Posts: 2
5/20/13 9:47 P

Hi, I am new to the team but have been off and on spark for a while.

I was learning belly dance and used to dance with friends at SCA events in Washington state years ago. I took some classes at the gym a few years of belly dance fitness, and am currently starting over with a Belly Dance to slim down DVD that I have used off and on over the years.

Really hoping to get into the swing of things again soon as even though it is quite a work out, it leaves me feeling so energized and a little more self confident each time.

Looking forward to chatting with and meeting others with similar interest and goals.

- ali

Posts: 86
4/28/13 9:41 P

Hi I am new to this team , I signed up a couple weeks ago though and I think this is my first post ! I hope to be more involved with this site and learn a few things ! I am newly active on spark though I made an account a while back , there are belly dance classes in a couple of towns over from mine but I thought I would learn about it and try out a few moves before signing up :) Sounds great !

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2/12/13 5:11 P

I am new to this team - not new to SparkPeople.

Belly Dancing practically every day has been helping me in my quest for health.

Had been introduced to Belly Dancing not through neighbors, friends, schools or a studio, but via online classes.

As far as managing my health problems, belly dancing knocks it out of the park!

I did lose a lot of weight that could not budge before, through bellydancing and stepping up my diet. Where vinyasa yoga had dropped the ball, belly dancing picked it right up.

Just my 2 cents ...

Tina

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2/5/13 12:46 P

Hi everyone! I decided to see if there were any bellydance teams today and decided to join this one. I have been with SP since January 6 and have been bellydancing as my main exercise. Looking forward to hearing about what you're doing and getting to know more bellydancers!

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10/14/12 2:52 P

Hello everyone!
New here and just popping in to say hello!

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9/24/12 9:55 A

Ok the welcome message was way funny. But I cant find my cammel. arg! Gonna give sp another try as last time I was here I did great but spent to much time on line. I love belly dancing. I am truely amazed at how it assists me in loving me and my body. I do need to learn to become more comfie though with some areas. I hope to one day soon feel great in my bra at the gym or in my class shimmying away.

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8/23/12 7:52 A

hello everyone!!

Just came across this group and I was quite happy about it! I've been dancing for a few years now and have 2 classes a week. I'm more of a cabaret style, but haven't developed an actual "style" yet. One of the reasons I'm on this site in general is to be a better dancer, to be stronger and have better endurance.

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5/3/12 6:34 P

Hello all, I`ve been on sparkpeople for less than a month. I`ve been navigating myself through the site. I am not sure how the groups work. Many have not been posted on, in months. Can you direct me to a place that will let me know the structure of the teams, what to expect and what my responsibilities are when I am a team member ? Thank you !

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4/30/12 5:36 P

Hello all,

I'm Val and I'm a 20 year old in-between majors student. I've recently found this group in the hopes of kicking my butt into getting off the couch and shimmy the hips some. It's tough to find something that I can participate in locally. In my entire area there's only one Belly Dance Studio and, alas, it took me some time in archival search to find it and the only info. I could spring from that was an e-mail address!! So it's nice to find a group on here to share and hear from :)

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4/15/12 6:50 P

Due to where I live, I have to dance at home with videos myself. Thank goodness for World Dance New York.

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3/27/12 9:31 P

Welcome KITTYLEGATA!

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3/27/12 5:18 A

Hi,

I am opart of a UK based bell dancing group known as Hipsinc (student not teacher), which run a variety of classes, including triba;, egyptian and street/belly dance fusion!!!.. and have just joined this wonderful group!!

Happy dancing to you all

Posts: 1,079
11/16/11 4:41 P

Hi I just joined the group! I've gone back to belly dancing at home because I cannot find a local class. I have 1 DVD and have subscribed to a few videos on You Tube. I'm hoping a class will open up after the new year.

Edited by: IRISHDANCEMOM62 at: 11/16/2011 (16:44)

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11/3/11 6:10 P

Welcome to all!

