1. Engage your core muscles (suck in your belly button) to maintain good alignment during the turn. Zip up the torso.
2. Every turn is a balance, so practice balancing the position of your feet. Is your foot placement too wide, too close, is your foot pattern correct? Chances are that if you lose your balance your foot placement might be out. Practice holding your foot placement and see if you can balance.
3. Spotting - Spot an object as you turn and keep your eyes off the floor (or that’s where you may end up).
4. Use only enough push to get around – sometimes a dance student can overestimate their turn, pushing so hard that they throw the turn off, end up in the wrong direction or complicate the turn entirely. Simplify and practice the amount of power.
5. Keep the body upright and shoulder's down. Posture, posture, posture.

Excuse the quiality but below is a quick video example of incredible turns.
​

One of my favourite ever dancers is also a great singer. The ever graceful, elegant and humble Nesrin Topkapi singing in English on Turkish television channel TV8. I have goose bumps just listening to her. There is only one Nesrin topkapi and her dance spirit has inspired many around the world. Enjoy!

If you've never had the pleasure of attending a Turkish Wedding, I have posted a YouTube video below of what it can be like.

This is what I grew up with, where I first learned how to dance by observing and copying other ladies, and getting a feeling for live music. The wedding dance floor holds many happy memories for me. It's a time to throw away all troubles and just dance with positive vibes and full energy.
The sounds and reverberations of the darbuka, kanun, keyboard, violin, saz is like no other and recorded music does not do the band justice. The lady in this video is obviously professional (you can tell by her turns) but you get the idea :).
Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/i0P8iERAN5A

back to hire a belly dancer

Hello,

Happy International Women's day!


What does this day mean to you? What does it mean to you to be a woman?

Are you a Mother, Grandmother, Daughter? Sister, Mother in law, Wife, Auntie, Girlfriend? Do you play many roles?

The characteristics of women in society are different compared with that of men. Men have their strengths and weaknesses and the same goes for women. It's how we compliment, respect and support each other as equals that creates balance. Even on a day like today, it's worth celebrating the fantastic men that support women to help them achieve their dreams and regard women equally - economically, socially and politically.


In my experience, a woman is the back bone of the family. They bring people together, care for many people, provide comfort and support. I've always found joy in encouraging other women to develop and better themselves. Why would I want to further contribute towards the many insecurities that women already have? Instead I choose to build up other women and focus on their strengths to help improve and encourage confidence, self worth and community.

I would like for you to take a moment. Forget about societal challenges/status quo and think about what is your strength? What makes you, you? What is it you like about you?

Is it the ability to have children, care for children/family members that makes women/you powerful, Is it your your ability to teach and inspire others in the classroom. It is the way you manage a team in the office? Or the curves that you appreciate when wearing your little black dress?


What makes you proud to be a woman? Feel free to let me know by replying to this email or on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram. #proudwoman

I finish this message with a thought taken from the International Women's Day official website:

"Celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. 
Yet let's also be aware progress has slowed in many places across the world, so urgent action is needed to accelerate gender parity."

Enjoy celebrating your day as a woman! ;).

Shimmy hugs,
Tevec xxx
​