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I really believe in using music that motivates you. If you’re doing a bellydance performance, and you want to really shine, pick the kinds of Arabic music that really make you smile. You know that drum solo that’s so cool it makes your mouth water? The oud solo that just makes you want to turn out the lights and dance it over and over… you get the idea.

What moves you will show in your dancing. What you feel in the music is what you will reflect as a dancer. Belly dancing is especially personal, and so is the perfect way to express what you want your audience to feel.

Me, I love a juicy drum solo, a great kanoun taxim, and some fabulous classical Egyptian orchestral pieces are at the top of my list. For a youger crowd, a bit of Pop Arabi – maybe even with Rap segments – adds a bit of spice.

You can also match your music to your costumes to a certain extent. Don’t wear a tight fitting skirt slit to the thigh if your dance has a ton of fan kicks in it unless you’re just dancing for a loved one! Full skirts work best for kicky dances. Think about these kinds of things when deciding what to put together for your performance.

To get great looking snake arms takes a little practice.

First, start with this progression: lift shoulder, elbow, wrist then fingers. Lead up with the back of the elbow and lead down with the back of the elbow. Keep energy all the way out to your fingertips.

Start with the right arm and practice until the movement smoothes out. Then work the left, and understand the left side is usually harder to control, so be patient.

When you’re ready to start putting both arms together, start on the right, then left, then R, L…then as you get both sides working one at a time, do the R, then start the L before the R movement’s finished, and keep moving up the starting pace until one arm’s going up and the other down at the same time.

To make it pretty, add some tension to the movement like you’re swimming in a thick gel. Make sure and keep your ribcage up, neck extended and hands holding some tension.

Give yourself a few weeks to really master this move, and work it at least a couple times a week.

Questions? Let me know.

Amira

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