Deebah Dance Fitness

 
Video taping practices are an important tool for learning.  When one physically sees a flaw they are much more apt to comprehend and correct the problem over just hearing a verbal critique.  Practice videos should be the only time to be critical (in a productive way) about ourselves and make the proper adjustments.
 
Below is a critque check list that covers all the things you should be looking for in your practice video.
 
Critique Check List
1.Am I dancing to the music?_____________________ identify where in the song where you are off and practice that section of song.  If you have the moves memorized you can often forget to dance in the moment of the music. Some moves happen quickly some are drawn out and you need to take your time with them. Remember your moves are your interpretation of the music.
2.Are my feet directly beneath my hips when I am standing in a nuetral...

 
I was inspired to write this article when one of my students shared her cosmetics concern, D.W. wrote...
.Before our next public performance, do you think we could have a get together with our group and work on eye make-up?  Most of us don't have much experience with "stage make-up" and trying something unfamiliar right before we perform is a lousy time to practice. ...  After seeing a dancer who wore very little eye make-up perform on a large stage, I was amazed at how her eyes "disappeared" with the lights on her face. Let me know what you think.
Great question...something that is not always discussed enough in bellydance classes!  It will certainly be the topic for my next class.
Remember, just as you would rehearse your dance before a performance you should also practice your...

Even if you are new to belly dance, it is always nice to have a good understanding of some of the common lingo in the belly dance community. The following is a short compilation of common belly dance vocabulary that maybe used for future reference.  
 
Al Jeel (ahl JEEL) – popular present day Egyptian music
Assuit (uh SOOT) – Mesh fabric with metal threads through it.
Awwady (uh WAHD dee) – free-form improvised instrumental solo with no underlying rhythm, 
Bedleh (BED luh) – Cabaret beaded bellydance costume 
Beledi (BELL uh dee) – popular belly dance rhythm
Canes The cane dance is a dance for women imitating the men's victory dance while the men were away. 
Candleabra or "Shamadan"(Sha ma Dan)- This is a prop used by bellydancers during wedding ceremonies. The Candelabra is balanced on the head. 
Choli (CHOH lee) –  fitted midriff top worn under saris by women in India. 
Debke (deb kee)...