Posts: 137
11/1/11 9:22 P

I have been taking classes for the past 7 months and I am totally in love with this exercise. I am now up to 3 classes a week. Between sparks and the dance classes I have lost over 25 pounds so far. I am lucky that in our community we have someone who knows both ATS and Suhaila Salimpour method. Wish I had know about this ten years ago as I get bored with the gym easily.

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9/8/11 2:22 P

I am new to bellydancing too but it's one of those things you gotta try it...then you'll see....I really like it. Just wanted to say to all I enjoy reading all of your experiences and it's encouraging...thanks for sharing. One step forward....or is that one hip forward...lol.

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8/5/11 9:04 A

Hello! I've just started a belly dancing class and I got a cute black hip scarf with silver coins and beads....but I feel like I'm going to want to buy a lot more hip scarves! They're so pretty and fun! The black one is plain-ish and versatile though.

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4/19/11 1:14 P

WOW! This is soooo awesome to find a group about bellydancing! When I was younger, and thinner and in better shape, I bellydanced a lot. I started taking lessons again last year - even though I am over 300 lbs. Not only is it a great workout, but it's way funner than the gym! And, being my size, there are so many things to make me feel bad about myself - media, very thin women, society's ideal, just not finding clothes my size to fit that are pretty - and bellydancing puts my body back into perspective. It was made to move! It makes me feel sensual! It makes me want to move more and do whatever it takes to be able to move even more! Bellydancing makes me aware of my body and the flow and grace of it. Definately something important in weight loss toolbox!

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3/31/11 2:21 A

My name is Cher I've been into Belly Dancing after I took a class at an SCA event last summer. I feel in love. It took a while to find a class ( I live in a rural area). The class is 30 miles away from my home, so until recently I wasn't able to fit it in. I just got a part time job in just down the street from where the classes are. I decided to splurge and am taking classes twice a week.

I'm very over weight (350lbs). Right now I feel like a dancing hippo with three left feet lol. I'm loving it though. The gals in the class are great. I danced when I was younger mostly ballet I stopped after a knee injury. Through the class I almost cried because I was so not in the groove (a matter for my shrink and I to work on).

I'm glad I found this group,
Cher

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3/1/11 11:05 A

Hello! My name is Donna and I am so happy to see a group dedicated to the art of belly dance! I have been dancing since 2006. I came from zero dance background, but I fell in love with belly dance after taking an adult CE course in ATS Tribal style. I found I wanted to delve even deeper into belly dance and I found a school that teaches the Suhaila format, which completely transformed me as a dancer, since the technique can be applied to any stylization. I am part of the studio's troupe now and we dance so many different styles - from cabaret, to tribal, to even some West African and we fuse many other dance styles, so it's kind of hard to define, which we love : )
I'm looking forward to joining this community and working with everyone to develop a healthy lifestyle so we are dancing well into our advanced years!

Ayyyyiiiip!!!

Posts: 1,172
2/16/11 11:04 P

Namaste!

I love BD and am starting my first formal training on March 1st. I had dabbled in DVD's to learn some of the basic moves but I know myself and I know I will do much better in a classroom environment with immediate feedback. I'm so excited! I can't wait! My instructor has studied under Suhaila Salimpour (and a few others) and dances/teaches both ATS and Egyptian. Happy to find this team!

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1/31/11 10:33 A

Hello ladies! My name is also Sarah, and I love Belly dancing! :)

I've done a ton of DVD dancing and taken two formal classes over the past several years . One in San Diego and another in chicago. I haven't been able to find a place to pick up classes again that has structure and when I get good enough to join in a troupe. That is my ultimate goal, but I am just at a loss of how to make that happen.

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1/18/11 11:13 P

Hi,

I am new to sparks. I started b-dancing with Shimmy on Fittv and I am really upset Shimmy is no longer here in the USA! :-(

I am hoping to join Universal Athletics club near here for the boxing and indoor pool, and get some dvds for b-dancing here at home.

I can't say enough about the improved posture, the inches off my midsection due to the stronger abs! Not to mention the extra energy and better self-esteem!

