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DOWN HIPS DANCE STUDIO

A great way to get moving and have fun!
Servicing Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Kitchener Spectrum Centre
900 Guelph Street, Unit 105
Kitchener, ON

ABOUT US

Down Hips is a place for women of all ages, shapes and sizes to learn bellydance for fun and exercise.  Not only are the classes fun, but the high-quality instructors make sure that you have a grasp of the proper techniques, providing a strong foundation for both students who want to challenge themselves to become better dancers and for those who want to dance for pure recreation. At the end of each session students have an opportunity to perform their pieces at a recital. Down Hips Dance studio is fit with a large clean space perfect for dance! Our back room has merchandise for sale, a private and clean bathroom, and change area and a full wall of mirrors perfect for dance instruction.

Student Testimonial:

“In addition to having fun and enjoying dancing, the unexpected bonus is I can now look into a wall of mirrors and see past my flaws, age and limitations and actually see my own mature beauty radiate from within.  If there is such a thing as a fountain of youth, this aging Boomer has found it at Down Hips Studio. Thank you Mandy for giving us the opportunity to grow old gracefully” – Ann W.

WHAT TO WEAR?

For dance classes, generally comfortable clothing you can move and stretch in. Yoga pants, tank tops or T-shirts. Try to wear pants a little more slim to the knee, and tops that are not *too* baggy so the instructor can see if you are doing the movement correctly. Generally we dance with bare feet, however you are welcomed to wear indoor shoes, dance shoes or socks with a good bottom grip. A Coin belt or hip scarf or shawl can be ties around the hips to help accent the movements. The studio has coin belts to borrow or purchase for those who would like to wear them.

Q: Do I have to show my belly?
A: Absolutely not! This is the most common asked question from new dancers. Many people are not comfortable exposing their bodies, but they are excited to get moving, and learn about bellydance. The community in our area is very accepting of this, and in fact.. generally 85% of students while attending class do not expose their midsection!

The showing of the midsection often helps dancers to see what their bodies are doing, and how it is moving. It becomes less about “showing off the belly” and more about paying attention to the belly, and the movements you are learning. This can also be achieved by wearing a hip scarf around the hips. This will help you better see how your body is moving and the control you are having over it.

If you choose to expose your midsection in class or in a recital, know that the bellydance Community in our area is extremely supportive. It is liberating and loving! Women of all shapes, ages and sizes dress how ever they choose, and are accepted regardless of their physical shape. It is a fantastic community of women, and no matter your shape and size it will welcome you with open arms.

WHAT TO BRING?

You do not need much! It is wise to bring yourself a bottle of water, or canister you can fill from our studio water jug. Some students like to bring notepads and pens to make any notes from technique they may have.

WHAT IS BELLYDANCE

Bellydance is a Western term for a traditional Arab dance genre known as raqs sharqi, literally “oriental dance. It is also sometimes called “Middle Eastern Dance”. Native to the Middle East, and now popular worldwide, belly dance takes many different regional forms, both in costume and dance style, indicating that distinctive dance moves may have been transported to these regions and incorporated with local dance styles.

The dance often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in sensuous patterns, weaving together the entire feminine form. Belly dancing is generally performed barefoot, thought by many to emphasize the intimate physical connection between the dancer, her expression, and the music.
Today there are many forms of belly dance. Some, such as American Tribal belly dance, are clearly modern evolutions of the traditional forms. However, due to the ancient origins of belly dancing, the authenticity of even “traditional” or “classical” forms of the genre are open to question and often hotly disputed. As with any dance of folkloric origin, the roots of belly dance are uncertain.

HISTORY
One theory claims that belly dancing was originally from Ancient Babylon in southern Iraq. Adnanite Arabs introduced belly dancing and drumming. Before the arrival of Islam the tradition was for women to dance at social gatherings, while the men played the drums. After the Arrival of Islam, belly dancing was banned. During the Ummayd and the Abbasid dynasties, belly dancing was commercially promoted. Local poor women and, later on, slaves from other parts of the world, especially Persia, India/Pakistan and North Africa learned to belly dance to entertain rich men. During the time of the Abbasid and the Fatimid dynasties, the Arabs settled in Egypt. Egyptians adopted the dance and it became part of Egyptian tradition.
Since the turn of the century, belly dancing has grown enormously in popularity across the U. S. and worldwide. Belly dance festivals, workshops, and seminars take place constantly, attracting large audiences of interested, involved men and women. Many dancers now study the art form intensively, traveling to the mid-East and elsewhere to experience it where it originated.

