to make people happy... besides the creativity, this is what I love most about it. The feedback seems to tell me that I make people feel better about themselves, love each other more... If this is my life work, I accept it."Uber Photographer- Pixie I found this

Lisanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1157737920732887852006-09-08T13:46:00.000-04:002006-09-08T13:55:04.203-04:00

He went on to tell the young woman that the belly dancing style comes from cheap and defective cultures, and that the body movements make it look cheap and expose modest body parts.Belly dancing forbidden even in full dress - Culture from Israel, YnetnewsA very sad article on the comments made by a Jewish Rabbi on Belly Dancing.Lisa technorati tags:belly+dancing, bellydancing, belly+dance,

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1157400438639285452006-09-04T16:06:00.000-04:002006-09-04T16:09:48.413-04:00

Over the past few years more and more women in the UK have been trying belly dancing as a fun way to exercise. Part of the popularity is due to the dance troupe Belly dance Superstars who toured the UK recently with their wonderful show.What makes belly dance such a good workout is that it exercises all parts of the body; arms, legs, waist, spine and buttocks. It is also great for the pelvic

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1156883485322225432006-08-29T16:26:00.000-04:002006-08-29T16:31:25.363-04:00

In fact, many belly-dancing enthusiasts believe there's an ancient connection between belly dancing and birth.Moore argues there is some evidence that belly dance is very possibly the original childbirth exercise. Look closely and you'll see a connection between the movements taught in Lamaze classes and those of belly dance, she says.Gyrate Through  Your Pregnancy I have been reading some

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1156194023319316652006-08-21T16:55:00.000-04:002006-08-21T17:00:23.496-04:00

Shea said recent medical studies show that belly dancing, besides working the outer muscles of the body, is like a massage for the internal organs, aiding digestion and other organ functions.''Chiropractors regularly send their patients here to strengthen their abdominal muscles, which at the same time strengthens their lower backs,'' Shea said.MiamiHerald.com | 08/20/2006 | Modern fan of ancient

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1155766952987035362006-08-16T18:18:00.000-04:002006-08-16T18:22:33.003-04:00

Another great email from a blog reader/newsletter subscriber:"Hello Lisa, I like your description of yourself as a bellydancing enthusiast. Me too, a happy hobbyist and there are more out there - some of us in the Bay ofPlenty, New Zealand, have created Belisha Dance Club to focus our enthusiasm. We dance regularly, (some) perform frequently and are organising a performance in September called

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1155590396044412102006-08-14T17:16:00.000-04:002006-08-14T17:20:27.593-04:00

Just had this in:Last chance to register for Utah's 26th Annual Belly Dance Festival ClinicsGo to http://www.kismetdance.com/belly-dance-festival/2006/clinics.htmSaturday August 19, 2006Sat 9:00-11:00am: Make-Up with MystereSat 11:30am-1:30pm: Belly Dance Costuming with Aziza!Sat. 2:00-4:00pm: Belly Dance Your Way to Fitness with TirzaSunday August 20, 2006 Sunday 9:00-11:00 am Finger Cymbals

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1155485822201156792006-08-13T12:14:00.000-04:002006-08-13T12:17:02.213-04:00

Thanks to Annette Woodham for today's post. She responded to one of the Belly Dancing Secrets newsletters re: the name belly dancing with this:"Let me tell you if i may..belly dancing ...is a good name for this dance..since it is very close to some of the countries in the world calling it such as .."waist dance "or "Raghse shekam"..meaning bellly'S dance!..this is all persian ofcourse.or some

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1155140086478285172006-08-09T12:13:00.000-04:002006-08-09T12:16:48.323-04:00

Before the Internet, people might have only seen a dancer at a restaurant or maybe knew someone who had taken a class somewhere. But the Internet has brought the world to our fingertips, and it's easy to get instructional DVDs and even costumes. So now more people are coming to class who've tried to learn at home with DVDs, and we usually have to clean up their basic technique or catch them up on

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1154985173834828602006-08-07T17:08:00.000-04:002006-08-07T17:12:54.293-04:00

I was inspired to create this page because I have met SO many Bellydancing Librarians that we could create our own interest group at ALA! What is it about this combination? For me, it provides a balance between left brain/rational/cerebral pursuits and right brain/artistic/physical enjoyment.If YOU are a Bellydancing Librarian and would like to contribute to this site, email me at erisw@sonic.net

