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| Subject: Lesson One: Basic Stance, Arm Poses, Head Moves LESSON ONE Introduction, Basic Stance, Arm Poses, Head Moves Basic Stance: This is most important. Basic stance keeps one from hurting the back, and frees up the body to do all the moves associated with belly dance. Hyper extend the knees--make them straight as possible, then relax them. This should form a slight bend in the knees. (never dance with the knees locked!!!) The tail bone is tucked down. The shoulders are rolled back, and the head is straight on top of the shoulders. Practice this until you are comfortable with it. You may hold the hands out to the sides in the basic position, if you wish. ARM POSES Classic--Arms are held over the head, with the palms facing outward, fingers together pointing upward. Arabian--Arms are held over head like classic, but with palms together. Classic or Arabian Twist--Same as above, but cross the wrists. Genie--Popular due to the television show, one arm is crossed on top of the other, and held up off the chest. Basic--Arms out to the sides of the body, slightly forward at 11 & 2 o'clock; about shoulder height. VARIATIONS: Arms may be held at waist level, slightly below waist level, or slightly above. Zill or "L"--One arm is above the head, and the other out in front of the body, or to the side of the body. Usually the dancer looks in the direction of the arm extend outward. Flamenco--One arm above the head, and bent at the elbow and wrist, the other in front of the body, bend at elbow and wrist. This is used to give the dance a Spanish or Flamenco flair. Egyptian: Arms usually bent at the elbows, and bent at the wrist. From shoulder to elbow is usually straight, but doesn't have to be. Both arms may be up, or down, or one each way. Hieroglyph: Body faces either right or left. One foot directly in front of the other. The arms are extended in front of the body with a few inches between the hands. Both palms are facing the audience, with thumbs in the center. Fingers and thumbs are held straight out and together. HEAD MOVES: Remember to always be gentle with your neck and spine. Hindu Head: Slide the head from side to side, without turning or tilting the head. Pretend you are drawing a straight line on the ceiling, that matches the direction of your shoulders. Chicken Head: Slide the head back and forth, drawing a straight line that goes perpendicular to the shoulders. The head should not turn or tilt. Head Circles: Draw a circle on the ceiling with the top of your head. The head should not tilt or turn. Be gentle with your neck. Looking: To get the audience to watch a movement, tilt the head as though you were watching it yourself. Often times, there really is not way for you to see the movement, but if you look like you are looking at a certain part of your body, the audience will look there too. Practice "looking" at your hips, rear end, and even the hands while doing hand movements. Try not to hide your face, or look too uncomfortable. You do not have to see the movement, just look like you are watching the movement. |
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| Lesson One |