Filly

As you know, I just joined this forum yesterday. I have been reading throughout this message board, and have discovered so many intrigueing things.

I will be finding a studio to take Belly Dancing lessons, and now...I'm a bit overwhelmed.

I had no idea that there were different syles and types of Belly Dance. Please, do not think I am being insulting...I am not. I am actually extremely amazed and impressed by it all.

You all seem so brilliant with the dance, and I was wondering if you would mind doing something for me.

Would you please take a moment, and tell me how you got into the Belly Dance....what your favorite style of dance is, and the meaning/place it originated?

I know this is a lot to ask, but I want you to know that I'll read each and every word, and will most likely print the replies off, so that I can learn the meanings.

I realize that there's lots of threads that could answer this for me, however, I thought if you would be so kind as to share what you know with me in this one thread, it would be amazing for me.

Thank you so much, in advance!

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adiemus

Hi Filly
Like you I was amazed at the range of different styles and parts of bellydance - the world has opened up before my eyes!

I started dancing just over a year ago partly as a way to keep fit that didn't involve gyms, lycra, or needing a partner to dance with. I also saw a group 'Kiwi Iwi' who do a tribal-style dance form and loved the fluid movements.

After I started I fell absolutely in love with the music...and later the costuming and the chance to show another part of myself to the world. And I still love the movements and the fitness aspect. And from this forum I'm amazed at the number of highly intellectual people who have studied and developed their knowledge not just of the dance movements but also the history and culture of the areas. So it's now much more than a way to keep fit and dance, but a whole immersion in learning about another culture.

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Reen.Blom

Hey Filly I just loooove your enthusiasm about everybody's dancing... ha ha... I would suggest, you look up youTube vids of different styles and also of forum member's dancing.... Some of us just TALK a lot, but as for dancing skills knowledge and experience.... well leaves much to be desired. ( Im taling about myself here ) I Love AM Cab, cos it is more flashy and glitzy, but also appreciate the fluid improvisation of Egyptian, although not too mad about modern stars and their costuming...(Think Dina) Also I Like tribal, so controlled and flowing.... Also check out the Fav style thread! *hugs* Oh and Welcome to the forums! reen.blom

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Filly

adiemus, I just got home from running errands...and I cannot thank you enough for replying!!!

Your post has inspired me even more! I already love the music, and I absolutely adore the beauty of the dance. I cannot wait to get started.

I'll never be a Belly Dancer who performs in public...I simply want to learn the dance, and to be able to dance for my husband. I want the pride that comes with the dance, and I know that it's gonna take time to make the hips move ever so elegantly.

The Tribal is sounding so fascinating to me. Perhaps, over time, I'll be able to contribute to this board...and by that, I mean, understand what y'all are talking about, and be able to join in the conversation.

Thank you again for replying!!!

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Filly

LOL, your post made me smile! So sorry if I sound like I'm putting everyone in the "Professional Belly Dancer" category...but trust me...I'm a brand spankin' newbie at this, and to me...ALL of you are pros!!!

I will do as you suggest, and look up youtube videos. There are times when I'm pretty busy with office work for hubby, but when I get downtimes...I'm gonna be looking!

Thank you for the welcome, and for the hug!!! (I'm really thinkin' Tribal rocks) LOL

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You don't have to put someone else's light out just to make yours shine!

Pia

I LOVE egyptian and tribal-When I started dancing I was surprised how much I loved it as I would not consider myself feminine(martail arts, climbing etc are usually my thing)The variety of styles and the history behind them is breathtakiong and I love the insight it gives into other cultures

Reen.Blom

What Style is your Favourite?

Check out this one as well

*hug*

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Farasha Hanem

Hey, Filly, welcome to the board! Like you, I was surprised at all the different styles of bellydance that exist. I started out around 6 or 7 years ago trying to learn bellydance from instructional DVD's, but I yearned to take classes with a living, breathing instructor. Trying to learn on your own just isn't the same because you don't have the benefit of having a teacher's input to help you. So when classes were FINALLY available in my town, I signed up right away; that was recently in September of 2007. I consider myself a newbie since I've only been taking classes now for about 8 months.

I love Egyptian Caberet and Tribal Fusion, although I'm learning Egyptian Caberet first so I can get it down before trying something else. I also love Bollywood, which is not bellydance, but it looks so much fun, and the music is as infectious and addictive as Middle Eastern music.

You've embarked on a wonderful journey, Filly; you will make many friends here. May the dance bring you much joy in your life.

Reen.Blom

Yippy!!!

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Aniseteph

er, yup, I'll put my hand up to that one.

I've been dancing about three and a half years now, and I had NO IDEA about any of this before I started. A course started up nearby so I joined because I like dancing, it doesn't need a partner, and it wasn't just for the young and lithe, or scarily serious. It happened to be Egyptian style, turns out with a good teacher (not that you know to start with ).
I started to go to workshops as well after a few months. I've tried taster sessions in tribal and tribal fusion, but increasingly think Egyptian is the one for me. It's a way to get a little self-expression into my life - YAY! And a way to meet new people, discover new music, go to new places (OK, Littlehampton and Bognor so far, but maybe Cairo one day ), use my sewing skills, maybe learn Arabic one day...

I don't think I'd ever teach or do gigs, but I love dressing up and performing in student shows. And all the glitter and gorgeousness, and that I'm not too old for it at fortysomething.

It takes time to get your head round so many styles when it is all new - don't worry about it, just enjoy what you are doing, keep open to learning new things and remember that nobody knows everything. Oh, and try not to read the YouTube comments, there are a lot of opinionated ignorant idiots on there, as well as some good clips. And a lot of not-so-good...