I look forward to talking with all of you, soon I hope! :-)

Posts: 317
1/15/11 3:12 P

Hi All, I took BD class for 3 years, in the early 80's disco was our practice music. At that time we had a women in her 60's in our class who had arthritis in her back and hands. Her MD was amazed at how the dancing helped her. Well guess what? Here I am now I don't have it in my hands,but in my back. I have serious back problems and have not been able to dance or exercise. I had an epidural injection in my back yesterday, after my last one 2 years ago I was exercising up till now. Itchy to get moving again and love belly dancing. Any other seniors dancing?

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1/7/11 7:21 P

HI...MY NAME IS SARAH..IM NEW TO THIS GROUP I STARTED BELLYDANCING ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AND GOT ADDICTED TO IT....EVERYTIME I DANCE NOW ITS PRETTY MUCH BELLY DANCING..AND PPL ARE JEALOUS =)

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12/29/10 10:47 P

Hi everyone!
I am new to SP, but old to BD. I've been belly dancing for about 5 years. My local community college offers classes (get in shape AND get a credit? AWESOME!). I've been taking those for about 3 years. I am now in the intermediate class and we are getting ready to learn veil dances. My teacher is named Ramona. She refuses to be in any photos or videos (due to her job depending on a stern, professional appearance) but she studied extensively with Eva Cernik, who you can youtube, and should. She is FANTASTIC!
I am looking forward to belly dancing "for real" again and losing the weight I gained in the recent year I took off from dancing.

Posts: 1
12/14/10 3:18 P

What is the link to the youtube exercise video? I'd love to check it out. Thanks!

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11/17/10 6:01 P

Hi I did my first belly dancing work out today using youtube. It was AWSOME! 30 minutes. Right at the beginning I could feel a lot of tention in my hips, my hips like top pop a lot, and hurt sometimes. About 10 minutes into it, I really didn't notice the tention anymore, so i'm thinking maybe this will be really good for me :)

Posts: 64
10/25/10 5:04 P

Hello everyone! I too am new to belly dance, I guess. I have been exercising with DVD's for a few years now, but my exercising comes & goes. I am trying to get back into it. Belly dance is my favorite workout/dance! I struggle with arthritis in both knees & a week leg (do to a hip replacement at 38, now 44). So I am trying to get back into exercise & get stronger & beyond knee pain to get back into belly dance! Dream of doing it with a troop, but we'll see.
I have got several DVD's from collagevideo.com or cheekygirlsproductions.com
Good luck to you all & hope we can be of some help & support for each other! Love belly dance & the women who do it, so glad I found this SparkTeam!

Posts: 1,021
10/14/10 4:13 P

hey guys :)

I JUST signed up today for my first belly dancing class. its Egyptian belly dancing :) I can't wait to start I am nervous/excited :)

Posts: 2,071
10/9/10 11:41 P

Hi! Glad t find a couple belly dance SparkTeams! I do American Gypsy style and LOVE it!

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8/29/10 7:41 P

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the site, I got started and never really did anything with it. Lately I've been really enjoying Shimmy on fittv, and have been given a few dvds from family members. Belly dancing is so beautiful, and I don't dread it like I do running ;)

Thank you for creating this group and it's wonderful to see so many other people interested as well.

Have a great day!
Valerie :)

Posts: 81
8/4/10 6:03 P

Hello everyone! My name is Crystal-Joy and I am 100% NEW to Belly dancing! It just sort of hit me recently that I really wanted to learn belly dancing. I started watching Youtube videos and ordered myself the Luscious Belly Dancing for Beginners DVD. I can't wait for it to get here!

Well anyway, its nice to meet you all! :)

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7/12/10 8:13 P

Welcome, everybody!

