How I Became a Bellydancer

[@nickellfrancis1128]

Magnolia thank for that story you really push your to practice so happy for you I started bellydancing watching a fitness show called shimmy it was on fit tv so it took me years to learn but I finally got it now my bellydancing has gotten better so thank for that love you keep dancing 😗😗😗😗😗🙄

[@fox7378]

I'm currently in my first year in college, trying to learn belly dancing through youtube and I'm just so desperate to learn, I've been wanting to since I was little. I was worried you had learned belly dancing since you were young but I was pleasantly surprised when I heard your story. Thank you ♡

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

Most belly dancers in did not start young because it wasn't available. Don't worry, you can still do it!

[@timleyshelton3973]

I am 57, out of shape, and think this would be great exercise and am dying to give it a try. Isolating all those tiny muscles has to be an amazing workout, starting on your beginner lessons now! Hopefully it wont kill this old lady...lol

[@ivorymoonwolf9312]

Hi. I just want to say that I love your videos. They inspire me like nothing else has. I am and have always been a majorly shy girl. I am 18 now and my insecurities are still a struggle for me. Lately I've been looking for ways to come out of my shell. I started with participating in my school choir and that has helped me a lot. Now I've discovered bellydancing. I've always been self conscious and uncomfortable about myself and my body. No matter how many times my family said otherwise, I never thought I was pretty or interesting or good enough to do anything. I am not chunky, but I am pretty curvy and I don't exercise much because of my severe asthma. I was always that smart nerdy kid that sat quietly in the back of the classroom and read books and manga and sat alone in the cafeteria while other kids mingled and chatted around me. I don't have a huge circle of friends because I am usually too shy to approach anyone. They come to me instead. I discovered bellydancing at a summer festival a week ago when this bellydance group performed for us. I was captivated and eagerly ran up to the stage when the leader lady offered free lessons. I loved dancing and my shyness blew out the door as soon as I started dancing. So, I've been wanting to learn more but I can't afford actual lessons in a dance studio. I've only been following your vids for a few days but I absolutely love them! They are so much fun and easy to follow and I practice a lot. I am hoping that this will help me step out of my shell some more and finally make me feel good about myself. Especially with a toned body 😁 Thank you for taking the time to tell us your story and teach bellydancing newbie like me.

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

Thank you sharing! You would be surprised by how many other belly dancers are introverted too. This is the perfect dance form for shyness.

[@j.tsantos2151]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I want to learn belly dancing and eventually perform. I'm currently learning by watching KZbin videos because there are no classes near me. The closest is an hour away. I hope I can eventually find someone close to me.

[@AJB861]

Bingo !!!!! The most sincerest belly dancer. Yes it's not innate..many just copy. Those that learn as kids just didn't realize they were copying. It's how we learn . Yes even with languages , at some point, you have to take a formal class in order to advance. Cheers. You made me not want to give up

[@junepeters8977]

My first time that I wanted to learn belly dancing. I was watching a movie about Dancing. There was this one part of the movie where there was a belly dance in the back ground it caught my eyes. The movement and everything was magnificent. The main subject of the movie went out and that one focus my mind was on was the belly dancers. Right then I thought I want to learn that. I just dont remember the movie. My head was mesmerized with the flow and motion. That one clip for that few seconds or minutes looped in my head.

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

That's wonderful! I'm so happy you found belly dance!

[@salemdog100]

Another late bloomer here... started at the age of 55, when a corporate colleague of mine convinced me to come to her (very casual) bellydance class. My dance background included ten years of intensive training in IRISH TAP DANCING as a teenager. Honestly, that's about as different from bellydancing as skydiving! I'm a scientist and have close to zero artistic talent. So this has been quite a journey. I perform on stage about twice a year, doing solo numbers and troupe routines. I recently joined my friend to perform at a local retirement community. I'm 62 now, and I still struggle with the Irish Tap/Scientist voices in my head... But it sure is fun to put glitter in my hair and wear jingling garments!! Your channel has been a source of inspiration for me. Thanks for sharing your techniques and your performances :D

[@RayneRiverstone]

Your first solo is pretty good for a first time.

[@sharonmargaretstewart8341]

Hi Magnolia thanks for your video and honesty I just discovered your channel tday I have watched your first lesson tday and it’s really interesting I have always wanted to learn belly dancing so I’m going to try and learn from your videos just now thanks 🙏🦋

[@RaziRaqs]

Girl, you better speak! Glad to hear your story. Very Inspiring

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

Razi Raqs So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching! 😘

[@ShiningBellyDance]

Thank you for sharing your story Magnolia, it is comforting to hear that we all have struggles, I know the last few years have been very difficult for me with dance and I've thought about quitting so many times, but I'm glad you came back to it and now are sharing something great-yourself :) I started dancing just over 11 years ago, and got in through the odd channel of medieval recreation, which I've learned over the years has introduced so many of the dancers in the PNW to this dance form. I'd love to see a video about some of the legal necessities of professional dancers, this is often a topic avoided and it is so hard to figure out what are all the things we need to be aware of (music rights licensing, contracts, insurance, etcetc...)

