new to the forums

[Solstyce]

Hi. Im Solstyce. Im an intermediate dancer. I took bellydance classes for 3/4 of a year until unfortunately our only local studio relocated. Since then I've been studying on my own through videos and online articles. I wish I could say that I'd stuck to it solidly since I lost my classes but alas it's been off and on. It's harder to stay motivated when you dance only by yourself and for yourself with no feedback. Im hoping that becomming a part of this community I'll be able to find more inspiration and maybe some feedback so I can continue to improve my dance.

- Solstyce

[lylagus]

Welcome!

[TheButibu]

Hi Solstyce, I'm also new on the forum. I've been on a similar situation as well. Practicing with DVD's, videos, and online by yourself is not bad at all, mostly when your teacher is not available anymore. But yeah, it comes the moment when you need someone next to you to evacuate doubts and explain the correct technique. But don't get unmotivated :) this is a beautiful art form and I hope you can find support and advise on this blog. Let me share with you some things I've done while being out of regular classes.

Something that has helped me is to review all the basic steps, until I master them to perfection, and invent different simple combinations with no more than 4 steps, and then practice to different rythms, speeds and directions. After that I add some difficulty to the combination, by adding traveling steps or turns. Try to look for music that make you feel happy and inspired, willing to practice those drills!
Another thing that I love is to incorporate zills to my dance, you can start with basic rythms and gradually increase the speed. Singles, doubles, triplets...

Videos on youtube, DVD's can be very inspiring, if you ever have any question feel free to ask ;)

[UnusualOleander]

Hello all!

I'm also brand new to this forum, and to the art of belly dancing itself. For the past month and a half, I've been teaching myself the basics, mostly from Youtube videos, until I can afford to start taking actual classes [which should hopefully be within a month :D ].

Butibu, your advice is perfect. Just here to reiterate it :)

Good luck, Solstyce! Don't give up this beautiful art form!

-MJ

[Bollygirl]

Hi Solstyce, Maybe is there anyone sort of near that you could do a private with once in a while? That may help keep you going for awhile. D.v.d's and you tube can be great if you are doing things right, but there are also some terrible things on you tube pretending to be correct. Was there anyone in the class you were taking that you could meet up with and practice together? Just some thoughts. Good luck!