Middle Eastern Dance

Shimmies and Thrusts

This page contains several explanaitions of shoulder shimmies and shoulder isolations such as lifts, drops, and thrusts.

Shoulder Shimmy

The shoulder shimmy is done by thrusting one shoulder forward while

pulling the other shoulder back.  Do not think of it as shaking your boobs,

but rather as shaking your shoulders (the rest just comes along for the ride).

Make sure you are in a neutral position with your shoulders back and down

to start and your chest should be lifted out of the hips.  Start slowly and

build up speed.  Try to keep the hips still this works best by keeping the

pelvis slightly tucked and the knees soft. 

Shoulder Thrust Forward

This move is done by pushing just the shoulder and only one shoulder at a

time, forward.  This is often used as an emphasis after a shimmy or a turn.

Shoulder Thrust Backward

This move is done by pulling just the shoulder and only one shoulder at a

time, backward.  This is not commonly used but can be used in a series of upper body isolations.  It is also sometimes

used as a series of backwards thrusts while progressivly leaning back.

Shoulder Lift

This move is done by pulling just the shoulder and only one shoulder at a

time, up.  Practice by lifting your shoulders as if saying "I don't know", then

try just one at a time.  This can be used as an accent and is often used as a

series of lifts to give a bouncy shoulder look.  Can be done on one side or

both at the same time.

Shoulder Drop

This move is done by dropping just the shoulder and only one shoulder at a

time, down.  This will be the opposite of lifting; you will want to lift your

shoulders up first and then drop them down.  Like the lift it can be used for

an accent or a bouncy look with the shoulders.

Yasmin from the by Wontner