| Turkish belly dancing is becoming really popular in | | | | own style. Basic moves include the hip shimmy |
| many countries, and more and more people are | | | | (quickly shaking the hips), hip circles (known as the |
| becoming interested in learning this flamboyant, | | | | full moon), hip punches (thrusts), and shoulder |
| exotic art. The dance is very dynamic and | | | | shimmy. There are the snake-like movements of |
| fascinating to watch, it can be quite flirty and | | | | the arms, and rolling of the hips, belly, and |
| sensual, and although belly dancing is mainly a | | | | shoulders which likens to riding a camel. |
| female pursuit there are male belly dancers. | | | | More Difficult Moves |
| People are training to do Turkish belly dancing | | | | To dance professionally a belly dancer will learn |
| professionally, as a healthy exercise, or just to | | | | the more difficult and athletic moves, which will |
| dance for fun for their partner or friends. | | | | require training and suitable fitness levels. There |
| Professionally | | | | can be leaps and floor work, and difficult moves |
| To dance professionally a dancer has to be | | | | like the Turkish drop and the backbend. |
| physically fit and quite subtle to perform the more | | | | Belly Dancing Clothes |
| energetic and daring moves. | | | | Yet another reason that many people are drawn |
| Healthy Exercise | | | | to belly dancing is the costumes which are |
| As healthy exercise, the energetic, dynamic style | | | | colourful and beautifully decorated. Although quite |
| of Turkish belly dancing makes it ideal as an | | | | difficult to buy in the past, they have become |
| aerobic exercise, improving breathing, and | | | | more accessible due to their availability online. |
| circulation which is good for the heart. Belly | | | | They can be quite inexpensive to buy, depending |
| dancing can be very relaxing and de-stressing and | | | | on the quality of costume required. The belly |
| as you are more likely to stick to a health | | | | dance costumes can be quite revealing, particularly |
| program that is enjoyable, it can sure beat running | | | | in the West with skirts showing lots of leg. |
| on a treadmill! | | | | However this doesn't have to be so, and many |
| Fun | | | | dancers prefer more modest attire. |
| Dancing can be an exhilarating way to have fun | | | | The clothes usually consist of a bra top, |
| and let go of your inhibitions, to dance for your | | | | decorated with sequins, beads, and coins. |
| partner as a surprise, or as a party trick for | | | | Pantaloons or skirt, and a hip belt also decorated |
| friends, it can make for a really enjoyable evening. | | | | with sequins, beads, and coins. |
| Basic Moves | | | | Other common clothing and props can be a |
| If you are dancing for fun or as a healthy | | | | headband, veil, scarves, various jewellery items, |
| exercise basic dance moves may suffice. | | | | and finger cymbals (zills). |
| Basic steps will be forward, backward, side to | | | | If you are looking for a unique way of exercising, |
| side, and circular, the pace can vary, and the | | | | that is great fun and a wonderful way to express |
| body will flow with the rhythm of the music. | | | | your femininity, Turkish belly dancing could be just |
| Dancers can draw upon different elements from | | | | the thing you are looking for! |
| around the world and each usually develops their | | | | |