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1154553766965539262006-08-02T17:21:00.000-04:002006-08-02T17:27:47.410-04:00

A lot of people are emailing me to tell me they have been inspired to belly dance by Shakira. Many are embarrassed by the fact. Don't be! If that's what it took to make you realise how beautiful belly dancing is, then great. Shakira is a good role model who has been dancing from childhood, and I love some of the more eastern influences she has been adding to her music.So, for the Shakira fans,

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1154449670249107572006-08-01T12:23:00.000-04:002006-08-01T12:27:50.580-04:00

Belly danceMuscles worked: Stomach, arms and torso.Other benefits: Tends to improve body image. Fosters sisterhood. Satisfies a taste for the exotic without unwanted attention.The Japan Times Online - Kick up your heels and get dancing -- everybody else is This article takes a look at many different forms of dance that are popular in Japan, including pole dancing (apparently HUGE out there) and

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1154251832751234842006-07-30T05:29:00.000-04:002006-07-30T05:32:29.510-04:00

The performers included four professional dancers and the rest were Coffey’s students. They mentioned personal self-exploration, the desire to de-stress, meditation or simply curiosity as the reason for starting to belly dance.Coffey, who dances under th name “Na’ila,” turned to professional dancing as a drastic career change. She moved to Fort Myers from Baltimore, Md. about 10 years ago as a

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1154075805619511672006-07-28T04:31:00.000-04:002006-07-28T04:40:07.506-04:00

For most of my life I associated belly dancing with "Arab cultures" in the same hazy, xenophobic way I associated parrots with pirates and peace pipes with Indians. Moreover, thanks to the American film industry, I determined that belly dancing was a Middle Eastern variant on the strip tease - something the members of a harem would perform for the sultan. A vulgar, submissive folk art. The

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1153987415417048882006-07-27T03:58:00.000-04:002006-07-27T04:04:42.876-04:00

Pyro-kinetic artist Molly Block can belly dance while spinning fiery objects around her body. She can dance with a flaming sword and staff. She even does fire breathing. IDSnews.comNot one I suggest you try at home but I bet it's great to watch!Lisa xtechnorati tags:fire+dancing, belly+dancing, belly+dance, bellydance, poi, poi+dancing

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1153749845523647822006-07-24T10:03:00.000-04:002006-07-24T10:04:18.096-04:00

I am regularly being asked which instructional belly dancing videos and dvds I recommend for beginners, and would love your input. I have already mentioned this in an earlier post and have since bought Jillina's (Bellydance Superstars) instructional dvd (part one) and think it is very good for beginners.Please post your favorites here as well, so we can get a good catalogue together of the best (

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1153431619320484502006-07-20T17:35:00.000-04:002006-07-20T17:44:23.123-04:00

I found this great video on YouTube of the famous Egyptian Belly Dancer Samia Gamal.If you would like to know more about Samia's history, read the web page below which gives a comprehensive biog (only some of which is shown):Samia Gamal was born in 1924 in the small Egyptian town of Wana. Months later, her family moved to Cairo and settled near the Khan-El_Khalili bazaar. Samia Gamal then met

Lisanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1153342882987299552006-07-19T16:57:00.000-04:002006-07-19T17:03:14.396-04:00

I've been taking belly dancing classes for almost 3 years now and I've never had aching feet before! Yesterday we did alot of fast past traveling moves that require you to be on your tip toes. Yesterday was a pretty intense class, and I was fine afterwards. But today....ouch! My feet are really sore and aching on the balls and arches. How do you get rid of the pain and discomfort or at least

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1153212059848415462006-07-18T04:36:00.000-04:002006-07-18T04:41:55.906-04:00

This year marks the 26th year of Utah's Annual Belly Dance Festival at Liberty Park, August 18-20. Six hundred performers from around the world will perform at the fr*ee festival which features a bazaar, mouth-watering exotic food and clinics on dance, make-up, drumming and costuming. Check out the schedule of performershttp://www.kismetdance.com/belly-dance-festival/2006/

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1153147690438067292006-07-17T10:43:00.000-04:002006-07-17T10:49:57.976-04:00

"To me, dance is a lifestyle," Parasson said. "It’s therapeutic. It helps me keep my sanity."For others, including one of the three dancer-instructors who organized the show, it’s something closer to obsession.The Columbus Dispatch - Local/StateAn interesting article not only because it focuses on belly dancers from different walks of life who have turned it into a career, but also because it

Lisanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1153062671881984582006-07-16T11:06:00.000-04:002006-07-16T11:12:54.316-04:00

I*'m often asked where people can find instructors/classes or performers in their local area. I think the best place online is the directory at Shira.net:http://www.shira.net/directory.htmSearch for your country and then area, and you should find what you are looking for. There are also links to other useful websites.Lisa xtechnorati tags:belly+dancing, bellydancing, belly+dance, belly+dance+

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1152970582960859292006-07-15T09:32:00.000-04:002006-07-15T09:37:35.020-04:00

Free speech advocates planned to protest the cancellation of a belly dancing class at a public library, saying it amounted to censorship.cbs13.com - Free Speech Advocates Protest Public LibraryAnother sad case of the "powers that be" misunderstanding belly dancing as an art, as well as its popularity.The Board Chairman Ray Simon, said"We would have to give equal opportunities for snake charmers

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1152827086441432622006-07-13T17:40:00.000-04:002006-07-13T17:46:17.666-04:00

I'd love to know your favorite instructional belly dancing dvds. I have always felt quite let down by the ones I have bought or rented in the past.Molly just emailed me and recommended The Goddess Workout with Dolphina (Goddess Life) so I will be checking that one out. I have also just put in an order for a couple of the new dvds from Jillina who is chief choreographer and dancer for the Belly

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1152800389628263982006-07-13T10:15:00.000-04:002006-07-13T10:21:41.003-04:00

This year’s Turkish Fest will also include traditional folk dance and belly dance performances. The Turkish market along the riverside will be serving the best Turkish food and drink as well as spices, textiles, arts and crafts, and music to promote Turkey abroad.EnglishIf you are in London on the 15th and 16th of July, you might want to visit Turkish Fest for some traditional Turkish Belly

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1152649838980176242006-07-11T16:26:00.000-04:002006-07-11T16:33:31.020-04:00

Sa'id created a special belly dance as a tribute to Leia, which she recently performed in a costume contest where she won first place.Wired News: The Cult of Leia's Metal BikiniAs a kid I always thought Princess Leia was pretty cool and was happy to be her whenever we played Star Wars (while my brothers argued over who was going to be Luke and who would be Han). It seems I'm not the only one who

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1152611803029258092006-07-11T05:54:00.000-04:002006-07-11T05:58:27.370-04:00

"American belly dance is used to describe someone who's taken Oriental dance style and changes it. I'm very different. There are two types of belly dancing -- Oriental and Tribal. I've … used influences from both. My arms are very ballet and flamenco -- because the Oriental style is mostly done below the waist, you would not see any arm movements. "http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1152561334938360122006-07-10T15:51:00.000-04:002006-07-10T15:56:54.506-04:00

If you just can't get enough information on belly dancing, check out my new website and sign up for my newsletter at: http://www.bellydancingsecrets.com.You can find out loads of stuff on Belly Dancing as well as hear interviews and watch free videos.Look forward to seeing you there,Lisatechnorati tags:belly+dancing, belly+dance, bellydance, website, interviews, videos

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1152520278409399622006-07-10T04:27:00.000-04:002006-07-10T04:35:31.363-04:00

Also, she's a prefect example of an excellent skinny belly-dancer. Another common question that I was always asked is, do I need to have a bit of a belly to belly dance? The answer is totally, no! You don't have to. There is no specific body type to belly dance. You can be skinny, you can be curvy, pear shaped, apple shaped, ruler shaped, whatever. a passion for belly dancing: Rachel Brice and

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There has been some discussion about Nelly Furtado belly dancing in her new video Promiscuous Girl with Timbaland. I have to say that when I saw the video there was a little hip shaking but nothing I would consider recognisable as belly dancing technique. In this video on Youtube there is a bit more evidence of an attempt to belly dance near the end. Perhaps she's trying to jump on the Shakira

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"I've been belly-dancing since I was four years old," Shakira, 25, was saying from Miami in an exclusive Canadian newspaper interview with The Sun."And nobody taught me how to do it. So it's something that's in my DNA, that I inherited. But I never got the opportunity to show my skills as a belly-dancer because I never did songs with this kind of Arabic element involved before. It seems that

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Today, many fewer dancers use finger cymbals. Teachers start teaching finger cymbals later in class, or skip them entirely. Finger cymbal work is becoming more and more rare -- and really good finger cymbal work is even more scarce. But finger cymbals are not to be feared! Want to Learn Something 80 Percent of Today's Belly Dance Teachers Don't Even Teach?It was the title of the press release

