I finally did it! I posted my first picture! This is the 3 disc DVD called The Goddess Workout by Dolphina.

The difference of doing this DVD v. going to the actual class that I have been attending is that Dolphina uses a fitness approach towards belly dancing instead of a dancer's approach.

The backdrop of the DVD is a little bit distracting, because she is standing on a white circle in the middle of a pool of water.

Something a little different...

Class on Wednesday was taught by a substitute named Ivan. She was great. The class was more crowded than usual, and there were 9 of us. She began with the same stretches we are used to, but we learned slow motions to change things up a bit.

The first move we did was the figure eight. We did it very slowly, but deliberately. (If that makes any sense) This move could be done with the arms moving up and down your face, snake arms, (which we also worked a lot on) and behind you. The most difficult part was switching directions and getting your hips to move back and to the left first instead of forward and to the right.

We worked on 3/4 turns, where your hips move up and down on a 1-2-3-count and while you walk at the same time. That was interesting!

Ivan even went through arabesque turns with us. She had us all line up by 3's at the end of class and walk to the other end stepping 3 times, and then turning our hips inward and out lifting our toes. This move was beautiful, and could be worked into a number of routines we have been learning recently.

My favorite part of the class came last when she taugh us a drum solo. This was hot. The music was loud, upbeat, and the energy the moves gave off was high! While doing the dance you couldn't help but giggle with excitement as was the entire class.

Overall, this week was great in class, and my friend Ashley and I even did our moves out when we went dancing this weekend! Huge success and a lot of fun!

Hip Scarves, Where to Buy...

I found after looking through many various sites that this one I preferred to purchase Hip Scarves. I found that after browsing through their site and contacting them by phone, I was able to place my order and receive my product within 48 hours. I ordered it last Monday and had it in time to go to class Wednesday evening. Another great place I found was at the Turkish Corner.

If you do want to stay local I did find a place called The Renaissance Store located at 4620 East Speedway and their phone number is (520) 546-8223. Although, they did not have a very large selection, but they are good quality and you can buy it here and have it immediately! The staff there was very friendly.

As far as music, I realized after talking to my instructor, Kathryn that there are so many different styles of bellydancing, Oriental all the way to Hawaiian, therefore it is important if I want to practice what I am learing in class that I get the right songs. She also told me to be careful, because a lot of the music has religious meaning behind it, and just to be cautious about what I am purchasing.

NEW MUSIC to GROOVE too!

Well, last week I took 2 classes and now am obsessed! I love attending a class, and actually getting to have a teacher come up to you face to face and physical guide you in the right direction, if you need it. I definitely did last Wed. I was surprised to see a whole new group of young girls, only 10 years old!

Now, since I have been going I have just been practicing at home to mainstream POP quazzi Egyptian style music, but now my instructor Kathryn, told me where to get the CD we used for our routine in class. It is http://www.dahlal.com/default.aspx?n=1&c=2.

Once your there it is the Belly Dance Zone Hot Pick 1 CD. It has a strong drum influence the beginning that is so much fun to dance to, and the energy of the song gradually builds up and is intense to hear as well move to.

I will let you know what I learn this week next time, plus let you know the best places to buy hip scarves in Tucson and online!