

Some common shimmies include relaxed, up and down hip shimmies, straight-legged knee-driven shimmies, fast, tiny hip vibrations, twisting hip shimmies, bouncing 'earthquake' shimmies, and relaxed shoulder or rib cage shimmies. There are many types of shimmy, varying in size and method of generation. Shimmies are commonly layered over other movements, and are often used to interpret rolls on the tablah or riq or fast strumming of the oud or qanun (instrument). Shimmies, shivers and vibrations: Small, fast, continuous movements of the hips or ribcage, which create an impression of texture and depth of movement.These basic shapes may be varied, combined, and embellished to create an infinite variety of complex, textured movements.

Typical movements include horizontal and vertical figures of 8 or infinity loops with the hips, horizontal or tilting hip circles, and undulations of the hips and abdomen. These movements require a great deal of abdominal muscle control.

Belly dance is primarily a torso-driven dance, with an emphasis on articulations of the hips.
