Hi Nicole, Thanks for your great question. You can use your glutes, they can be a helpful tool for some. I don't teach it often because over the years I use my glutes less and less. Glutes are not a primary muscle active in pelvic tilt, so it can lead to some problems. That being said if they help you keep your technique under control while building strength and coordination, you can definitely use them. My personal advice would be to squeeze a yoga block between your legs while drilling the vertical hip isolations while focusing on maintaining all the proper technical points of posture and the move.
Replied on Belly Power: Bellydance Toning Drills
04 Feb 12:40
Awesome News Alana! Congratulations!