Posts: 63
6/29/10 7:25 P

Hi Guys - I'm also new to belly dance and I have to say, out of all the kinds of exercise I've tried, belly dancing makes me feel the most beautiful and special. I'd love to learn more - I only have a few (9) episodes of "Shimmy" recorded from FitTV. I set a goal to practice with 1-2 episodes every day until I've gone through them 2x, and I'm actually looking forward to it! Any suggestions for beginner DVDs to try?

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6/27/10 2:59 P

Hi Everyone! My real name is Paige, and I just started back with SP recently, hoping to get a little organization and discipline into my life. I've been taking belly dance classes on and off for the last three years, but just a month ago finally got the courage to move up to the intermediate class. I'm really loving it and looking forward to getting involved with this group.

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5/26/10 1:07 P

Ello all, new to forums in general and figure this would be the best place to start. I started dancing last month and finally motivated to lose weight thanks to my teacher. I love the fact that she keeps pushing even big girls can dance as good as the small ones, and is really getting me to love myself and push even harder to get myself healthy. So as classes and the weight loss go on, I may pick your brains for additional help..

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5/24/10 4:05 P

Hi! Just started dancing at a four-week class. It was a blast! I joined the class for a nice workout that could start easy and be layered into something really butt-kicking! ;-)

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4/17/10 11:23 P

Hello!

I was briefly on SP a while back, but didn't stick with it for long at all. I'm now back, and already doing much better, and it's only been three days!

Anyway, I love belly dancing, and hope to expand my knowledge of not only it, but dance in general. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all here!

Jamie, a.k.a. Ophelia

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4/12/10 7:26 P

Hello! I just re-joined SP a few weeks ago! I love belly dancing! I have been dancing since 2002, although not continuously. However, now that my youngest daughter is 4, I feel I can go back into it more seriously...as a matter of fact, I got to go! Just signed up for lessons (beginners, to "polish" up on basics) and have my first lesson tonight!

Shimmy, shimmy! :)

Posts: 280
3/18/10 7:01 P

Hello! I've been on Sparkpeople for about 2 weeks (just finished FastBreak) and I've been looking forward to trying belly-dancing. I've been learning the basics on 'Shimmy' and can't wait to do more!

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2/11/10 1:21 A

Hey all! I've been an on-again, off-again sparkpeople member depending on my motivation, but just found the belly dancers here! w00t, w00t! I've been dancing for 12 years (omg, I can't be old enough to have done that - lol) off and on and after being diagnosed with PTSD and a neck injury have decided to get back into belly dance hardcore in order to get my act together! Looking forward to making some progress - finally! LOL

Posts: 77
2/7/10 5:55 P

Hello all, I'm new to the group and have been using the sparkpeople website since October with encouraging results. I've been bellydancing for about 1 1/2 yrs (a little more) and found it is the only "workout" plan that I've been able to stick with for more than 6 months. I really like the Rachel Brice drills DVD and have some other "Bollyrobics" and bellydance videos that are more of an aerobic workout. I gave my mom the Intro Goddess workout, and I gave my sister the Kathy Smith bellydancing workout video. Both are good workouts with alot of instruction for beginners. Okay, I'm getting wordy, I'll sign off for now. Sending shimmies all around!

Posts: 36
2/5/10 1:52 P

Hi ! I'm a newbie to this Sparkteam (and sparkpeople.com in general.. ) .. but not a newbie at bellydancing !!

been dancing for almost 6 years now ... learning new things each week !! I have a wonderful teacher and I think I'll stay a "baby bellydancer" all my life ... I love to learn new choreographies and things like that! hope to blend in ... you guys seem really nice

(sorry if my english is a little "messy" .. I usually speak french.. ahahah !! )

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1/22/10 10:15 A

I found a cheap DVD on Barnes & Noble (.com) called Belly Dance For Wimps! It is easy to follow and uses drills. I also like the Goddess workouts alot!

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1/20/10 11:41 A

LOL, I am not so much of a newbie to this group or even belly dance, but after a long hiatus from SP and heck exercize of any kind, I am ready to get back into the groove.

I've been officially diagnosed with CFS/FMS and thought yoga / belly dance / hooping would be a fun non-agressive way to tone up.

