Belly Blog -- Level 1 Technique Class Notes

Hiya! Welcome to the Little Shimmy Belly Blog!

Class notes for Class #1 -- "Foundations"

---Basic Stance-- Rooted low center, knees bent slightly, weight evenly distributed. Tuck butt under, lengthened through torso up into head and shoulders. Shoulders are down, chest lifted....Super Star arms...BREATHE!

---Hip Pistons (tick-tocks)--Hips move up and down flat plane, like you are between panes of glass. Movement can be smooth and slow or quick and sharp. Feet stay flat on floor, torso and shoulders still, movement isolated into the hips.

---Shimmy Basics-- Even counted, paired movements of hips...must be able to count...control is key. The shimmy can be derived from the glutes, obliques, quads/legs or a combination. Practice isolating each type, work on control and speed...pick a song you like...try to shimmy through the whole thing! For fun -- generate a vibration by drumming your heels on the floor...

*Working with the music* Can go 1/2 speed or double time...most often the count starts on "1" on the Right side.

Shimmies!
Berna