Hi, I'm finally going under the knife May 15th to correct rheumatoid deformities (bad ones) in my left foot. I'm pretty bummed about the "no dancing for at least 3 months" bit, but feeling optimistic because the surgeon is positive that I'll be much, much better than I am now, which means *more* dancing (and on the balls of my feet, for a change).
I'm lucky in that my dance instructor is also a physical therapist and she's planning on designing a program to keep me in shape until the cast is off. In the meantime, can you think of anything that could help keep my "BD" muscles strong/toned/limber?
I'm lucky in that my dance instructor is also a physical therapist and she's planning on designing a program to keep me in shape until the cast is off. In the meantime, can you think of anything that could help keep my "BD" muscles strong/toned/limber?
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Virginia
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Re: Weightless belly dance
Fri, April 18, 2008 - 4:26 PMI do a lot of drills lying down, including Amber's "weightlifting with your abs" trick (I put a 1 lb. sand-filled ankle weight over my upper or lower abs and make it "pop"). Bellyrolls and body undulations are also good ones to do while lying down, since that trains you to do it while keeping your back flat. And then there's a lot of upper body stuff you can practice in a chair, too - pretty much all of it.
I'm curious to hear about what your instructor comes up with for you. Mind sharing? -
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Re: Weightless belly dance
Fri, April 18, 2008 - 4:29 PMSure, I'll be glad to...but it will probably not be until June. Gotta be completely flat on my back for 2 weeks before I can hobble around.
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Re: Weightless belly dance
Fri, April 18, 2008 - 4:28 PMHi Fioletta,
You can certainly practice belly work, belly rolls and flutters while lying on your back. I've heard Princess Farhana did this while she was recovering from a car accident and its one of the reasons why her bellywork is so phenomenal.
You might also look into doing some pilates mat exercises to keep your core strong. That's something your dance instructor/ physical therapist could help you with.
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Re: Weightless belly dance
Fri, April 18, 2008 - 10:28 PMI wonder if doing the workout in this video would be helpful: www.amazon.com/Chair-Aero.../B000N6UHKO
I've never actually seen this video, so I don't know whether it's any good, but if I were facing surgery that would keep me off my feet for a while, I'd probably try it!
Besides that...
* Practice finger cymbals.
* Practice graceful arm moves.
* Read one or more really good books related to belly dancing such as A Trade Like Any Other. (Admittedly it won't develop your muscles, but it's something dance related that you can do while you're recovering.)
* Find some great dance performance videos to watch and analyze what the dancers on them are doing. (Again, won't work your muscles, but will work your brain!)
* Practice horizontal rib cage circles, "ferris wheel" vertical rib cage circles, belly rolls, flutters, and shoulder rolls.
* Practice glute squeezes
* Practice floor work moves that don't require you to put weight on the healing foot. -
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Re: Weightless belly dance
Sat, April 19, 2008 - 5:39 AMyou can do choo choo/lebanese/oblique shimmies on your back as well- one of the ways to figure out whether you are doing a knee shimmy or oblique driven shimmy anyway.
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Re: Weightless belly dance
Sat, April 19, 2008 - 11:10 AM"I wonder if doing the workout in this video would be helpful: www.amazon.com/Chair-Aero.../B000N6UHK0"
Tell you what, I'll be the guinea pig and let you know...just bought it! :)
These suggestions are great! Please keep them coming and I'll give progress reports and let everybody know what is/isn't effective and, ultimately, if I'm able to get right back into things after the cast comes off. -
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Re: Weightless belly dance
Sun, April 27, 2008 - 8:21 PMGlute squeezes to keep the bootie in shape, can be done lying down and sitting.
Sit up, abdominal crunchies, leg lifts, all help keep the muscles strong and supple.
belly rolls (I think someone else mentioned these), undulations, chest circles, mayas, etc.
I think the one thing you'll have to concentrate on once you are back on your feet is the strength in your legs. The surgery will also cause a change in your gate (how you walk), the alignment of your entire body and especially the knees and hips. There are several moves that you may have to re-learn because the tendons and muscles of your body will also have to realign to match the new skeletal alignment.
Good Luck -
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Re: Weightless belly dance
Sun, April 27, 2008 - 8:58 PMI'm hoping to use some of these suggestions after my knee replacement in July. I hadn't thought about adjusting to the new alignment though.. Yikes.. But maybe i can work on some movement and steps when it heals.. I can't do that now because my left knee is just not dependable.
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Re: Weightless belly dance
Sat, April 19, 2008 - 10:21 AMHere's a thread from another tribe about Undercover Drills.. things that can be done while sitting at your desk or on the couch or in the car. Once you can be upright... thise might work tribes.tribe.net/bellydanc...ae4d826c97
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Re: Weightless belly dance
Mon, April 28, 2008 - 9:08 AMI would go with drills, all of them. When I taught I made sure all my girls tried the moves seated on a chair. This prevents the knees from being the driving force and allows for the core muscles to build their strength.
I'm sure your teacher has already thought of this as well.
Good luck on your surgery! -
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Re: Weightless belly dance
Mon, May 12, 2008 - 8:26 AM"I think the one thing you'll have to concentrate on once you are back on your feet is the strength in your legs. "
Yeah, I've thought about that. I'm wondering if the Pilates side leg lift series would help?
Oh and I bought that Chair Belly Dance DVD. Believe it or not, it actually looks like it could be a good cardio thing and it's not as silly as you would think. It will probably take me a few weeks before I can actually try it out, but I'll keep you guys posted.
3 days and counting...
Thanks for all the tips!
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