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Has anyone ever tried bellydance?
There is a studio in my area and I was thinking about giving it a go. I thought it might help me with my pole flow. I feel so ungraceful when I move! And who wouldn’t want to wear one of those fancy, blinged-out bras and hip scarves that jingle when you move 😀
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40 Replies
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I danced for years, and taught it for almost 2 years. I naturally use it in my poling. I am actually going back myself after a several year break. I say give it a go. It will definitely help you in getting the flow of pole, plus it's a lot of fun and a good workout. If you tried a tibal version it will really work out your shoulders and upper back cuz you keep your arms up A LOT! (not as much in the cabaret style.) It will also give you that sexy feeling and help in coordination cuz you eventually start layering moves while playing the zills (finger cymbals.) Also, you eventually learn how to improvise, which is another good asset for pole! 🙂 Have fun!
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LOL you convinced me. I am going to sign up this week. Im so pumped! What is the difference between Cabaret and Tribal style? Both are mentioned on the studio site. Thanks a bunch!
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Cabaret is the original form of bellydance. It is very flirty, bouncy, wiggly, etc. The costuming is usually those expensive beaded costumes. You can improvise, but a lot of dances are choreographed. Here is an example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fv8lzoAf7Y
Tribal has several categories: American tribal style was born in the U.S. by Carolina Nericcio of Fat Chance Bellydance. It's main feature is it is a method of cues and transitions that enable group improvisationl dancing. The dancing itself is very structured and tight. The costuming has a mix of ethnic influence, but a lot of moroccan and latin influence. Here is an example, Fat Chance Bellydance (they are improvising in this video; you can see them watching the leader for cues): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnOoe6rgXbo&list=UUAsRx6KXrYDnGdMiMEb6JxA&index=5&feature=plcp
Notice how much their arms are UP in the dance??? It gets tiring. It will definitely strengthen your arms.
Tribal fushion is newer than ATS. It took ATS and gave it a modern twist adding modern dance influence, modern music, more modern costuming intermingled with the tribal look (they usually ditch the flamenco skirts; melodia pants are a common thing in tribal fusion.) A lot of dances are choreographed, but not all of them. Here is very popular tribal fusion group (Unmata): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnOoe6rgXbo&list=UUAsRx6KXrYDnGdMiMEb6JxA&index=5&feature=plcp
and a really popular tribal fusion dancer (Rachel Brice): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnYYK07lGFc
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Hmmm, apparently a new form cropped while I fizzled out of the scene…gothic???
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Yes, I love belly dancing!
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I love Rachel Brice. She would rock in pole. I think she should transition.
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Yes, it is definitely fun and very great exercise. I dance for two years and also warn to get back into it after a break for school. I miss it so much. You will definitely have fun! 🙂 I like tribal fusion. Like Sensualscimitar listed, Rachel Brice is awesome! The way she is able to control every little movement and make it look so easy is amazing!! Also, Zoe Jakes and Sharon Kihara are also well known for their dance styles in tribal fusion. All groups mention are really awesome in their own unique style. 😀 Another group I would suggest checking out is Belly Dance Superstars (BDSS). They have a variety of dancers from all belly dance styles and even have performances/improvisational with the drummers and other musicians. Anyway, just a warning, once you start, you will be hooked!! Lol! Have fun with your classes! 😀
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I’ve been bellydancing for 7 years and pole dancing for 3. They compliment eachother well. I suggest taking a variety of different styles and making it your own. The best teacher I’ve ever had was Suhaila Salimpour. She will drill you so that the moves are in your muscle memory. Both cabaret and tribal are based on her style. Your muscles will just know what to do. I apply bellydance movement in my pole dancing unconsciously. It’s just the way I move now. Some terrific teachers that I’ve loved are Rachel Brice, Amy Sigil, Asharah, Kaeshi Chai, Belladonna and Azin Mahoozi. You can get a great start with simple isolations at your local bellydance studio and just take workshops from your absolute favorites. It will definitely help you smooth out your pole moves and make your routines super sexy. Just be careful with the coins though. They can scratch your pole.
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I did it before I got into pole. I'm actually thinking about getting back into it. I say you should go for it. Contact that studio close to you and talk to the owner and get some information about it. That will be a good start. It's really fun and the clothes are fun to get into as well 🙂
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I practice bellydance too. After an hour in bellydance class, I feel so flexible & fresh. I often stay back to do some splits & back bends before the next class starts. My husband loves watching me doing bellydance at home & he often tries his (big) belly roll as a tease LOL.
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Haha, Rachel would be a good pole girl, with those backbends of hers!!!
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I took bellydance on and off for a few years and loved it!! I would probably still do it if pole wasn't already so expensive haha.
The one thing that I really love about pole over bellydancing is the pace, but that may have been my teacher!! Bellydance was much faster (most of the time) and a good cardio workout! vs. I feel pole I like slowing down and I consider more strength training. (obviously both have elements of both).
Definitely give it a whirl (or a twirl if you will haha) and let us know what you think!
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Those videos were awesome! When I first started thinking about bellydance I was nervous that I would be the biggest one in the class. (I have a VERY distorted body image) But it was very cool to see the range of body types. Apparently all shapes are into this form of dance. I liked Mariah and she's from Ohio so that's cool. I am going to go observe a class tonight and hopefully sign up for the beginners class that starts the 30th. Its only 100 dollars for 2 months. The poling lessons around here are 99 for 1 month. Anyways. Im super excited! Thanks for the input everyone!
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Queenie – You bring up an interesting point. Though I am on the heavier end of the spectrum in the pole community, I am the smallest one is the bellydance classes. 😉
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A comment on youtube said a bellydancer should be a little overweight. That makes her look good in her movement. A skinny bellydancer is not attractive. I agree on this. However I think a pole dancer looks better if she's skinny. I'm struggling on this that if I want to look good in bellydance, I look too fat for poling lol.
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