Part 5 - Steps & Walks (Beginners)

Beginners Steps

Step-Ball-Step - Step forward on the right foot (flat footed), then stepping on the ball of the left foot bring the left foot close behind and then take another step onto the right foot. Then bring the left foot into the front (flat footed) to start the whole movement again starting on the left. This should be a continuous movement.

Scissor Walk - This is a step-ball-step step, but as you move, you bring your arms alternately forward across the body as if to touch the knee of the opposite leg, as you step forward on that leg. This is also a continuous movement.

Zig-Zag step - This can be done on the spot or used as a travelling step. Using the Step Ball Step, turn to the left and starting on the left foot, camel and step on the spot, then turn 45 to the right, repeat, and alternate. As a travelling step, imagine a zig-zag line drawn on the floor in the direction you want to travel, then step alternately to the right and left on this path moving forward with each SBS.

Grapevine - This is a travelling step, which can be done either to right or left. Moving to the right, bring your left foot in front of your right, step out with your right foot to the side, then bring your left foot behind the right, and then the right foot out to the side again, and keep on repeating. To travel left, start with your right foot stepping in front of your left, just reversing the whole sequence. This can be done flat footed or on the balls of the feet.

Arabesques - This is a balletic movement featured in the Raks Sharki style of dance. Using the basic zig-zag step, step to the left but start with the right foot. As you make your 45 turn (on the ball of the right foot), allow your left foot to swing out and around in a large arc off the floor, replacing it across in front to start the SBS for the right hand side. For the right side start by stepping across yourself again with your left foot and swing out your right foot as you turn, and keep repeating. This move can also be done in reverse with the swinging foot moving from front to back. This also looks very effective when holding a veil behind with arms outstretched.

African - Using a zig-zag step (SBS) to the right and left, push out your chest and curve your back as you step forwards, then straighten up as you bring the back foot in. Bend your arms at the elbow and hold at your sides, bending the elbows backwards (as if trying to touch them together behind your back), as you step forwards. Looks as if you're doing chicken impressions!

Arabic Walk - Step forward on the right foot, and slide the left foot up behind with the heel raised slightly, then keep repeating. Keep both knees bent, with the leading one more so. The arms should be held at right angles to the body - one straight out in front and the other raised up above the head. A camel movement can be added to this. This is an American Tribal step.

Sheeba Walk -This step is based on the forward and reverse horizontal hips fig 8's. To go forward, use the forward fig 8: twist your right hip forward, and as you swing it around to the side you take a step forward, taking 75% of your weight in your right foot, and at the same time lifting your left heel. As you bring the hip back into the centre to transfer from one side to the other, you will already be twisting the left hip to the front, and lifting the left foot to step forwards. To go backwards: twist right hip back and step back with the right foot at the same time. As you swing the right hip around the side to the front (and towards the centre) you briefly take all the weight in the right foot as you lift your left foot to step back, whilst twisting the left hip to the back to repeat on that side. It should be a flowing, sassy, sensual hip movement. Try holding your arms above your head in a 'V' shape as you do it.

Sources/Research: My teacher
Shira
Belly Dance UK
Caroline Belly Dancer