What do I bring/need for the first day of classes?

1. comfortable, stretchy, form-fitting clothing (eg.leggings, form fitting t-shirt, yoga suit, shorts)
2. water bottle
3. optional - hip scarf, coin belt, soft soled slippers (barefoot is fine), mat or towel
4. Intermediate and Advanced students will also need finger cymbals

 

I have no previous dance experience/Do I need experience/I am an absolute beginner

1. the beginner class and shimmyfit are designed for those who have never taken dance before

 

Is it good exercise/will I lose weight?

1. Belly dance is like any form of exercise - the more you put into it the more you get out of it.  If fitness and weight loss are your goals, you can achieve them with consistent practice at home and in class; previous students have reported:

 

How long does it take to learn/before I get good at it?

- Individual effort plays the largest role in this answer - the more time you devote to it, the quicker you will progress, as with any skill.  With that said, all students progress at their own rate.  The important thing to remember is that learning is a process and to enjoy the process.

 

What ages do you teach/I am 40-50-60, am I too old?

1. Students range in age from 12 - 60 and beyond!  Classes are not separated by age; all ages are in the same classes together

 

Do you teach children/what is the minimum age?

1. The minimum age for my classes is 12 (physical development, maturity)

 

I am a bit on the heavy side/overweight

1. Women of all sizes take belly dance classes, from very small to very large

 

I have a bad back/pregnant/fybromyalga/other medical condition.  Can I take belly dance?

1. As with any exercise program, it is important to talk to your doctor before trying any new physical activity; previous students have reported improvement with back pain, fybromyalga, and many have continued to dance while pregnant (Aldiya has scoliosis, or lateral curvature of the spine; she danced during and shortly after her pregnancy and delivery). PLEASE NOTE - ALL CONDITIONS ARE INDIVIDUAL.  PLEASE CONSULT YOUR HEALTH CARE PRACTIONER PRIOR TO BEGINNING THIS OR ANY NEW MOVEMENT PROGRAM.

 

I am uncooordinated/ I have "two left feet". Can I take this class?

- Absolutely!  Coordination is a skill that can be learned and developed with time and practice.  The beginner class is designed for novices and is a great way  to develop coordination.

 

When do classes begin? Do classes run year round?

I offer 4 sessions per year:

- Fall, 11 weeks, begins in September

- Winter, 11 weeks, begins in January

- Spring, 8 weeks, begins in May

- Summer, 5 weeks, begins in July

 

What will I learn?

1. beginner - 20-40 basic Middle Eastern Dance moves, dancing with a veil, choreography/dance, creativity
2. intermediate - 20-30 movements, finger cymbals, cane dance (Egyptian folkloric), candle dance, choreography/dance, creativity
3. advanced - 20-30 movements, music study, Khaleegy (Saudi folkloric), sword dance, choreography/dance, creativity

 

Do you teach different levels/how many levels are there/what happens when I complete this class?

 

- Levels offered are beginner/level 1, intermediate/level 2, and advanced/level 3

1. Students are required to take 20 weeks of beginner classes (2-3 sessions) plus 4 weeks of technique classes (1 session) before moving on to intermediate
2. Students are required to take 30 weeks of intermediate classes (3 sessions) plus 8 weeks of technique classes (2 sessions) before moving on to advanced classes

 

What is the technique class?

1. It is designed to help students improve their belly dance technique.  It consists of exercises to improve strength, posture, grace, coordination and balance.  It is open to all levels of belly dance students. 

 

What is Shimmyfit?  How is it different from the regular belly dance classes?

- Shimmyfit is a dance based fitness program that includes a yoga warm up and cool down, brain gym (coordination) exercises, orientation and fitness circuits with belly dance moves (alternating cardio and strength moves) and a simple dance putting it all together.  It provides more vigorous exercise than the regular belly dance classes with less emphasis on belly dance technique.

 

Do you sell music/ costume pieces?

- Hip scarves (coin belts), veils and CD's are available for purchase in class.

 

Do you do student recitals?

- There are two OPTIONAL student recital opportunities, one in December and one in April.  These recitals are OPTIONAL.  They are open to all students who are interested in participating and can devote the time to rehearsals.  NO STUDENT IS REQUIRED TO  PEFORM AT ANY TIME IF THEY ARE NOT COMFORTABLE.