Advertisement
In my tribal class, we have been learning turns, spins, and moves that require you to be on the balls of your feet a lot. I'm just trying to scrape by, because of my Orthostatic Hypotension, fibromyalgia, bulging discs, etc. I got dizzy while taking turns leading with two other dancers. I was pretty much fine while following, but kinda overdid it when I was leading, and had to fall back in line quickly. I had talked with one of the teachers about it(she was cool about it), but I really hate sharing too much too soon with other dancers. Unfortunately for my "body exceptions", the nature of a tribal class is community. I know I need to be more open about it, so I don't alarm or confuse any of my "dance mates" again. The pain in my feet from turning/spinning, and being up on the balls of my feet is something I hope will lessen with practice(the dizziness, too, hopefully). I wind up feeling like I have two left feet, but for the most part try to be aware of my body, and not push it too hard. I don't want to attract too much attention to my physical problems, but I'd rather modify than fall on my butt in the middle of class! Lol!! Wouldn't that be fun?! Has anybody else had a problem with dizziness, and have any tips to lessen the effects?
Advertisement
Advertisement
-
Re: Pain and dizziness
Fri, October 30, 2009 - 2:17 PMMy first teacher taught me to find a point in space to fix on when I was turning. You keep your eyes on that point until the very last moment and then turn your head quickly back to it after you come out of the turn. I used to become dizzy with just one turn, but can do at least 4 in a row now. I think just practicing turns helped as well.
For the balls of your feet you could try wearing dancing shoes that allow you to turn without any rubbing/resistance on your feet.
I have found that bellydancers in general are very gracious people. I bet your group would be just as understanding.
One of the beautiful things about belly dancing is that almost anyone can participate. It is okay to have limitations. Sometimes it is aggravating when your mind wants more than your body can achieve, but you can manage that with a positive attitude.
I wish you the very best.
-
Re: Pain and dizziness
Thu, November 5, 2009 - 8:55 AMThanx Saar-rah! My mind does want more than my body can do, but I'm determined to at least get into better shape with this. I'm going to take both beginner's classes that Vadalna is offering just to get more practice. I've had people talk about the "picking a spot", but you gave more detail, so I'll try it tonight. : ) -
-
Re: Pain and dizziness
Mon, November 9, 2009 - 5:31 AMI'm not familiar with your specific physical issues but I do think supportive dance shoes are a good idea.
And for turns in general, keeping your knees bent, tummy in, ribs lifted, and head stable will help anyone accomplish them better. A lot is going on in a small amount of time in turns, that's why they're hard to learn well - good luck!
-
-
Re: Pain and dizziness
Sat, November 21, 2009 - 9:29 AMThank you! We were all trying spins in class the other night, and it is difficult for others, too, but I'm really struggling to not fall over. We have a student show in three weeks, and I really don't want to screw up noticably. I was happy to know that one of the teachers had a difficult time getting "spotting" down...makes me feel like less of a freak. I need to just relax in class, and not try so hard...it winds up messing me up. I've found that I screw up much less when I'm leading the troupe as opposed to following. It's good to know what I need to work on. -
-
Re: Pain and dizziness
Mon, November 23, 2009 - 6:14 AMI'm glad to read your report. I was wondering how you were doing.
-
-
Re: Pain and dizziness
Sun, November 29, 2009 - 2:48 PMWe went over what we will probably be doing for the show in 2 weeks, and I actually did pretty well. Only 3 of us were in class because of the holiday, but I relaxed more as the class went on. Even though I was wiped out towards the end of class, I really was able to get most of the stuff down. I was absolutely elated with how we did. It was so much fun, and that's one of the biggest reasons I want to stick with the bellydancing...it just makes me so happy! I'm trying to get my costume together now, and it is all very exciting. I have bellydancing on the brain!!