It still gets my goat that we’ve been conditioned to think that our bodies shouldn’t wobble and, if they do, that we should cover it up.

As bellydancers, we say different.

In this post I want to talk to you about how to make your tummy wobble in the most beautiful and enchanting way possible. Or, as we belly babes call it: shimmy.

The funny thing with shimmies is that they are different every day because our bodies are different every day. It might depend on what time of the year it is, what time of the month it is or how much our body is ever so slightly bigger or smaller than the day before.

There is no “correct” body type  for shimmying, but you might get a sense that on some days your body tunes in and you get an even, effortless shimmy; other days it feels totally forced, like your doing battle with yourself.

The good news is that there are 3 things you can do to crack this beast. It is possible for you to get a comfortable, relaxed, consistent Egyptian shimmy.

Here’s what to do:

1. Fully understand the mechanics and technique beneath the move

2. Get the technique down pat slowly

3. Repeat the technique on a regular basis and increase speed. I’m talking every day or at least every other day for a period of 2 – 3 months to master the technique (you may take longer, you may master it quicker. Just don’t give up – you will get there!)

To help get you started with 1 and 2, I’ve put together  a video tutorial to guide you through so you’re not alone.

However, I can’t help you with 3, that’s all down to you. Remember, watching or thinking about shimmying is not enough, you have to join in (and join in on a regular basis).

My hope for you is that you work towards gaining a strong, consistent and confident shimmy so you can enjoy the feeling of a gloriously wobbly tummy. Not only do shimmies look stunning but they should feel amazing too.

So go ahead and dive into this week’s tutorial …

Once you’ve had a go at the tutorial, I’d love to know: how do you feel about your shimmy? What helpful hint did you hear that helped you to “get it”? Post in the comments below!

If you liked this tutorial then I’d be so grateful if you were to share it with all your friends 🙂

Thanks for reading and watching, see you next time,

Helen
xx

Ps. Places are now open on our brand new Beginner Bellydance Essentials course for September 2015. Early bird prices last until the end of July, click here to book your spot.

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