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

I am so glad you found the story comforting! As belly dancers we don't normally talk about these issues but I think it can be so helpful to discuss. I'm so sorry you have been going through a difficult time. I don't know your whole story but maybe taking a little break from dance would help? Or working on refocusing your dance goals? I hope it starts to get better for you soon! I completely agree with you about a video on the more legal/business side of belly dance. That is in my plans for the future! Not only because it can help fellow dancers but also because it demonstrates that belly dance is more than just wiggling for money. It is a real profession that deserves respect! Thank you for your comment!

[@leticiajerguson1024]

Loved to hear your experience, very honest. Glad you kept dancing.

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

Thank you!

[@juliepaull2819]

You are awesome just found your channel and you give inspiration , love Your story so refreshing to have someone speak honestly about their life please Don’t stop ever

[@fiddleback1568]

Glad to hear you didn't give up on it.

[@RayneRiverstone]

Self taught, right here😊 Did have a teacher for a while. Now, on my own with my own class.

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

That's great but make sure you do get a professional teacher at some point. It's really important in any dancer's journey to have professional feedback.

[@kelviannaepperson3677]

I have been learning from Mayte Garcia and Leilah Isaacs on KZbin certain moves are difficult because of balance and muscle strength but it's going well

[@sweatpantsandsmokeyeyes7120]

I think the only thing holding me back from taking lessons is my pride. When I was little, I took ballet, tap, and jazz and people told me I was very good. I quit when I was about 8 years old because of a bad teacher and I wanted to take karate instead. I am currently 14 and I have quit karate (for both Faith and health reasons) now I am in my church's children choir (and joining the adult choir this Fall) and I take piano lessons. There was a Pentecost festival at my church yesterday and there was music from different countries and there were African dancers! I told my mom that I wish I knew how to dance to the music. Then the dancers performed and brought all of the children (including me!!) into the dance! My mom pushed my dad up there with me, and several friends of mine were up there too. But I just hid behind my dad and stayed completely still while slowly backing out... I wanted to cry because I didn't want to be there, yet I want to dance again. Dad and I went back to our seats and my mom was like "what was that?" I told her "I'm not a dancer, I'm a musician", she explained that I used to be a very good ballerina and asked me if I wanted to take up anything else besides piano (choir takes a break during the summer) and of course, I didn't even think about it and said "no". I've known about belly dancing for a very long time, even my grandmother was a belly dancer when she was young. There's just something so mystical about belly dancing and I love to watch the pure beauty and grace in it. I want to ask my parents if I could take lessons again, but I already told them that I'm not a dancer... I think I'll talk to my wonderful Nana and see if she would like to help me :) I know for a fact that she will support me in whatever I do. Thank you for your inspiring story, you are absolutely amazing at what you do and I hope you never stop

[@winterwaffle16]

can you link the video of your first dance?

[@marikos.154]

Such a nice background info...I'm a very late bloomer and find its just such an art👍💕💕

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

It sure is! I'm so glad you found belly dance and are adding it to your life!

[@GabyPivet]

You are great

[@ShahidM2]

wow amazing beautiful story.

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

ShahidM2 Thanks for watching! How did you first discover belly dance?

[@ShahidM2]

through watching I dream of Jeannie and buys two vhs tape on belly dancing

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

ShahidM2 Haha, that's great!

[@kelviannaepperson3677]

I had first found an interest in belly dance through listening to and watching Shakira and I noticed that it is incorporated into a lot of dance videos I watch. I was in elementary when I started dancing as a hobby. Although I have physical limitations dancing is the only physical thing that I'm good at. I've been learning from Mayte Garcia and Leilah Isaacs on KZbin and ive also been learning Latin ballroom too. I haven't found any dance studios in my small town in order to take classes. The only class that I've taken is zumba

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

That's all a great start! I'm sorry there aren't any classes in your area. When you're ready for it, I would recommend studying with a pro through online lessons. KZbin videos are good to get started and for additional support but to become advanced you'll need a teacher who interacts with you. Good luck in your training!

[@rajfoodbd]

Nice voice

[@gurpreetsingh-mo8oc]

good

[@aliciamack9323]

Im sure to showinterest taking up belly dancing

[@eliebe1349]

I’m from Iran as well

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

Awesome!

[@mdshohel3527]

❤️💓💖😍

[@حسابمغلقاذكرونابالدعاء]

😂😂

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

Lt: Momen Al-tweel 🤣

[@navelfan]

That was an outstanding story! I've asked belly dancers over the years about how they got started but none of them ever explained it better than you did here. By the way, you had statement about the cat absolutely correct! Lol.

[@MagnoliaBellydance]

Thank you, I plan to bring other belly dancers on the channel to show the variety of stories! Haha, yes, cats are so predictable! :)

[@navelfan]

I look forward to that!