Belly dance originated from folkloric dances that
were very grounded and earthy. But the influence of Ballet has greatly
changed the dance over the last century. Cabaret stage dancers now have
a fluid and airy quality that is accentuated by Western style spins and
turns.
In this DVD we focus on the technique and
strength necessary to execute tight, controlled, and quick turns.
Summer Sahar draws on her training in jazz dance to help you develop the
strength and alignment needed to breathe life into your turns.
After sections on turning technique and
strengthening exercises, Summer introduces an array of specific turns,
including a few ballet turns that can be modified for belly dance.
Turns taught include:
- 3 point turn
- Paddle turn
- Plant and unwind turn
- Compass turn
- Touch turn
- Barrel turn
- Chaîné turns
- Pas de bourrée turn
- Toe drag turn
- Soutenu turn
- Star turn
- Pencil turn
- Attitude turn
Then, in the combinations section, we will do variations of these turns as we fuse them with elements of Middle Eastern dance.
Once you have the foundation needed to
skillfully execute these turns they can then be modified an incorporated
into your own style of dance. By playing with arm placement, speed,
and body alignment you can stylize these turns to make them your own.
No matter what your style of dance, you are sure to wow your audience
with fast and fluid turns that stop on a dime.
