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Hi, I'm new to this forum, and I'm hoping SOMEONE can give me some practical advice on learning the belly roll. I've been trying for two years to isolate my muscle groups to do this and it's just not happening. Everyone I ask says, "Just keep trying, you'll get it." That does not help me learn! Are there any exercises I can do to help me recognize the upper muscles from the lower ones? I'm short waisted, which isn't helping matters, but I don't want to use that as an excuse not to learn this move. Help!
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BellaOnline Editor Shark
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BellaOnline Editor Shark
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I've heard the, "Keep trying" thing, too! And I keep trying <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> My 11 yr old Jordan, who also dances, can do them! I was amazed because she can do them both rolling up AND down.
When I do try/practice, I "visualize" the movement in my head....seeing in my mind how the movement should go/look like on my body and I take it in steps and go slow! Try that & lemme know if that helps. Otherwise, I'll corner Jordan & find out what her technique is ;-)
Stephanie
African-American Culture Editor
**********************
Asmina
Bellydancing Editor
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I'm so darn short waisted, when I pull my upper abs in, the lower ones go in too! I can visualize other movements because I can visualize the bones that are required to move. But visualizing muscle groups is harder, I don't know what they look like! I'm thinking of finding a website that offers views of the human musculature and see if I can get a better idea of where my belly muscle groups are located. Maybe if I can see a picture, I can more easily locate those muscles on my own body.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Parakeet
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Parakeet
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I've heard the, "Keep trying" thing, too! And I keep trying <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> My 11 yr old Jordan, who also dances, can do them! I was amazed because she can do them both rolling up AND down.
When I do try/practice, I "visualize" the movement in my head....seeing in my mind how the movement should go/look like on my body and I take it in steps and go slow! Try that & lemme know if that helps. Otherwise, I'll corner Jordan & find out what her technique is ;-) Stephanie, a video I have recommends starting with an undulation or vertical rib cage circle and then working on isolating the diaphragm and abdomen. Basically, the movement in the diaphragm will trigger the reaction in the abdomen if you relax the abs and let them go in and out. That seems to help me, but so far I can only do them if I'm looking in the mirror, lol! And my 22 year old son, a championship-winning bodybuilder, can do perfect belly rolls!
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I teach bellydance, which doesn't mean too much, since everyone has a slightly different approach.
First of all, the best way to practice bellyrolls is sitting in a chair, so at the computer or driving is a great time to do it. Also, don't practice it for too long, you can actually make your belly upset.
I tell my students to imagine that their bellybutton is taking a ride on a ferris wheel. To do an upward bellyroll, imagine your navel is going backward toward your spine, then upward along your spine, then forwardand down. Reverse the motion for a downward bellyroll.
Another exercise for finding the muscles is to lie on the floor, and place one hand an inch or so below your navel, and the other an inch or so above. Then try to alternate, push the top hand up with your belly, suck the bottom one toward your spine, then reverse.
Good luck, they do take practice, but you will get it if you keep at it!
Jill Fazio
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Thank you for the suggestions, Zabeebah! The first exercise will especially be of great help.
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Parakeet
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Parakeet
Joined: Dec 2004
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I teach bellydance, which doesn't mean too much, since everyone has a slightly different approach.
First of all, the best way to practice bellyrolls is sitting in a chair, so at the computer or driving is a great time to do it. Also, don't practice it for too long, you can actually make your belly upset.
I tell my students to imagine that their bellybutton is taking a ride on a ferris wheel. To do an upward bellyroll, imagine your navel is going backward toward your spine, then upward along your spine, then forwardand down. Reverse the motion for a downward bellyroll.
Another exercise for finding the muscles is to lie on the floor, and place one hand an inch or so below your navel, and the other an inch or so above. Then try to alternate, push the top hand up with your belly, suck the bottom one toward your spine, then reverse.
Good luck, they do take practice, but you will get it if you keep at it! Thanks, zebeebah - there are some moves I can only do sitting down! So I try to practice standing up. I am in the car alot, though, so my abs get worked while I'm sitting a lot! And I agree that yoga and bellydance should be done on an empty stomach, or at least a few hours after a medium to heavy meal. I have gotten an upset stomach from working out too soon after eating.
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Amoeba
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Amoeba
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 83 |
wow,i just tried that-it is awsome,my belly loves ferris rides"!1!!!
thankyou so much!!!
its funny as many times this week i have practised some things whilst sitting,great to know im not the only one.
I am smiling and exited!!
Indy
xxxxx
Last edited by indogia; 04/21/06 05:55 PM.
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