Welcome to the wonderful world of bellydance! Here’s a list of links to help you get started on your journey. Thanks so much for joining me in the Monday and/or Tuesday classes. As always, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Also, connect with me on Facebook. I will add you to a classes group page where my students share links, info about workshops, etc.
Video Clips for Beginners
NOTE: These videos are a bonus for my students. I do not make them available to the public, so please don’t share with non-students. Thanks!
FAQ’s
1. What’s the difference between the 8 pm Monday night and 7 pm Tuesday night classes?
Both classes use basic movements that are appropriate for beginners. However, on Mondays we take more time to break down the movements, talk about the songs and rhythms, and have special topics every two months. Mondays are more focused on developing your all-around skills as a dancer. Tuesdays are more fast-paced, with continuous movement the entire hour, designed to be a bellydance fitness class. Tuesdays are excellent for developing stamina, transitions, and overall muscle memory.
2. The costumes are so fun! What should I buy?
Honestly, you don’t need to buy anything the first few months. I always bring hipscarves, veils, etc. for students to borrow. Focus your money (and time) on learning. After you’ve decided that you really do like bellydancing, you’ll likely want to buy a hipscarf or two and maybe a veil. Avoid the inexpensive coin hipscarves, as they are noisy and easily fall apart.
3. When can I consider myself an “Intermediate” dancer?
That depends. We all have different abilities when we start taking classes and learn at different rates. My 8 pm Intro & Essentials class is designed for beginners, advanced beginners, and those who want to maintain skills, but do not want to venture into the intermediate/advanced class. During the course of a year, the 8 pm class continually reviews basics while covering key topics to lay the foundation for any bellydance style. When I think a student wants to work towards moving to the 7 pm class or if a student asks me about it, I provide a list of skills that I expect my “Continuing” class to know. The student and I can then follow and assess her/his progress and communicate about when s/he is ready to join the 7 pm class.
4. When will I be ready to perform?
You may or may not be interested in performing. It is not a requirement in my classes. However, performing is an essential part of my “Learn, Create, Share, Love” philosophy, since I do think we benefit greatly from sharing what we love to do.
That said, I create performance opportunities throughout the year for my students, some “just for us” (perfect for beginners) and others in public spaces. I typically host events in November, December, March, May, and August. I also encourage students with at least six months of taking classes to participate in dancer-hosted shows, such as what is offered by the Women of Selket in Richmond and the Tiraz Dance Network in the west-of-DC area.
If you have learned a choreography from me in class, you are welcome to perform it (give credit to me for choreography, if possible, please.) I love helping students prepare for that first performance, whether a solo, duet, or small group. If you are working on your own choreography or improvisation for your first performance, I am happy to make song recommendations. (The music can be overwhelming; I wouldn’t want you to accidentally pick a song that isn’t appropriate.)
If you have thoughts of performing professionally some day, check out my blog article on the topic.