Thread: Hello from IL.

I have been exercising to Belly Dance videos for a few years now. The past year I have been off & on, so trying to get back into it! Thought talking to others would help get me motivated. I dream of learning to dance for my husband, not looking to go pro at this point, tho the thought does excite me. I am 44, had a hip replacement 4 years ago & have arthritis in both knees. Belly Dance can be a challenge for my knees, but I have learned to adjust accordingly! Love the dance & want to learn more & become really good at it! Anyone willing to help or give advice, that is why I am here. To give & get support! If anyone knows of any classes online, please let me know!
Thank you & God Bless!
Downday

I don't know of any classes online but I sure admire your determination! You are a really fine example of someone who doesn't let life get her down!!

Hi there. Have you considered taking a class? It's so much more fun than working with DVDs, and instead of doing the same class over and over you'll get new material each week. A teacher who can help you correct any mistakes you might be making (and help keep your knees safe) and the chance to make friends with other woman, learn about haflas and parties in the area where you might be able to socialize, snack, and see dancing...

Welcome to Bhuz!

I agree with what Lauren said. Take a class...there are plenty of teachers here in IL. Also, you will learn more/different things, make new friends and find out about upcoming haflas, workshops, events, etc. Enjoy!

Thank you for your warm welcome!

Originally Posted by downday

Thank you for your warm welcome!

Originally Posted by Fotia

I don't know of any classes online but I sure admire your determination! You are a really fine example of someone who doesn't let life get her down!!

Still learning how this all works, sorry if I mess it up! Thank you for your kind words. I am a determend type of person!,r:;

Originally Posted by Lauren_

Hi there. Have you considered taking a class? It's so much more fun than working with DVDs, and instead of doing the same class over and over you'll get new material each week. A teacher who can help you correct any mistakes you might be making (and help keep your knees safe) and the chance to make friends with other woman, learn about haflas and parties in the area where you might be able to socialize, snack, and see dancing...

Thank you for your greeting & idea! I did take one beginner class, I really enjoyed it & am considering taking more! The teacher was helpful, to my surprise she said I have great hip movements, which really empowered me! With a hip replacement behind me, that was really great to hear! The one class was enough to know I really can do this! People like you are my inspiration to keep going! Again, I thank you!..l;,

Originally Posted by gypsydanse

Thank you for your cute welcome!

Originally Posted by BasiaRaks

Welcome to Bhuz!

I agree with what Lauren said. Take a class...there are plenty of teachers here in IL. Also, you will learn more/different things, make new friends and find out about upcoming haflas, workshops, events, etc. Enjoy!

Thank you so much! Your right, I took one class & am thinking about taking another one! I know there has got to be more in the way of BD around here!

Hi Downday, welcome. Are you in Chicagoland or elsewhere in IL? There's a large contingent of IL dancers on bhuz; I'm sure we can recommend a good instructor if you tell us where you are.

Originally Posted by ssipes

Hi Downday, welcome. Are you in Chicagoland or elsewhere in IL? There's a large contingent of IL dancers on bhuz; I'm sure we can recommend a good instructor if you tell us where you are.

Hi! I am from Southern IL. area. Scott AFB, about 30 miles east of St. Louis, Mo. I took one class at Scott. She is really sweet & a good teacher, but she said they used to work up to doing a dance at the end of the classes, but she wasn't doing it when I went, so I don't know if she does more or not. I really was just trying it out. I might go back & continue on into intermediate/advance classes, once I get that far! Right now, my goal is excercise, building strength in very week legs & knees & working my way to maybe dancing for my husband. Would love to be good enough to at least dance in front of him!..g.:

Originally Posted by downday

Hi! I am from Southern IL. area. Scott AFB, about 30 miles east of St. Louis, Mo. I took one class at Scott. She is really sweet & a good teacher, but she said they used to work up to doing a dance at the end of the classes, but she wasn't doing it when I went, so I don't know if she does more or not. I really was just trying it out. I might go back & continue on into intermediate/advance classes, once I get that far! Right now, my goal is excercise, building strength in very week legs & knees & working my way to maybe dancing for my husband. Would love to be good enough to at least dance in front of him!..g.:

You are pretty close to Lauren, who is an excellent dancer and instructor and teaches in Belleville.

I am in Carbondale, which is probably too far away for weekly classes for you but we have special events from time to time; if you are interested in being on our emailing list for events (classes, workshops, shows), drop me an email at the addy in my signature.

Welcome! you go girl

Originally Posted by downday

Hi! I am from Southern IL. area. Scott AFB, about 30 miles east of St. Louis, Mo. I took one class at Scott. She is really sweet & a good teacher, but she said they used to work up to doing a dance at the end of the classes, but she wasn't doing it when I went, so I don't know if she does more or not. I really was just trying it out. I might go back & continue on into intermediate/advance classes, once I get that far! Right now, my goal is excercise, building strength in very week legs & knees & working my way to maybe dancing for my husband. Would love to be good enough to at least dance in front of him!..g.:

I'm in Belleville, Downday. Stop by my website at Lotus Arts Studio - Yoga, Bellydance and more in Belleville, IL and check out the list of upcoming events all over the St. Louis area. There's a show in St. Louis on December 11, we'll probably be carpooling over from the studio and you're welcome to join us (regardless of where/whether you take classes). We're always carpooling to shows and we also have studio parties several times a year -- watch that list of upcoming events and/or sign up for my e-mail list and we'll keep you up to date on local happenings!

Hi, Welcome to Bhuz!!

Originally Posted by Lauren_

I'm in Belleville, Downday. Stop by my website at Lotus Arts Studio - Yoga, Bellydance and more in Belleville, IL and check out the list of upcoming events all over the St. Louis area. There's a show in St. Louis on December 11, we'll probably be carpooling over from the studio and you're welcome to join us (regardless of where/whether you take classes). We're always carpooling to shows and we also have studio parties several times a year -- watch that list of upcoming events and/or sign up for my e-mail list and we'll keep you up to date on local happenings!

Hi! Thank you sooo much for the invite to your goings on! I would love to be on your email of things going on! I will have to keep things in mind! Will keep classes in mind too! Right now my biggest desire in BD is exercise & learn to dance for my husband! Hope to also get to know some of the wonderful ladies of BD & learn more about the dance itself! I think it is the coolest type of dance I have ever seen! All women who do it are sooo beautiful! What a way to talk with your body! ,r:;