My video for challenging areas - more arm work

Honestly - the more I do it the more I realize how much more practice I need.

Again, another SPECIAL THANK YOU to Wontletlifedefineme. she has been my best andmost helpful critic and coach! I have gained much insight because of her. Check out her blog and wish her well on her travels!

Request for Bellydance Music Downloads

I've had a few requests for the music I have been playing in my new practice vids. I posted it a while ago, but will post it again so it is on top of my blog list.

Serpent's Garden: Hypnotic Sounds From Mosavo

You can listen to free samples below.

Arm work - concentration on left

I'm happy to say that this video and the video below in my last post has been inspired by wontletlifedefineme.
She has recently given me some great direction for my arms - or I should say shoulders ;)
She is so right about how much better my arms and entire body move when I concentrate on the shoulders and a lower force of energy - my lower body. I really wish I recorded this at the beginning of my practice, as I sometimes do. It was so hot and humid after 30 minutes for the video below, and I was really tired. Plus, when I wasn't recording I was better at keeping my head still, and really saw how much the shoulders affect the artistic impression, visualization and isolations. It's amazing how much you can work a set of muscles by moving them slowly in a fun and graceful way. I have to admit, I still feel 'the burn' in my shoulders - just like I used to when I lifted small weights for toning. This is definitely a lot more fun, though I'm sure a little of that added into my workout wouldn't hurt my health or my arm work :)

Tummy Flutter with Belly Jewel

This is the 1st time I tried a belly jewel. I recently found it loose in a box of my aunt's old costume jewelery. I do need to get a bigger one, and inquire if there is something that can help keep it in place - temporarily, of course. I'm not breaking any skin anywhere near my bellybutton. I know too many women who got them done when it was hip in the 90's - too many of them have problems with infections to this day - even without wearing them for years.

Also - though I don't consider myself a 'true' bellydancer - I truly believe in its origin - a testament, a celebration, a preparation for creation. I am SO intrigued by this form of dance for its age, its purpose, it's pure, natural worship of the female. It is goddess philosophy. My bellybutton is the connection to my mother. Sacred enough without question, but it is also the constant connection of life and creation that connects us all, especially us goddess sisters, since we are the ones with the power to create this portal. It is proof of life and a line to creation. I understand adoring it with jewels, even with ink (although I wouldn't personally for vain, stretch-marked reasons that age promises to deliver), but I would never pierce the sacred place where life first entered me.