Bellydance: From Beginner To Advanced
It’s easy to get carried away and to form unrealistic expectations, particularly when you discover a new interest. Belly dance courses are hugely popular because they offer an alternative exercise option, a friendly women-only environment, and an opportunity to master the moves of the exotic, traditional style of dance.
Like most hobbies and interests, bellydance requires a lot more than a few hours and weeks of practice in order to learn how to dance with elegance and expression. Overnight success is realistically not achievable. However, if you put in regular time at belly dance classes, and practice at home, you will quickly pick up enough techniques to keep you feeling inspired and motivated. Having a realistic approach to your learning will ensure that you don’t become stuck on a negative train of thought that leads you to believe that you can only succeed if you have natural ability or talent, and super high body confidence.
Bellydance is perfect for all ages and ability levels. Your own progression will be unique to you. As a general guideline, here’s a timeline of how long it may take you to go from your first beginner’s shimmy to confidently performing at belly dance shows.
4-6 weeks
At beginner level you will learn a basic range of moves, and how to execute them. Remembering all that you have learned will require extra effort at the start. Once you are familiar with the basics you will quickly get to grips with the additional moves that your teacher introduces. Whilst your movements may not yet be graceful, after 6 weeks you will feel inspired to continue attending belly dance London classes.
Practicing at home is important, as it will help you remember the basic steps and movements. The more you practice, the quicker your body will learn to go with the flow.
Beware Of Boredom
When you’re learning something new it can be easy to feel disheartened because you don’t think you are progressing quickly enough. Arabian Rose belly dance London has developed classes that are suited to all levels of experience, from beginners to advance, and teacher training. Each class is carefully designed to support your learning, and to maintain your enthusiasm and interest week after week.
To overcome feelings of boredom, try exploring different elements of the history and culture of traditional bellydance. Practice your moves at home so that you maintain the necessary consistency that does achieve results.
3-6 months
Your confidence will grow with your continued bellydance class attendance. You’ll begin to master isolated moves, shimmies, and short choreographed routines. You’ll also start to notice that your posture has improved, and that your body is more toned.
1 year to 18 months
By now you have advanced from beginner level and feel more confident in your basic moves. You’ve developed the appropriate muscle groups, and now feel ready to try more complex routines and techniques. When your teacher invites you to join in the belly dance shows you look forward to the experience!
Within 2-3 years
At Intermediate or Advanced level you have a decent knowledge of the different bellydance styles and types of music. Your moves are strong, and your choreographies include tricky moves and complex undulations. When you move your body to the rhythms of the music you look good!