Can anyone suggest any beginners DVDs? I am particularly interested in drills as that is how I learned best when I took lessons well over a decade ago.

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12/10/09 6:12 A

Angel, I'm so sorry you lost your husband. You're so young to have already had to go through this. Nat, some of the sexiest dancers I've ever seen have been larger women. In fact, my husband picked out one of the largest women in my class and asked me if I would be able to dance like her when I grow up! (never mind that I've already got 20 years on this gorgeous creature!) I wish I had realized this when I was younger and so much bigger, I could have been enjoying this for years! So, keep dancing, and enjoy yourself!
Linda

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9/28/09 2:56 P

Hello and welcome!!!!

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9/23/09 12:59 P

Hello all!! I have just recently become interested in Belly-dancing. I did not think that it was something that I could do being overweight. Then I started practicing with "Shimmy" and I realized that it is a really good workout. I am not that coordinated but it is still fun. If anyone has any suggestions on DVD for beginners or classes in my area, that would be GREAT! Natale

Posts: 405
9/22/09 11:26 P

Hi everyone. I'm Terre, & I've been on SparkPeople on and off for a few years, and just recently started taking belly dancing classes...I love it!!! I'm trying to get into shape, lose 35 lbs, and work off some stress & tension that I've had since my husband, Chris, died in April. I'm glad I found this group!

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9/7/09 6:24 P

new Members!!!

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9/2/09 12:35 P

Welcome!!!

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8/31/09 2:52 A

Hello!

So, I'm relatively new to SparkPeople, and joined this team after one of my friends and buddies found it. I've been involved with a Renaissance-themed Gypsy Kumpania for 8 years, but spent more time drumming, storytelling and hiding with the musicians than actually dancing (although I've been dragged onstage for that when called upon). I haven't had any formal training, but am hoping to find a teacher/studio with reasonable rates that fits within my schedule. Other than that, I'm a recently graduated and waiting for my state license body-worker and stage hand, and I enjoy dancing in the kitchen as I cook accompanied to an eclectic array of music.

Happy to be here!

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7/30/09 2:36 P

Welcome, welcome!!!

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7/27/09 11:46 P

Hi all! I realized I haven't introduced myself yet so I guess I'll just jump right in. I got into belly dancing about 5 years ago when I moved to Colorado. I don't really remember what made me try it, I just remember really, really wanting to be a part of it and I'm so glad I did! I loved my teacher and participated in classes on and off (money was tight) for 3 years. I moved to New Mexico about 2 years ago and have been suffering without classes. I've been dragging my feet about joining another studio. I guess I'm afraid that I won't like the new teacher or classmates as much as the old ones or something But as of tonight I finally decided to bite the bullet and will be calling the studio I've had my eye on since I moved here and inquiring about classes. I put on one of my old DVDs and grooved to it a couple nights ago and the fever struck all over again...I can't believe I've been away so long! I just started taking ballet and while it's a lot of fun there's a special place in my heart for belly dance. And wow it's hard to hold my hips still in that class!

Anyways, nice to meet you all and happy shimmies

EDIT: LOL whoops, I realized I did introduce myself in a post a long time ago...I forgot all about it! Well...hi again!

Edited by: BPELTONEN at: 7/28/2009 (00:03)

Posts: 38
7/26/09 10:22 A

Hi! New to Sparkpeople and I was so happy to see a place for belly dancers! I've been dancing for 2.5 years. I've just recently started to bump up my practice to daily practice. I've been learning Raks Sharki but have just recently started to delve into folkloric. My instructor is taking me through some private lessons and is teaching me a choreo with cane. And I've just started zils, love them even if I need lots of practice.

I'm hoping to join the studio student troupe in a few months, so I really need to work on my strength and flexibility as well as my technique.

Couldn't help noticing an NKOTB chick...me too!!

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7/22/09 1:18 P

welcome...welcome...welcome!!!

