Tag Archives: golden age bellydance

Is this the most iconic bellydance move of all time? How to dance like Soheir Zaki

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Is this the most iconic move of

“Omg her hips are on fire!”

That’s what I thought when I first saw Soheir Zaki dancing in old Egyptian films and it’s pretty much still my reaction when I watch her now.

Soheir was an Egyptian bellydance superstar during the 1960s and 70s. She had a very natural, girlie style of dancing which, for me, gives her dance a real sense of freedom and fun.

However, don’t be fooled by the “cute” quality of her dance, she meant business when it came to hipwork.

So for this week’s blog tutorial I’m going to teach you what is known to most bellydancers as the “Soheir Zaki step”. Plus I’ll give you some tips on how to give it some Soheir characterisation, so be sure to watch til the end.

Dive into this week’s tutorial to see your hips hit the proverbial road.

 

And if you want some Soheir-fuelled inspiration then here’s one of my fave clips. (Look out for that iconic move at 1.36)

 

 

Thanks, as always, for reading. And if you think your other bellydance friends might enjoy this, please share it with them, I’d be so grateful 🙂

Do you live local to Reading, UK? If so, check out our Autumn term timetable with courses from Beginner to advanced troupe work. Early bird prices are up for grabs so take a look now!

If you’re further afield you can still join in with my free classes on my youtube channel (there are over 37 classes!)

Now I’d love to know: who stands out as an iconic bellydancer for you? and how would you characterise her or his style? Let us know in the comments below!

Hugs and shimmies,
Helen xx

Ps. If you like this tutorial, why not check out my previous class on Samya Gamal?

Pps. Subscribe for blog updates with bellydance tips to get on track and stay inspired. Plus receive my free online class!

 

Vintage style bellydance: how to get effortlessly elegant arms

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How is it that some dancers seem to be able to just get up, dance and look effortlessly fabulous and elegant?

What do they do? how do the do it? and how can I do it too?!

The truth is that these kind of accomplished-looking dancers have “go to” movements. These are certain moves and actions that are adaptable enough to use during improvisation in ways that don’t look obvious and repetitive.

If you aspire to improvise with confidence and ease then this tutorial is definitely for you. In this week’s video I’ll show you an easy, super sleek and elegant vintage-inspired technique that anybody can do with virtually any move.

I’ll be giving you a “go to” action to do with your arms that instantly makes pretty much all your moves look classy with that hint of vintage glam. This one has really helped me out, particularly when it comes to improvisation.

I’ll also explain why this move works so well and help you understand the subtle differences in stylization which (to me at least) make this action “vintage”.

Be sure to watch right to the end where I show you two simple ways to use this technique to full effect.

WARNING: side effects of engaging with this simple technique include heightened feelings of femininity, confidence and sexiness (yes, I said sexiness in relation to bellydance, I think we’re allowed to every now and then 😉 )

Click to dive into today’s tutorial – see you in class!

 

Thanks for watching, I’d love to know how you got on with the tutorial so be sure to post a comment below. Did you try out the technique? Did it work for you? I’d love to know 🙂

Hugs and hipdrops,

Helen x

Ps. Is there a topic you’d like to see a tutorial on? Post your suggestions in the comments box below and I’ll do my best to create a tutorial on it.

Subscribe for blog updates with bellydance tips to get on track and stay inspired. Plus receive my free online class!