Catwoman Tribute

I wanted to post a video of my performance at Gothla UK in Leicester, England from July 2014.  Teaching and performing was a major milestone in my life and one of the most exciting moments in my life.


 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQUR91dApBs

Class 4

Hi ladies!

I apologize for the delay, regarding the blog entry for Week 4.

This week, we covered the following:

1.  Combo:

-Arabic IV (rocking motion) with optional level hip slides: Step forward (R), step middle (L), step back (R), step middle (L).

-To transition to the next foot pattern (Step, together, step, touch), notice that you are weighted on the L foot.  Begin the Step, together, step, touch move to the right with the optional level hip circle.

-To transition to the Arabic IV, starting with the L foot, notice that you are weighted on the R leg, when the Step, together, step, touch move is completed.  Step forward (L), step middle (R), step back (L), and step middle R.

-Transition to the Step, together, step, touch move with the optional level hip circle (to the L) beginning with weight on the R leg.

2.  Upper body move: chest slides (side to side).

Please feel free to send me an e-mail or FB message if you have any questions.

xoxo,
Michelle

Class #3 July 1, 2015

Hi everyone!

Here's a description of the combo from today's class:

1. Three step turn to the right, ending with a twist coming from the right hip. Right foot is weighted and left foot is free to execute a three step turn to the left, ending with a twist with the left hip. The hip is now forward to start hip twist forward to back.

2. Shoulder rotations: shoulder moves forward, up, back, middle, down. Try to keep the hands as still and relaxed as possible.

3. Snake arms: shoulder rotations with the arms following along for the ride: shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingertips.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   We are half way through the session and there's so much more to learn.  I'll see y'all next week!
   
   
   xoxo

Class 2, June 24, 2015

Hi everyone!

Thanks for joining me for another class in the stunning Jade Room at C-Boy's!   Here's a list of this evening's class material:

1.  Glute squeezes with hips on the up.
2.  Twists: muscles groups utilized: obliques, abdominals, and gluteus.
3.  Circle step (exterior hip circles with step, together, step, touch footwork).
4.  Combo:

Basic Egyptian with twists counts and turn 1-4 front, 5-8 back
Betty Grable Basic Egyptian with hips on the up counts 1-8

See y'all next week!

xoxo,
Michelle

Naima Akef video

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to share this video clip of an exception dancer named Naima Akef.  Naima Akef was one of the leading stars of the Golden Era of Egyptian Cinema in the 1950's.  The dancers of this era really elevated the dance and are still influential to many bellydancers, today.  Enjoy!

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbMwBCQx5lw

Introduction to Bellydance in the Jade Room

June 17, 2015

Class 1

C-Boy's

I just wanted to thank everyone for coming out to class.   Below are some of my class notes.  I'm planning to list the moves and combos learned in class, each week.   Although they won't be as detailed in the future, I thought that this basic information would be good to have the these essential movements used in bellydance. I really enjoyed class tonight and I'm already looking forward to next week!

Posture:

1. Feet: hip width apart
2. Weight should be evenly distributed between the balls of the feet and heels.
3. Soft bend in knees.
4. Neutral pelvis
5. Chest slightly lifted and activated by drawing the shoulders back.
6. Long neck.
7. Make sure that the head is at a neutral position (not to far forward or back).

1. Glute squeezes with oblique muscles to create hip ups:

Squeeze the glute which corresponds with the hip which is intended to be lifted.

The up in on the downbeat.

2. Glute squeezes with oblique muscles to create hip downs:

Squeeze the opposite glutenous muscles to push the hip down.

The down is on the downbeat.

3. Hip drops: Begin with weight on one leg, the foot on the opposing leg should be in releve. then hip is lifted with oblique muscles and opposite glutenous muscles create the drop

4. Hip lifts: Begin with weight on one leg, the foot on the opposing leg should be in releve. The lift is driven by the glutenous muscles corresponding with the hip being lifted

4. Hip slides: driven by the oblique muscles. Use the abdominal muscles to maintain a steady pelvis. Please ensure that the hips stay parallel to the floor.

6. Hip circles

7. Circle step traveling move: step together, step, touch with hip circle.
8. Basic Egyptian: step, touch with ups

Combo: 8 counts of Basic Egyptian, then transition into 8 counts of a circle step, then 8 counts of a hip drop.

Princess Farhana's Royal Blog Entry!

Hi!
I am so excited that one of my favorite dancers and one of the most intriguing people that I know made me the subject of her blog entry today.  I'm so honored!

http://princessraqs.blogspot.com/search/label/Michelle%20Manx