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Anecdotal evidence suggests that the practice of belly dancing may benefit women preparing for childbirth, as the movements strengthen and tone the pelvic floor muscles and the woman becomes more familiar with the way her muscles work. The hip-circling movements used in the dance may relieve some of the common discomforts of labor.Belly dance - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The idea of belly

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More than 1200 contestants from around the globe came to Cairo this week, where they competed for the golden crown in Egypt's International Belly Dancing competition. Because of the event's official rules, not a single participant was Egyptian. However according to 'Dina', a famed Egyptian belly dancer, the rule was decided out of fairness: "Belly dance is our dance," she said, "When we compete

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Robling sees belly-dancing as "a balance of mind, body and spirit." She admits that it is an excellent workout, but that she discourages women from using the technique with only weight loss in mind. To her, its main purposes are spirituality and embracing femininity.Belly-dancing - "The outside world just stops when you walk into the studio." : Local : Evansville Courier Press The more belly

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It has been revealed that Najwa will be giving away the same belly dancing outfit she wore during her performance in 1974 in the presence of the late American Foreign Minister Henry Kissinger to the first place winner in the festival.albawaba.com middle east news information::Oriental Belly Dancing Festival launchedWow, some dancer is going to receive a real piece of belly dancing history. It's

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WARWICK UNIVERSITY is ready to wobble as bus loads of belly dancers head for Coventry.Students from around the UK will converge on the campus, in Coventry, for the UK's first inter-university Bellydance Festival next Tuesday night.icCoventry - Bus loads of bellies...Take a look at this great story about the first ever inter-university belly dance festival in the UK. This was held just a short

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1152197722406067742006-07-06T10:50:00.000-04:002006-07-06T10:55:22.556-04:00

I know I've been a bit slack lately with my blog, but now I'm back with a vengeance, so keep me bookmarked for loads of great belly dancing information from around the world.I have been really busy working on a new belly dancing project which I will tell you more about shortly. Watch this space!Lisa x

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One of the things the Belly Dance Superstars drew attention to was how other cultures created similar traditional dances to belly dancing, without any knowledge of what other cultures were doing.The one they specified and included in their program was Polynesian dancing but I am sure there are many others. Certainly, I know the Melanesians have a similar dance (but still different) to the

Lisanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1149165830737713912006-06-01T08:36:00.000-04:002006-06-01T08:43:51.366-04:00

While I was packing away my recording equipment, Jillina said something I wish I'd got on tape (or minidisc as it is these days).She said that Belly Dancing was wonderful exercise for all ages because it is so low impact and, unlike other dance styles such as ballet, you can start at any age and still excel in it. She said she loves taking classes and seeing women there from teens to their 90s -

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I had a fantastic night at the Bellydance Superstars last night. The show was an eclectic mix of styles - not just belly dancing styles, but also included ballet, Latin American, Flamenco, Polynesian, Hip Hop... I also had the opportunity to conduct an audio interview with the chief choreographer and one of the performers, Jillina.I'll be talking more about various aspects of the show in future

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I'm starting to get really excited. I'm off to see the Bellydance Superstars on Monday in Yeovil. I'm amazed they are coming to my part of the world!Anyone else had a chance to see them?Lisa x

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Hello Magazine have some fantastic photos of Shakira and Wyclef performing at the Latin Billboard Awards. Apparently, she learnt her belly dancing moves from her Lebanese Grandmother.Check her out here.Lisa x

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I saw Shakira's video for "Hips Don't Lie" this week - a song she has recorded with Wyclef Jean. The video includes a eclectic mix of dance styles, including Shakira's unique style of belly dancing. I really loved it. Very visual and exciting to watch (and a great song too).If you get the opportunity, take a look.Lisa x

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Belly dancing out, cinema in, says Hamas : Mail & Guardian Online: "'Bellydancing is naked women. This is not Islamic. The Egyptians come here and do it. And there are a lot of Russian belly dancers in Egypt and they come here too,' said Sibbah (58) an Islamic scholar who joined the Cabinet of the Hamas government installed last week."The view of belly dancing as something wicked, "dirty" and

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1144491618730658012006-04-08T06:20:00.000-04:002006-04-08T06:20:34.133-04:00

