About classes

The following are frequently asked questions relating to what a belly dance performance from Helena will involve:

Please note: Helena does not perform for all-male audiences.

Back to topWhat are the benefits of taking regular belly dance lessons?

Learning belly dance is a fun way to learn some great dance moves and get some exercise (without it feeling like hard work!). It is helps improve your fitness, posture, balance and flexibility - all while you shimmy around in a jingly coin scarf!

Classes are sociable, supportive and friendly and there are always events going on in the wider belly dance community. You get to learn about another culture through dance and music. And it is a solo dance so you don't need to find a partner - you can just come along and have a go!

Belly dance can be performed by any size or shape of woman and many women find that attending belly dance classes regularly helps improve their confidence and self image. I have even had a lady join my class on doctor's recommendation, to help overcome depression. Belly dance also helps put you in touch with your feminine side - even if, like me, you thought you didn't have one!

Of course you may even find you have discovered a new life-long passion! I certainly did!

Back to topWhich is best for me - a course or drop-in classes?

It depends! If you are really keen to study belly dance as a dance style and you are able to commit to attending every week then a course would be best for you. On the courses the students work through a set curriculum at the same pace, everyone is committed and we all get to know each other much faster, so you get a really supportive and friendly environment in class.

If you can't commit to a regular class, or if your priorities are more about enjoying yourself and improving your fitness then try a drop in class. These classes are fun and friendly, with lots of new content all the time. Each class will cover the basic technique needed for that lesson so you can turn up any time.

If you are keen to progress your dancing but can't make every week then as long as you are only going to miss one or two lessons, I would still recommend a course. Don't worry though, if you cannot commit to a regular class at all then you will still progress in the drop-in classes, just not quite as quickly.

 

Back to topI can't commit to the full course, can I still attend?

If the course is not full then it can be possible to negotiate a discount if you know in advance you will be missing a small number of weeks due to prior commitments, e.g. holiday. Please ask at the start of the course if this is possible. If you miss classes during the course without this prior negotiation then you will not be eligible for a refund except in exceptional circumstances such as severe injury or loss of income - this will be at Helena's discretion.

It is not normally possible to accomodate people who wish to take classes on a drop-in basis or who will be missing a large number of classes but again, please ask as it may sometimes be possible if the class is not over-subscribed.

Back to topDo you provide private lessons/workshops?

Yes, I can provide a private lesson, or I can provide a mini- or full workshop as part of an event or special occasion - perfect for hen nights and birthday parties! See workshops for more!

Back to topWill belly dance help me lose weight?

As part of an overall approach to weight loss, all exercise can only help - especially if accompanied by a healthy diet. One dance class per week might not be enough to affect your general shape on its own, but you should notice improvements in your flexibility, posture, grace of movement and muscle tone if you belly dance regularly. And it is certainly more fun than going to the gym! Some of my students have reported that they have lost inches round their waist even where they haven't lost weight.

Back to topWhat should I wear to class?

Wear clothes that you can move around in easily, with either bare feet or flexible soled dance shoes. Trousers are better than a skirt for class-wear because it helps me see what your legs are doing.

You may also like to bring a scarf or shawl to tie round your waist - these accentuate the movements and act as a learning aid. Many of the girls like to buy a hip scarf decorated with "coins" after a few lessons, as these are fun to wear and are useful for helping you "hear" the moves you make. I usually bring some spare hip scarves for those who don't have one to borrow forthe duration of the class.

Back to topHow long will it take before I am any good?

This is different for different people as it depends both on natural ability and also how much time you put into it. Belly dance is a skilled art form that takes time to acquire - do not expect to be a fab dancer straight away!

Most people have a good grounding in the basics after attending one or two courses of lessons (a course is 12 lessons). You can perform for friends and family, or at supportive community dance events, pretty much as soon as you feel ready - most teachers will organise events like this for their pupils. Your teacher should let you know when you are ready to perform at more formal events after two years of consistently attending classes and preferably also workshops.

Becoming a professional dancer (i.e. taking on paid performance work) is possible for those who are committed and have a high level of natural talent. However it would normally require years of regularly attending classes and workshops with a variety of teachers at increasingly demanding levels; regular home practice and a wide range of amateur performance experience.

Back to topDo you let men join your class?

I would certainly consider allowing this, but it would depend on the students I had at that time. Some women do not feel comfortable dancing with men present, so if I already had a student who felt this way I would need to respect this. If there were enough interest I would consider running a class for men.

If you would like to see what people think about the workshops you can view student feedback.