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7/21/09 9:58 A

Hi! I am new to Belly Dancing. Infact, I haven't even taken a formal class yet. That starts in September! I'm so excited! Funny thing is I will be taking it with the same teacher I took Ballet and Tap with when I was in grade school. Today I tried a video and wow.. you guys make it look so easy! I have nothing but the utmost respect for all of you dancers out there and hope that someday I will be able to do a few moves. I made it through a figure 8, Shimmy twist.. with and without walk and a hip drop.. way too fun. Can't wait to do more tomorrow and I would be thrilled for any advice anyone has! :-)

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7/17/09 10:07 A

I'm reintroducing myself I guess, I've been gone a very very long time. I've been dancing for the last 11 years or so. I also teach ages 8-15 although some of my older students refuse to leave. My dance style is definately fusion for the most part and skirts a bit towards goth in my costume and music choices I've been told. I just know what I like and what my students like. A big dance goal for me right now is wings, I want to learn to dance with isis wings and learn more about dancing with my sword.

Big goal for me outside of dance, be half the woman I am

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7/12/09 1:50 P

Hello!

I've been belly dancing for five years now, mostly influenced by American Tribal Style though I take classes with many different teachers. I've also been in a semi-pro troupe for three years. I've been a fire dancer for the past 6 years, though not as much lately. Hooping is something I picked up a few years ago, and it's been fun to try something new with no goals or ambition, just doing it to be in the moment. I joined Spark this spring but I just reset my goals to get serious about losing weight and getting fit. Gyms are not my thing (don't like them and had to let go of my membership when I lost my job) so I'm looking to make fitness a holistic part of my life by being more active (and learning to love it).

Happy dancing everyone!

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6/25/09 2:50 P

Congrats and welcome!!!!

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6/20/09 7:05 A

Um... wow... where to start? I began belly dancing back in January this past year and it's quite a lot of fun. Back in May I ended up preforming at the local renaissance faire in Muskogee, OK. I haven't picked it back up since because of scheduling issues, but I will as soon as I get a job that gives me saturday mornings off. Things are super hectic right now. I was engaged recently and our wedding is planned for March 7th next year. On top of planning for that, we're closing on our first house and I'm currently looking for another job. If there wasn't a harder time for me to try to work on fitness, I don't know when it would have been. *laughs* but I've finally gone over what I'm comfortable with on my weight and want to slim down some. I know belly dancing is supposed to help a lot, but I've noticed some of the beginner stuff doesn't work you as hard as it could. I just haven't been losing weight with it. Should I try going outside the class and getting some videos or something?

Posts: 77
6/15/09 1:12 A

Isn't Ariellah doing some sort of gothic/tribal belly dance?I know it's different from Sadie or Jillina(my fave dancers)'s style,though I can't figure out in which aspects.Except the music and costuming,of course.

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6/10/09 1:33 P

Well there are lots out there...I like Ariellah contemporary bellydance yoga and conditioning...and it sounds like anything for "shimmy" but I don't get the fit tv so I havn't seen it...have fun and shimmy on!!!

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6/2/09 9:43 P

and can you give me the name of a good starter dvd.

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Fitness Minutes: (3,327)
Posts: 4,594
6/1/09 3:12 P

Welcome you guys and have fun shimming away!!!

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SparkPoints: (7,798)
Fitness Minutes: (8,309)
Posts: 499
5/29/09 9:47 P

Welcome Shelly and Sharon. I am still somewhat new to bellydancing but I enjoy it so much. I hope you both have a lot fun and get a great work out while you're at it!

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Posts: 2,800
5/29/09 9:19 P

I'm Sharon from CA, I like variety in my workouts, so I going to try bellydancing.

Pounds lost: 18.0

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SparkPoints: (14,173)
Fitness Minutes: (4,692)
Posts: 1,281
5/27/09 8:19 A

Hi, my name is Shelly, I'm 40 years old, started belly dancing about a year ago, had to stop because of my school schedule, so I took modern and jazz, and am now in a belly dancing class at school. I really like it and have started a costume collection. It's so easy to love the costumes isn't it?

