How to Shake and Shimmy

     Shimmies are rapid back and forth movements that create a vibration.  Shimmies are often done during the climax of a song and can be the highlight of a dance fitness class.  They can also remain a mystery for many students.  There are many types of shimmies.  Some are easy, but others can get a bit complicated.  They are, however, worth practicing because they are SUPER FUN!  Below I've described how to do a variety of shimmies.  Definitely see the video for clarification. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_Ya5O7WR2g


Hip Bump Shimmy- hip bump- gradually increase speed and reduce size of bump
     Walking Hip Bump Shimmy - Step forward or backward every 1 or 2 counts. (When one hip is up, the other leg is free to move.  Try is slowly first.  Gradually work up to the speed of a shimmy.)  This has a real belly dance feel.  It can be zigzagged or done in a choo choo train with your friends.
     Stationary Side to Side Hip Bump Shimmy - common in Zumba.   transfer weight between right foot and left foot every 1, 2, or 4 beats while maintaining hip shimmy
     Double Hip Bump Shimmies (hard soft, hard soft) .  Do two hip bumps on one side, but the first will be hard and sharp, and the second will be soft and gentle, like an echo or reverb of the first bump.  Do the same on the other side.  A bachata step with a double shimmy is one of my favorite moves!
     One-Sided double hip bump shimmy - Put most of your weight on one leg.  Hip bump with the opposite hip.  Do 2 bumps to the right and 2 bumps to the left.  Switch from right to left by turning your hip rotator.  Pick up speed to a shimmy by pressing down with the ball of your foot (same side as working hip) into the floor with each bump.

Knee Shimmy - bend knees- Alternate moving knees back and forth.  While one knee is bent, the other is almost straight, but not completely locked.  Your knees will feel like they are running back and forth.   Gradually increase your speed. (common in belly dance)

Hip Drop Shimmy - timing = 1 2+a, 3 4+a  Start by practicing hip drops.  Raise your hip up and lower it on the accent. They are the opposite of hip bumps.  Now stand on one foot while you do hip drops with your opposite hip.  After practicing that, try the hip drop shimmy pattern:  On 1: Drop hip and it springs back up. On 2: Gently swing hip to the other side- could be slide or gentle bump.  On +: Gently swing hip to the other side again.  On a: Gently swing hip to the other side again and higher up until you're ready for 1 or 3, to start over again.  So "a" blends into "1" or "3."  On 1 and 3, make sure your weight is on the foot that is opposite to the hip that is up.  During "2+a," you will slowly shift your weight to the opposite foot.
     Overturned Hip Drop Shimmy - Turn 90 degrees on 1 and 3, so that the hip that is up will be in front.  I do this move in my Pitbull Krazy routine, seen on YouTube.

Bounce Shimmy= Bend and almost straighten (but do not lock) your knees at the same time so that your body goes up and down.  The movement is very small so you can do it as fast as you can.  Everything will shake, even your cheeks.

Hip Twist Shimmy - described in hip twist section of "How can I get more hip/pelvic movement?" (Hips are rotating around spine.  Notice how your legs and knees are turning with your hips.)
     Double Hip Twist Shimmy  Do two hip twists on each side, but make the second a gentle reverb of the first.  Start backward and accent as the twist comes forward.  Tap the foot on the first twist (same foot as hip).  Keep the foot pointed in the same direction as the knee, which moves along with your hip.  Expose your inner thigh toward your imaginary audience in front of you.

Football Run - I've seen football players do this for warmup.  Start running in place.  Take away in hop of jump so that your head is not going up and down (it stays flat).  Gradually move your feet faster and faster.  It will make your booty feel like jiggly jello.  You could keep your booty tucked in or stick it out during this move, depending on the look you want.  If you stick it out, make sure you keep your abs pulled in tight and your chest up.  Otherwise, you could hurt your back.

Hip & Chest Slide Shimmy - Timing - 1+2, 3+4 (accent on 1, 3)  Slide your chest right left right, left right left, so the accent is on the bold print word.  "+2" will be a reverb of the accent, much gentler.  At the same time, do a hip slide in the opposite direction of your chest slide: left right left, right left right

Shoulder Shimmy - explained in "How can I get more chest movement?" 

Wow!  That's a lot of different types of shimmies.  You could probably make up one of your own now!  All you need are the basic elements taught in my hip and chest blogs.