Hippie Hippie Shake

OK then - survived (actually quite enjoyed) my very first belly dance class. Of course, the odd part is that there was no actual movement of the belly. Which sucks because I wanted to title this blog "Get in my belly...", which will have to be saved for later. I'm sure I will also have to wait to learn how to "shake my money maker".

I guess I should explain that it is a BEGINNER belly dance class. Which I assume means you must get control of other parts of your anatomy before you can really let that belly loose. We learned exactly four moves; the hip swing, the hip lift, the hip drop (much harder than it sounds really), and the circle. I'm very good at the hip lift - but alas I did not have a hip scarf (those wide scarves with all sorts of beads and coins that teenage girls now wear as regular belts) so I couldn't tell if I had the proper thrust to get a good jingle sound. It's amazing how difficult remembering those four moves was when they were place in random order. My organized aerobics instructor mind wanted a good 'ol 64 count with an organized progression.

One of the most fascinating things we learned from our instructor, Situman, was the difference between 1 STAR and 4 or 5 STAR dancers. The first type apparently performs in venues that are of a "men only" nature, whereas men will take their families to see the more graceful and practiced undulations of 5 stars dancers. I felt somewhat disturbed when I naturally set up my form (position) in what is apparently 1 star style, and was gently reminded that I was in "Turkish form - but that's ok if you are into that kind of style". Wow. I wasn't quite sure if that meant I looked like I could be "that kind of woman", or if she just didn't want to cause offense to anyone who may possibly want to segway into a more sordid lifestyle. I corrected my form quite promptly. So I will now spend this week practicing with feet together and one knee turned in so I can look more like a lady next week.