See you all around.

current weight: 140.0

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SparkPoints: (12,099)
Fitness Minutes: (3,327)
Posts: 4,594
5/19/09 1:06 P

Welcome and have fun!!

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Posts: 48
5/16/09 7:29 A

Hi I'm Jo. I took an interest in trying belly dance when it was offered where I take my Zumba classes. It's been less than a month and I'm already looking to buy DVDs. It's so much fun.

Posts: 27
5/7/09 1:36 P

Hi! My name is Jami. I'm fairly new to belly dance. Currently I've just been doing DVDs and the Shimmy program. It's been enough to make me want to learn more. Belly dance is something that is so empowering, no matter your size. There is a local troop here that I have yet to join (Between 2 jobs and school, time is an issue) but it's something that is definitely on my to do list. :)

SparkPoints: (7,798)
Fitness Minutes: (8,309)
Posts: 499
4/4/09 11:20 P

Hi there. My name is Connie and I'm 21 years old and have been interested in belly dance for several years now but have just began to actually put forth effort into trying it. So far I have only done a couple DVD's by Neena and Veena, which are great workouts, but am ordering some new ones off ebay that teach actual dancing. I also enjoy walking/jogging and yoga and sometimes even strength training. I would like to learn a little bit of different styles of dancing but I think ultimately I'd like to do gothic and tribal fusion. I am very excited to learn and have fun dancing!

current weight: 207.6

248 218.5 189 159.5

130

SparkPoints: (12,099)
Fitness Minutes: (3,327)
Posts: 4,594
3/16/09 7:34 P

Hee-hee...yay..ditto!! What she said, that she said!

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Posts: 10,113
3/16/09 6:31 P

Yeah - what she said!

current weight: 125.0

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Posts: 3,202
3/16/09 3:30 P

Oh Jenny Jenny Jenny... YOU MUST ACT!!!

If you think that you want to try it, you should. That is the beauty of this dance... all of us come in many shapes and sizes and that is the gift we bring to our sister dancers. The knowledge that we are able to dance this dance, no matter what our size. It is a dance for women... by women. You will kick yourself if you wait.

I'm still kicking myself...

Posts: 734
3/15/09 1:36 P

Happy Sunday everyone. My name is Jenny. I am 29 and just recently got engaged.

I have always had an interest in belly dancing although I have never really acted on my interest. I have started watching and dancing with the show "Shimmy" on FitTV. I love the way the dancers move, but I have always been ashamed of my size to actually join a class so there is no way I would join a troupe. I would like to learn more and once I get some of this weight off of my, I would love to join a class.

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3/5/09 10:11 P

DFW? There are TONS of teachers in that area. Just let me know which side you're on or check here:

www.ntmeda.org/teach.html

I'm familiar with quite a few on that list if you need to know more.

current weight: 125.0

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Posts: 425
3/5/09 5:21 P

My problem is here in the DFW area belly dancing isn't big enough to warrant anyone teaching classes...I would love to learn and then take lessons then become a teacher and open a local belly dance studio, that would SOOOO totally rock!

I've just ordered a couple new DVD's I have one from fatchancebellydance.com and it's ok it just isn't structured enough for me...

Belly dancing is awesome because it works no matter your size....I'll take a picture of me and my outfit and post it in blog - I would love to add some sparklies to it....

current weight: 134.0

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Posts: 10,113
3/5/09 3:00 P

Is there one among us who doesn't have the "ferret syndrome" affliction???? LOL

current weight: 125.0

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SparkPoints: (12,099)
Fitness Minutes: (3,327)
Posts: 4,594
3/5/09 2:40 P

Anything that is shiny, sparkly...we love!!
Welcome!

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SparkPoints: (36,153)
Fitness Minutes: (38,386)
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3/5/09 2:36 P

My step-daughter is the one that got me taking bellydance lessons. She is very graceful and beautiful to watch. I love the exercise and of course the shiny, sparkly, spangly cabaret style costumes caught me right away!