Gulf Times � Qatar�s top-selling English daily newspaper - Gulf/Arab World: "Atallah Abu Al-Subbah, a senior official of Islamist militant group Hamas, said belly dancing was �a form of striptease�."Belly Dancers have been working for years to try and make people realise that belly dancing is not seedy or pornographic but it seems there is still a long way to go!I'd love to hear your thoughts on

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New belly-dancing club far from a flop - Campus News: "Two of her teachers were winners of the Ms. America and Miss World of the Belly Dance competition"Were you aware there was a Miss America and a Miss World in Belly Dancing?Lisa x

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Welcome to the Now - Features: "belly dancing has its ancient roots in preparing women to give birth, and celebrating life."It always fascinates me that Belly Dancing was created to help pregnant women. I have never had children so I don't know how effective Belly Dancing is. If it has helped you, please add your comments.Lisa x

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Teacher says belly dancing brings out inner beauty: "belly dancing teaches grace, poise and self-esteem."Take a look at this interview of Belly Dancing teacher Samra Karim. It really is a wonderful advert for Belly Dancing, as well as saying a lot about learning to be comfortable with who you are.Lisa x

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Pocono Record - Belly dancing classes are helping area women get fit: "Egyptian belly dancing has become a popular, yet unique exercise for women that generates not only healing qualities, but also aids in alleviating the mind of everyday stress. It's a dance for the mind, body and spirit."In case you were still unsure of the benefits of belly dancing, this story says it all.Lisa x

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asahi.com��Asia/ Young Chinese get hip to belly dancing�-�ENGLISH: "Usually considered a tradition of Arab countries, belly dancing has a devoted new group of followers you might not expect: young urban Chinese. "Belly Dancing is taking over the world!Lisa x

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Scotsman.com News - Features - Able to stomach belly dancing class: "'For a lot of exercise classes like aerobics you feel you have to look the part before you start, but in belly dancing you can be any shape or size, you can have a belly, and it doesn't take a lot of skill to look good doing it.' "This is a slightly cynical article on Belly Dancing bu does give some great health and fitness

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Ebay can be an incredibly useful tool for finding unusual items. Not every town or city sells Belly Dancing clothes, jewelry, dvds and books, but on ebay you can find it all, and often at bargain prices.I have created a website that enables you to see many of the current items that have been listed under the title Belly Dance, as well as giving you a search box so you can add your own search

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I was just browsing one of the belly dancing newsgroups I am a member of (head over to google groups) and I read a great article about the International Festival of Belly Dance that was held in Salt Lake City in 2005. Approx. 10,000 people attended the festival, dance clinics all sold out, over 150 dancers wanted to participate and 30,000 dollars were donated to the free festival.I think that

Lisanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20788973.post-1140086934886274382006-02-16T05:48:00.000-05:002006-02-16T05:48:54.886-05:00

The Payson Roundup: Dance class: Shake your booty Middle Eastern style: "'It makes me feel beautiful,' Casta�eda said. 'Belly dancing makes me feel graceful, where I don't always feel like that.' "If you have any worries about starting belly dancing, read this article. A great article with a performer and teacher who tells it like it is.Lisa x

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Times Argus: Vermont News & Information: "'I didn't want to die in a brown corduroy skirt,' says Gina Capossela"What brought you to Belly Dancing?Lisa x

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Belly dancing proves good for body and soul: "Today, young, middle-aged and even senior citizens are enjoying belly dancing for very different reasons: "Belly Dancing is for all ages, all abilities!Lisa x

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Itsy Weensy Bytes� - Turkey Part 3�: "which trip to Turkey would not be complete with the BELLY DANCING!!"Some fab photos here direct from Turkey.Lisa x

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Lady Fire-Eyes in CyberlandI love all these photos - just a bunch of friends having fun and enjoying belly dancing.Lisa x

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Daytona Beach News-Journal Online -- East Volusia: "Barnet was 18 when she first discovered belly dancing at a club in New York City, and more than 50 years later, she is still shaking it."50 years on and still loving it!Lisa x

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ContraCostaTimes.com 01/27/2006 Belly dancing reality series in the works: "The cultural phenomenon of reality television may be coming to El Cerrito, with help from comedian Margaret Cho."Is there no escape from reality tv? Mind you, this will be a major boost for Belly Dancing teachers, classes and troupes everywhere if it happens.Lisa x

