Belly dancers know better than anyone how strong we need to be for dancing, so no dancer should neglect strength-training. It protects you from injury and improves your existing set of skills, such as floor work and even your posture. You can even strength-train without an expensive gym membership or cumbersome equipment. Instead, use your [...]

MECDA’s 34th annual Cairo Caravan took place Jun 3-5th on the Queen Mary in Long Beach. With three stages of performers, countless workshops, plenty of food, an open drum circle, children’s area, and three floors of vendors, MECDA has again created an amazing event for the belly dance community. Friday was a little light on [...]

One of the biggest things that will affect your performance is confidence. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be the hardest thing to come by. If you don’t have confidence in yourself and your ability to dance, it’ll show on stage. You’ll be worried about what everyone is thinking of you, and that you’re going to miss [...]

The best thing about tribal fusion costumes is that anything goes. Whatever your style, preference, and budget allows, you’re sure to get a unique costume. However, the creativity and imagination that goes into a tribal fusion costume can be a little daunting, especially once you see what other dancers come up with. With a little [...]

If you’re just starting out as an American Tribal Style dancer, you’ll soon realize that the performance costumes are going to take more time to put together than the show. For 5-10 minutes of stage time, you’ll need: harem pants, 20+ yard skirts, a belt, hip scarves, a choli, a coin bras, hair decorations, bracelets, [...]

// As dancers, we know there’s always going to be that one photo where you’re right in the middle of a beautiful body wave and the photographer catches you just as you’re hunched over and your stomach is caved in. However, when you look at the photos from your latest show, do you ever want [...]

The holidays are stressful time for everyone—especially for someone as active as a belly dancer. There’s so much to do, so many people to see, and so much good food to eat that you tend to lag a little bit on your dancing. If your studio or instructor takes a holiday break, this can make [...]

Head slides are a fun accent that look easy to do but in reality are a little more difficult to accomplish. However, with a lot of practice you too can perform head slides without looking awkward. First you need to warm up your neck muscles by stretching. Try to press your ear to your right [...]

Frédérique, one of the pioneers of tribal fusion, is an avant-garde belly dancer with a unique and creative style. An artist at heart, she maintains creative control of her improvised performances, from advertising and costuming to even mixing her own music. Her latest project is Silent Sirens Theatre, a traveling one-hour long show based on [...]

Tattoos are common among tribal, cabaret, and Egyptian belly dancers. If you have been thinking about a tattoo, take some time to choose your design and decide where you want it done. Make sure it’s something you really want and won’t regret in time. Practice with henna if possible, if you’re not completely sure. Once [...]