WHAT IS BOLLYWOOD

Bollywood dance is the dance-form used in the Indian films. It is a mixture of numerous styles. These styles include belly-dancing, kathak, Indian folk, Western popular, and “modern”, and jazz. Faith’s classes are high energy, loads of fun and a great cardio work out! hink Bombay Dreams. Think Devdas. Think Caitin and Jason’s performance to Jai Ho on So You Think You Can Dance! Bollywood Fusion combines the style of dance seen in films produced in Bombay with Indian folk dance (Bhangra, or ‘Indian hip-hop’), Middle Eastern dance, and all manner of Western dance styles.

WHAT IS BURLESQUE

Burlesque classes can offer a way to gain comfort and acceptance of your own body. Suitable for women of all shapes, sizes and ages; Sassy Ray will help to guide you out of your shell and teach you to flaunt what you got in a fun and accepting environment.
Classes contain no nudity. A sassy choreography will be taught with an option to perform at the student recital.

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WHAT IS TRIBAL FUSION

(wiki)Tribal Fusion Belly Dance is a form of modern belly dance generally referring to a combination (fusion) of many dance forms. It frequently incorporates elements of Popping, Hip Hop, Breakdance, ‘Egyptian’ or ‘Cabaret’ belly dance, and modern, but often draws from many traditional forms such as Flamenco, Kathak, Bhangra, Balinese, and other folkloric dance styles. In tribal fusion, dancers expand on the elements previously fused to form American Tribal Style, also referred to as ATS, to make their style unique and more relevant to their contemporary experience. In some forms of Tribal Bellydance, a more tribal, or gothic looking theme in clothing and make up is present. Often times it is referred to the “darker” side of Bellydance. The movements involve a lot stronger use of muscle groups, and strong postures. In order to achieve the technique behind Tribal fusion, your core muscles and other muscle groups need to be built up and strengthened. Often physically challenging, Tribal fusion also offers a unique take on stage presence and strong facial and body expression.

BENEFITS OF BELLYDANCE

www.atlantabellydance.com/ProspectiveStudents/ClassHealth.html
The Health Benefits of Belly Dancing, Sheri Waldrop
Source: www.discoverbellydance.com/discoverbellydance/vol_3_no_1.htm
Raks Sharki – The term for Bellydance

Improved posture and muscle toning
Our spinal column contains more bones and ligaments than any other part of the body. Its 33 vertebrae are stacked together in a column joined together by cartilage and ligaments, and almost every movement of the torso depends upon its flexibility and function. Muscle groups that attach to the ligaments and vertebrae create movement in the trunk and pelvis areas. Raks sharki tones these muscles and maintains flexibility in a safe and effective manner.

This movement helps increase the flow of synovial fluid (nature’s lubricant) in these joints. When movements are done properly, the pelvis is tipped forward, or tucked somewhat; a neutral position that can help prevent lower back problems. Raks sharki can help relieve stress to the back, counteracting the almost constant compression of the disks that occurs from sitting and a sedentary lifestyle.

These toned muscles improve posture and help prevent back pain that can be caused by the unnatural curving forward of the spine that occurs when muscle groups are weak (lordosis). Small muscle groups deep in the back that are normally under-exercised are used and strengthened. The muscles surrounding the hip, the largest joint in the body, are used and exercised during hip drops, and figure eights, enhancing flexibility and suppleness. Improved hip flexibility can lead to improved balance when walking as well.

Arms and Shoulders are exercised when doing lifts, circles, or the rippling motions of snake arms, toning muscle. This toning effect is often evident early on, since holding the arms aloft are an important element of the dance, even for beginners.

Because a woman is on her feet, moving during the dance, it is considered a weight-bearing exercise. Weight-bearing exercise can prevent osteoporosis and strengthen bones, and the overall toning can lead to an improved self-image, as the dancer becomes more balanced and poised. Raks sharki is considered a low-impact exercise, meaning the risk of injury is minimal when movements are done correctly. The benefits of belly dance can be enjoyed by women of all ages; men and children are participating in the dance as well, and reaping the same benefits.

