Who doesn’t like a snaky vertical figure of 8… Whether going up or down, this is one of my favourite smooth belly dance moves, because you can deconstruct the move and use it in so many ways. As part of my ‘Improvisation Station’ series, this post is therefore looking at fabulous vertical 8, and how […]

By Ishtar Dance on Tuesday, May, 21st, 2019 in Dance Coaching, Dance Inspiration, Learning, Your Dance Body No Comments

Oh how I love a good hip drop: one of the most versatile of belly dance moves, and although percussive and strong, it can also be gentle and soft. As part of my ‘Improvisation Station’ this post is looking at the humble hip drop and how to improvise with it. Check out my previous post […]

By Ishtar Dance on Monday, May, 6th, 2019 in Dance Coaching, Dance Inspiration, Learning, Your Dance Body No Comments

Ever feel stuck when having to improvise and make stuff up on the spot? Always feel you resort to the same old combinations and moves? Then check out this essential improvisations tip that will help you develop exciting combinations, create completely new ones and not least take the fear (hopefully) out of having to dance […]

By Ishtar Dance on Monday, April, 8th, 2019 in Dance Coaching, Dance Entrepreneur, Dance Inspiration, Learning No Comments

Understanding and knowing rhythms is essential for dancers of any style, but surprisingly many belly dancers are never taught this. This makes it harder to learn the technical nuances needed for strong technique as well as for creating choreographies and not least improvising. You may think it’s only needed for professional or high level dancers, […]

By Ishtar Dance on Monday, April, 1st, 2019 in Dance Coaching, Dance Inspiration, Learning 2 Comments

Dancing allows us to use all our body to move, but the positioning and use of the head is more important than most people think – and I’m not only talking about what goes on inside! – but the actual physical positioning of the head. The average human head weighs around 5-6 kilos and it’s […]

By Ishtar Dance on Monday, March, 25th, 2019 in Dance Coaching, Dance Inspiration, Learning, Your Dance Body 1 Comment

Posture is the most important thing when dancing, yet many struggle to maintain it, not least when performing and the nerves or the pure joy of dancing starts kicking in! So how do you stay ‘zipped up’ as one dancer so appropriately called it. Well, it all starts with finding out and not least feeling […]

By Ishtar Dance on Monday, March, 18th, 2019 in Dance Coaching, Dance Inspiration, Learning, Your Dance Body No Comments

It’s pretty obvious why we have to breath whilst dancing, but surprisingly little emphasis is often being put on how to do this correctly and efficiently. Mastering this however will not only make your body function better, increase your stamina and therefore improve your overall performance, but it can also help you add extra power […]

By Ishtar Dance on Monday, March, 11th, 2019 in Dance Coaching, Dance Inspiration, Learning, Your Dance Body No Comments

There is nothing like people to ignite the fire in you and help you continue or discover your passion, as well keeping inspired. I’ve previously written about where to find inspiration, but it’s a topic that crops up again and again, as it can be tricky to keep coming up with new ideas and innovative […]

By Ishtar Dance on Monday, March, 4th, 2019 in Dance Coaching, Dance Entrepreneur, Dance Inspiration, Learning No Comments

Do you ever wonder what you’ve done with your day? How you have seemingly wasted several hours on something inexplicable and then get all stressed as a result? Maybe you had to work on a choreography, or maybe you had to write something (like this blog!). Everyone procrastinates at times, but it’s discovering why and […]

By Ishtar Dance on Monday, February, 25th, 2019 in Dance Coaching, Dance Entrepreneur, Dance Inspiration, Learning No Comments

Whether you’re a professional or a recreational dancer, finding the right work/life balance can be tough. So how do you manage to fit it all in without burning out? I’m sure every family works in different ways, so this article is really about tools and processes that have helped me and my loved ones cope […]

By Ishtar Dance on Monday, February, 18th, 2019 in Dance Coaching, Dance Entrepreneur, Dance Inspiration, Learning No Comments