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Marin Independent Journal - Lifestyles: "Since then, Copeland's Bellydance Superstars have performed at the Follies Bergere in Paris, completed an international tour and danced at arts centers and in concert halls across the United States."An interesting article here about Mile Copeland and the Belly Dancing Troupe he put together. Has caused ructions in the Belly Dancing world, but what do you

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MiamiHerald.com 01/30/2006 SINEWY, SEXY, SURPRISING -- Miami: The new mecca for belly dancing: "South Florida has become a surprising sort of mecca -- for Middle Eastern dance.Along with Los Angeles and New York, it's one of the nation's three pillars of belly dance. Classes in gyms and studios "It seems South Florida is the place to be if you are a belly dancer!Lisa x

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jo(e)'s page: Time to dance: "Or sometimes, I put on my pantaloons, pick up my zills, crank up the music, and dance."Great photo and an advert for mood-boosting belly dancing.Lisa x

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I have received a question about Belly Dancing from a Plus Size dancer and although I have replied personally I thought that others may have something to add. She is loving her classes but they have a Spring show coming up and she is wondering whether to take part. She is plus-size and I think feels a bit self-conscious about it.As someone who is plus-size herself, I said that the good thing

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boadicea: Arabian knights at your primitive best.This picture is absolutely beautiful.Lisa x

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Mine's: Belly Dancing: "'I think the recent focus on the Middle East has brought a lot of [positive] attention to the dance and music of the region,' says Reyna Alcal� who teaches Belly Moves at Crunch in New York City. 'Every body shape can do it. I think for people who feel self-conscious in the gym, this is a good start for them.'"This blog post is fantastic! Explains the benefits of Belly

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wunderuswuman: BD: "Second week of belly dancing has come and gone. I love it! I cant even begin to explain it.First, it's like nothing else exists for that hour, it's me, and dancing, and the music. The music... OMG i LOVE the music... "I love how people react to Belly Dancing. This is a fantastic advert for the art!Lisa x

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Grapefruitseason: Belly dancing: "Watching me belly dance is like watching the tin man try to swim."This really made me chuckle!Lisa x

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"They perform the American Tribal Style, which is different from the Egyptian Tribal Style.In the American style, the troupe provides backup for a solo dancer, she said."http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20060118-9999-m1m18tfjul.htmlA simple explanation of the difference between Amwerican Tribal style and Egyptian style Belly Dancing.Lisa x

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lindayi: oOoOO I like this belly dancing hip scarCheck out these pics of belly dancing hip scarves. I have to say the second one looks beautifully crafted.Lisa x

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An interesting article about the different styles of belly dancing, and how many styles have now fused into one.Lisa xhttp://159.54.226.83/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060112/ENT/601120318/1059

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catslovehoppies: It's very cold today, but I'm happy abou: "But the good thing about belly dancing is that you don't look too awkward if you're a little heavy--or, hell, even if you're huge--and you learn to dance. I've actually decided that really skinny women look kind of funny doing it after seeing dancers about my size dancing."This is so true. Belly Dancing is about celebrating your body as

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dougggie: Pleasantly exhausted: "Tai chi, pilates, yoga and belly dancing are on my 'want to try' list :-)"I'm reading a lot of blogs like this one, where people are resolving to get fit and do something new in 2006. Belly dancing seems to be on a lot of people's lists.All I can say is - Just Do It! It's fun, good exercise and stimulating - which means you are less likely to give it up in a month

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Well, there we were thinking that Belly Dancing was only for the girls, and then they had to prove us wrong! Imagine all those men trying to find the goddess within! ;-) (not sure what I'm talking about? Click on the title to this post)Lisa x

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K8EKOL: "This belly dancing thing is a LOT harder than it looks and it confirmed my ungraceful status. I don't think I was too terrible for a first class when it came to the whole hip shaking part."I think we've all been here, haven't we? Sounds pretty good for the first lesson.Lisa x

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a passion for belly dancing: Kind heart: "I had a very good time belly dancing in class today! My students are getting better and better each day and I am just so proud of all of them. They've showed spirit and enthusiasm, keenness to learn, and most importantly, self-belief and confidence to dance and be comfortable with themselves."Great to see a Belly Dance instructor spreading the word! I

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Welcome to my blog, dedicated to the wonderful, ancient art of Belly Dancing. I look forward to sharing with you and hearing your comments.Make sure you shimmy my way occasionally!Belly Dancing Belle

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