​Welcome To Bellydance Basics 101

​If you are tired of  the same old boring exercise routine, filled with crunches to achieve the curves of your dreams, than you will love this fun, healthy, and exciting way to get fit!  
A SHIMMY A DAY HELPS MELT THE FAT AWAY
Target Areas

  • Thighs
  • Hips
  • Abs
  • Derriere


The Traditional Hip Shimmy
While there are variations to the shimmy, this is the original shimmy that can be traced back thousands of years to the origins of bellydance.
Getting Started

  • Stand with your feet together (around six inches apart with toes facing forward).  No turnout or pigeon toe.
  • Your knees should be soft (slightly bent).  Keep your feet under your hips.
  • Gently Squeeze your buttocks, so that your pelvis starts to slightly tuck beneath your torso (tailbone facing down).  Check your posture, so that you are not hyperextended in the front, or protruding in the rear.
  • Gently lift your chest (keep your shoulders relaxed and down).  Maintaining support of your abs.
  • Place your arms at your sides with a slight bend in the elbow, and a slight break at the wrist (allow your upper arm and elbow adequate airflow/space, as they should not be touching the sides of your body).
  • Your fingers should be straight and together.
  • Palms of your hands should face the floor.
  • Keep your neck tall without creating tension.

    1. Start the shimmy by bending your right knee, so your right hip drops slightly.

    2. Repeat on the left.  As your left hip drops, your right will return to its normal position.

    3. Keep alternating the bending and straightening of your knees to produce a bouncing movement in the hips.

So grab a coin scarf, and put on your favorite music. With a little patience,  practice, and control, you will be working towards building your own fast percussive hip shaking fun bellydance movements.

  • Although bellydance is considered a low-impact form of exercise, it's important to warm-up and stretch your muscles prior to dancing to avoid injury.  Never attempt to stretch a cold muscle.   Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.  The above information is solely for demonstration purposes only, and  is not intended to take the place of studying bellydance with a qualified trainer,  or attending an actual bellydance class.  Without proper training, the viewer assumes any and all risks associated with executing the above movements described on this website. 

    Live . Love . Bellydance

    Ayperi-Alizarin Bellydance
    Bellydance Classes, Albany, Troy, NY