Weight loss
According to Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat, M.D., raks sharki can burn up to 300 calories per hour. This estimate will vary, of course, depending on the intensity of your dancing. Combined with a healthy diet that involves sensible eating, raks sharki can without a doubt be part of a sound weight loss program.

Many dance classes take place only once or twice a week. For even better results and enhanced cardiovascular benefits, try combining the flexibility and muscle strengthening of raks sharki with an aerobic routine, such as swimming or bike riding, on the days you don’t have class. Your entire body will feel the benefits as the aerobic exercise works large muscle groups, and the dance enhances strength and coordination of small muscle groups in the trunk, hips, and arms. Also, many exercise physiologists recommend doing just such a routine: alternating one form of exercise with another, for maximum benefits.

Preparation for childbirth
The movements of raks sharki make an excellent prenatal exercise regimen that strengthens the muscles used during the childbirth process. The toned abdominal muscles and natural hip tucks, which are similar to the “pelvic rocking” taught during prenatal classes, teach the expectant mother how to move her pelvis. For women who desire natural childbirth, this form of exercise through dance, with its emphasis on muscle control not only facilitates natural childbirth, but also makes an excellent post-natal exercise that helps encourage abdominal tone. During those first weeks after giving birth, when caution is needed while healing from the birth process, these movements work the muscles gently and effectively, if done very gradually.

Stress reduction
In this day and age of almost continuous stress, the subtle rhythms of raks sharki and the traditional movements are calming. The repetitive movements of the dance and the concentration needed to do them can help a mind filled with daily stress to “let go” for a while and relax. It’s hard to worry about deadlines at work when you are thinking about getting that next drop just right, or while making sure that you are in time with the music.

One effect of stress is that our bodies tense up, causing contractions or spasms in muscle groups, such as those in the neck, shoulders, or back. When a muscle is contracted, lactic acid builds up, causing the “soreness” or pain that occurs. Blood flow to the affected muscles decreases as well.

Raks sharki, on the other hand, gently stretches and uses these vulnerable muscle groups, and as they are utilized, blood flow increases and lactic acid is flushed away. Stressed muscles relax as they are gently exercised, relieving the “clenched” muscles often seen in our society. The body becomes supple and limber, and practitioners frequently report that pain diminishes in the back and neck areas.

Raks sharki is a fun, healthy way to exercise. It can be a creative outlet that conditions, tones, and allows a woman to tune into the natural movements of her body. It can refresh, relax, and/or exhilarate. So why wait?

Advisory: Many doctors have suggested belly dancing classes as part of rehabilitation from injury; it is, however, important to check with your own medical provider before starting any new form of exercise, especially if you are over 40, pregnant or have medical problems. Most injuries related to “overdoing” for the beginner can be avoided by warming the muscles first and by remembering to do some basic stretching afterward. Listen to your body’s signals. Raks sharki, or belly dance, is a wonderful and gentle way to begin to condition your body.

Belly-Dance is good for you
by Angelique
www.angeliqueandfriends.com/good.html

Many people are surprised to learn that Middle-Eastern Dance, commonly known as “belly-dance,” involves much more than the belly! In fact, belly-dance can benefit many parts of the body. Here are some of the health benefits of Middle-Eastern Dance:

Exercising the carrying muscles without impact. A belly-dancer uses her quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes to hold her steady as she performs hip movements or travels smoothly across the floor. However, even though she gets a great lower-body workout, the amount of impact to her knees and ankles is minimal. Impact is measured not only by how hard our feet strike the ground, but by how much stress is placed on our joints. Using this measure, most of Middle-Eastern dance is considered non-impact; some tribal and folk dances are low-impact.

Building the back muscles evenly. Belly-dancers use their torsos a lot-much more than ballet, modern or tap dancers. Only jazz dancers come close to our use of rib movements and undulations. These movements, coupled with shoulder movements, exercise the back muscles, and they exercise the muscles evenly. Strong back muscles prevent back injuries, and they promote good posture as well.

Exercising the arms. New belly-dance students are always surprised by much they have to use their arm muscles. Belly-dancers have to hold their arms up for long periods of time, and it actually takes quite a lot of strength to perform arm movements slowly and gracefully.

Aiding digestion. It’s true! Exercising the abdominal area, not just by rolling the belly, but also by swaying the torso, helps food move along the digestive system. Any form of exercise will have this effect to some degree, but belly-dance is especially good for this purpose.