About the Belly Dancing Chick

It is hoped that you find this site helpful in learning the basics of this ancient dance form. Although you can find classes taught in gyms, and many other learn to belly dance videos out there, most seem to take a "watch and follow me" approach, without slowly, methodically, breaking down each individual movement. They teach it more for a quick cardio workout, then as a dance form. Although after learned, it can be a very spiritually empowering, as well as, cardio workout. Along with learning to belly dance, browse the beautiful hand dyed silk veils. Every dancer needs their favorite veil. Why not start out with the best, pure silk.

To start off with a little background into this art form, most do not know the true origins of this dance. While there are many different styles of Middle Eastern dance, they all have a common history. Throughout the Middle East, women all know how to do the basic moves involved in this dance from a very young age. Why? The movements involved in this art require use of, and control over all of the muscles of the pelvic region, and abdomen. Strong pelvic and abdominal muscles are believed to be very helpful throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

With all of the dance styles out there (I've tried many), I've found Middle Eastern dance to be a very uplifting, freeing, spiritual experience. Plus, dressing up in those sparkly, colorful, flowing, costumes just makes you feel so feminine. Then there are the many props that can be used such as, veils, zills, canes, scarves, candelabras, snakes, fans, tambourines, skirt dances, baskets, tea light candles?

Sakkara (Suzanne) has been dancing since the age of 7 (ballet). It is typical that when you begin to perform as a Middle Eastern dancer that you take a Middle Eastern name. As a teenager she first learned about Middle Eastern Dance. It became an instant passion. By the age of 19 she was asked to join a troupe, "Mirage". While performing at Rakkasah East in 2001 they were inducted into AAMED.

Sakkara (Suzanne) has been dancing/teaching belly dance for 25+ years (minus the few years off from recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumor, which had grown into her brainstem). When she got back to teaching, she heard many times from students that they had a hard time finding a place to learn this art form. Finding a dance studio offering nearby classes many times a week is hard to come by in most areas. There are very precise movements that Belly Dancers use. Practicing many times a week is necessary to truly master this dance form.

There are so many health benefits one gets from the practice of belly dance (such as core strength and toning), and Sakkara wanted to share these benefits and her passion for it, to as many as she could reach. Doctors expected her to lose the ability to walk again or to regain her sense of balance, much less ever be able to dance again. She attributes her recovery in part to having been a belly dancer for so many years.

Sakkara spent most of her life performing professionally in the Poconos, Atlantic City, Middle Eastern Restaurants, Middle Eastern Dance shows, as well as weddings, private parties, and volunteer at nursing homes and street fairs. She also spent some time as a child as a competetive figure skater, and as an adult taught ballroom dance for awhile. She was also an ACE certified personal fitness trainer for about 7 years. She now teaches Middle Eastern dance, as well as Reiki, through local community education. It was while teaching that she realized there are many who have wanted to learn this art form with no idea of where to look to learn.

While there are many varying styles of Middle Eastern dance, I teach the traditional Egyptian style through this site. Some of the many "new" westernized versions of this art form are tribal fusion, and gothic belly dance. They seem to combine the basic body isolations and hip moves of Middle Eastern dance with elements of modern dance, break dancing and even yoga. Very interesting to see how this art form is evolving.

Contact: Suzanne@bellydancingchick.com

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