There are many errors to be made in any form of dance. Middle Eastern dance is, perhaps, one of the kinder forms in that there are no set physical parameters that must be strictly adhered to. Unlike ballet, belly dancers can, to a certain extent, tailor to the movements to suit their body type/ability.

However, here are a few common errors that might be classed as the Cardinal Sins of Belly Dance. Although they have a daftly humorous slant, they are actually very common mistakes within the dance.

1. Beginners' Creep. The straightening out of a limb which should be kept bent, particularly common with hip drops.
2. Lockjaw. The clenching of the jaw and teeth in an effort to concentrate on the movement or isolate the movement. To relax the jaw, smile, and breathe through your mouth.
3. Flapping. The uncontrolled, spasmodic twitching or quivering of a limb not involved in a specific isolation. I.e. the arms when shimmying.
4. Frozen Head. Rigidity of the head in a locked, forward position, usually seen in those who have only ever learned with mirrors!
5. The Grin of Sardonicus. More a rictus than a grin, a grimace than a smile, this facial anomaly is often seen on the visage of the nervous and/or intensely focused. The lips often dry out in this expression and become welded to the teeth. Is often accompanied by an eye tic.
6. Manic Panic. Total loss of bodily control when the tempo of the music speeds up. This is commonly seen within veil work where the dancer weilds her veil with the desperation of a matador about to be gored in the bullring.