Pounds lost: 39.2

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SparkPoints: (12,099)
Fitness Minutes: (3,327)
Posts: 4,594
3/2/09 3:37 P

You and your sister will have so much fun!!! And yes it is beautiful on all woman...And WELCOME!!!

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SparkPoints: (42,182)
Fitness Minutes: (34,498)
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3/2/09 11:24 A

I'm new to this team. I've been doing some bellydancing at home but with no "real" training. I've convinced my sister to take a class with me this spring. I am so excited.I think it is beautiful at any size. I love the moves and the music.

Posts: 168
3/2/09 11:19 A

I just joined I dont bellydance as of yet but I really really want to learn how to ---- I love it, its just so gorgeous to watch and I always want to participate and I think it would be a great day for me to make sure I am active everyday.

Posts: 10,113
3/1/09 10:13 P

Welcome to the group - jump in and make yourself at home.

current weight: 125.0

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Posts: 12
3/1/09 1:21 P

Hello I am new :) i am 20 and belly dance.

Posts: 3,566
2/10/09 11:09 A

Hi! Welcome to SP and the group!

SparkPoints: (12,099)
Fitness Minutes: (3,327)
Posts: 4,594
2/5/09 1:51 P

Hi......and welcome!

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SparkPoints: (12,736)
Fitness Minutes: (11,752)
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2/5/09 2:48 A

Hi there !

I'm pretty new on SP (joined a few days ago) and completely new to belly dancing. I decided to start belly dancing after reading this on Amiras's website : "Through bellydance, women can see themselves from the inside out and not the other way around, thus more easily appreciate their bodies and feel beautiful. Inner beauty develops from having a non-judgmental attitude, confidence, self-respect and self-love."
I'm in a place where I need to connect to my body, learn to love and respect and take care of it. I don't have that much weight to lose but I definitely need a shift in how I see and feel about my body; it's not just body image issues, it goes deeper than that and I feel that belly dancing, joining SP and starting to exercise, eat healthier food, pampering is a great add on to the work I do in therapy.
Amira's 101 DVD arrived today through the mail, as well as the instructional DVD by Jillina and I'm really looking forward to starting dancing !

SparkPoints: (12,099)
Fitness Minutes: (3,327)
Posts: 4,594
1/30/09 2:26 P

Hee-hee...ya I know that now...what can I say, sometimes I don't read everything...I just float thru it

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1/29/09 7:31 P

Sssshhh Lana - she's with Trick Concepts! LOL

current weight: 125.0

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SparkPoints: (12,099)
Fitness Minutes: (3,327)
Posts: 4,594
1/29/09 2:00 P

LOL...I'm here, I'm here...yes what troupe are you in...or do you just do solo stuff?? Have you tried the fire balancing sword?? Fun, Fun...Trick Concepts has a few to choose from....and welcome!!

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1/27/09 7:07 P

Sashi - you need to be talking to our Lana (check team leaders - Ilanap.) She's a tribal dancer/fire spinner also in Cali.

Oooooh Lana - wherefore art thou????

current weight: 125.0

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Posts: 26
1/27/09 1:49 P

Hi! I'm still pretty new to Sparkpeople, but already I'm feeling the benefits.
I've been dabbling in Belly dancing for years now , with my Fire Dance group. I have a gorgeous pair of dancing bowls which look great!
I'm really glad to have found this team, perhaps it'll encourage me to bring more belly dancing into my life...I do love it so.

Posts: 10,113
1/26/09 12:39 P

Welcome, and you're in the right place to find out what you want to know about developing moves. Just ask away.

current weight: 125.0

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SparkPoints: (7,173)
Fitness Minutes: (923)
Posts: 1,294
1/26/09 11:25 A

Hello all! I live in Ohio and I took my very first belly dancing class yesterday! I'm not new to s/p but I am new to this! I really enjoyed it and I am look for friends and ideas on ways to develop some to the basic moves...so I hope to talk to everyone soon!

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