Tag Archives: belly dance

Allies Blog, Beginner Classes, Kids Class, Najlas Blog, Uncategorized

Belly Dance is for everyone no matter the age

Belly Dance is for everyone no matter the age. It is just one of the very few dance forms where you can say that…actually it may be the only; one more specifically if we are talking about advancing to professional level but lets not focus there.

Over my years of being a belly dancer myself of just now 23 years; I have heard oh I am too old or she is too young, or belly dance for kids? I believe I have written about this a time or too but it has been on my mind a lot more recently. I have had discussed this countless of times with current students, soon to be students about the topic. In general, most of the women believe that they are too old for belly dance….what qualifies for too old??? You have got me!!! But, generally speaking I am going to guess that society suggests on average if you are over 30; your too old…this is far from true!

I myself have had the privilege to teach all women from the age of 3-98! I know it is truly crazy that it can be true but WoW all of these women have amazed me! The average age of women stepping into there first class is age anywhere from 40-50, then we do have those exceptions of course, taking their first belly dance class beyond 75 and up!

Have you thought about trying out classes and then thought, but I am too old? Have you suggested it to someone a friend and you got that are you kidding me look? No matter what I am here to tell you that belly dance is for everyone!

Benefits of Belly Dance for 40 & up (benefits everyone!)

it is a low impact workout so it is easier on your joints & bones.

the movements tend to be natural flow (side to side, up and or down, forward & back, in & out).

It helps with coordination and balance.

Helps with posture and to keep the body strong.

Helps keep the body flexible & agile.

It is fun, promotes confidence & well being

Provides time for community with others while learning.

Helps keep the brain young by learning & remembering moves & steps.

These are just some of the amazing benefits! Plus and this is a BIG ONE!!! It just makes you feel Good! We all love to dance and wiggle around! “When you Wiggle. It makes you Giggle!” (My Mantra).

Benefits for All Keep Reading:

We all want to feel good in our bodies and feel good about ourselves! Belly dance increases confidence, self esteem and you will feel better on the whole just not with you, your body, but outlook on life. This dance really teaches us so much more then dance. You get to share with others, create friendships and lasting memories. I provide a space for all women where you can come and just be you. That has always been my #1 vision. I will teach you how to move your body, with love & grace. To move freely, to connect to your most powerful self that has been laying dormant inside you. To help you to feel better, to be more confident in yourself, to help you grow & bloom. To have fun, community, movement & connection. I currently have classes for ages 4 all the way to adult.

Go here to check out my current schedule: https://najlasdance.com/calendar/

See a class you like? Want more info or to sign up click here now: https://najlasdance.com/shop-2/

If this just sounds absolutely amazing to you I would love to be able to connect with you for a chat: https://najlasdance.com/product/free-20-minute-session-with-allie/

Allies Blog, Beginner Classes

Facial Expressions

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This past week one of my students asked a very important question when it comes to facial expressions.  Facial expressions helps bring the emotion that you are trying to conceive with the movements more alive and it is the finishing touch to your dancing.  When performing or even practicing you should always be aware of the expressions you are making with your face.  What is most important is to try and relax and realize it is not necessary to always smile.   When dancing and performing it must be full bodied;meaning emotion comes from every aspect and adding emotion with the face is the key to communicating to the audience the story that you are telling because when we dance we are telling a story.

“Face expression draws attention to the dancer
One of the best tools of the trade is learning to facially adapt to the dance. Audience eyes are drawn to those dance performers who learn how to master the emotion and expression within the set choreography. The mood of the dance is what audiences interact with through interpretation, reciprocal emotion and psychological illusion. It is the actual connecting factor between the dancer and the audience, and one of most importance. ” from Dancehelp.com; article, “Just Face it”.
Tips on Facial Expressions:

  • Always be aware of the expression on your face when practicing
  • keep relaxed and really letting yourself go (this takes time)
  • let the music guide you
  • always keep your head and chin up
  • try not to have the deer in the headlight look ( yes, I have had this happen to me)
  • practice in the mirror

With all this in mind, I am working on hopefully some very cool exercises that we can have some fun with during class on expression of the face!  Just remember with all of this it takes time, patience and alot of practice!

The picture above I think really represents the emotion that a dancer portray’s when dancing.  This picture was taken by WG Images.  Copy Right June, 2011

 

Allies Blog

Self-Image

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This past week I had a wonderful opportunity to talk with Leyla Najma on my thoughts and experiences as a dancer and teacher and what
belly dance has done for me as well as my thoughts on image of not only me but women in general.  So, this past week has been a reflection on the interview and I just wanted to share with you some of my thoughts.

I first want to talk about self-image of women and society.  Why do we get so caught up in someone else’s view on what we as women should or should not look like?  We are surrounded by it; it is in magazines,movies, newspapers, TVs, in our schools and even in our workplace.  So how do we cope with it and how do we realize that what we are seeing is not real. Just this past week, I had a customer who I was working with on skin care and make-up application she looked at the huge picture of a model that had perfect skin, perfect make-up and said; “I want to look like her”!  We both laughed, realizing that each of us knew that underneath all that make-up and the touch ups of camera’s and other
effects the model was not perfect and when it is all said and done the models are just like you and I.

It should not matter what someone else thinks about you, but about how you feel about yourself, that is what is the most important.  What matters is what is on the inside and not on the outside; because when you feel good on the inside it shines through on the outside.  We need to grasp ahold of our uniqueness and realize that nothing or no one else matters but how we feel and how we think.  Forget about what
society says and follow your own path and your own beat.  You are beautiful and there is no one else out there like you

Since I started belly dance it has changed my perspective on my own self-image and women in general.  This dance has given me confidence, strength, and self-acceptance of my image and grabbing hold of the beauty that has been hiding deep down inside
me.  When I look at my students and other women I see each one of them as hidden gems each one of you are unique and
beautiful!  We are strong and we need to stand together and forget what society says what we should be or not be.   Let yourself sparkle and shine, be yourself, enjoy each and every moment!  Dance inthe wind!

Visit:  bellydancevillage.com and listen to the interview I had with Leyla Najma.  “Egyptian Cabaret comes to Chillicothe”

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