About being a dance student

Back to topWhat are the benefits of belly dance?

Learning belly dance is a fun way to learn some great dance moves and get some exercise (without it feeling like hard work!). It helps improve your posture, balance and flexibility and can be performed by any size or shape of woman. Classes are sociable, supportive and friendly and there are always events going on in the wider belly dance community.

Many women also find that attending belly dance classes regularly helps improve their confidence and self image. Belly dance also helps put you in touch with your feminine side - even if, like me, you thought you didn't have one! You can also learn about another culture through dance and music.

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

Back to topWhy do you teach in courses rather than drop-in classes?

I find that everyone gets more out of the classes if everyone is committed to a set course. We all get to know each other much faster, so you get a really supportive and friendly environment in class, and you can all work through a set course.

In a drop-in class it is difficult for everyone to progress or, say, all learn a dance together, because different people turn up on different weeks. I find that regular attendees get frustrated by constantly having to revisit the basics because someone new has turned up - and the newbie themselves may not get the support they need if they are the only one who is new.

I also think it is sad when someone tries just one or two lessons of something, decides it isn't for them or loses courage and never comes back - how can you know if you haven't given it a chance? Having committed to a course tends to dissuade people from this. Learning a new skill is never easy and you won't necessarily love something straight away, but with a course of lessons you can be satisfied that you gave the dance - and yourself - a fair try. Most people do end up loving it and sign up for more!

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

It is usually 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.

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 this 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-workshop or class as part of a special occasion - perfect for hen nights and birthday parties!

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 or for a long period. And it is certainly more fun than going to the gym!

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 when you are a beginner because it helps me see what your legs are doing, but you might like to practice wearing a long flowing skirt.

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 bring some hip scarves for those who don't have one.

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 so 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 usually 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. You might then be 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) would normally require three to four years minimum of regularly attending classes and workshops at increasingly demanding levels - and a high level of natural talent.

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.

What my students say:

The highlight of my week! I find your enthusiasm and your talent really inspiring

Rachel

Thank you for the great classes and being so patient with me. I really enjoyed it!

Bridget