Belly Dance Classes FAQ:
What do I wear to belly dance class?
Yoga or workout clothes. The instructor has coin hip scarves available for $20 that many students enjoy tying around their hips. You can belly dance in bare feet or wear ballet slippers.
Do I need to bring anything to belly dance class?
A yoga mat or pad for warm-ups and a bottle of water are suitable for beginning and mixed level classes. Intermediate belly dance students should always bring finger cymbals (purchase at www.turquoiseintl.com) and a 2 1/2-3 yard veil.
Do I have to be in good shape to learn belly dance?
Beginning students come to belly dance from all levels of fitness. If you're not in good shape when you start belly dance, you will get in good shape if you stick with it!
What are the health benefits of learning belly dance?
Belly dance helps to tone the muscles of the entire body, particularly the core muscles of the abdominals, hips and gluts. Learning belly dance can help also improve your posture and flexibility. Best of all, the combination of beautiful music and dance and socializing at class leaves you feeling uplifted and joyful.
Will learning belly dance help me lose weight?
If you take regular classes multiple times per week, belly dance can certainly help you lose weight. Belly dance is an excellent form of fitness for people who want to lose weight because it is so fun that it doesn't feel like exercise. Belly dance will also help you feel better about your body, no matter what size you are.
How long does it take to learn belly dance?
It depends on how much time and energy the you are able to commit to learning belly dance. Like any art form, one can study belly dance for a lifetime and still have more to learn. With focused attention and consistent attendance in class, daily practice and private coaching, you will progress very rapidly. If you are only able to commit to belly dance class once a week without outside practice, you will still enjoy learning bellydance at a more modest rate.
Can children join the adult belly dance class?
The adult belly dance classes are intended for students 12 years and older because these classes focus on precise muscle isolation that are more suitable for older students to understand and execute. A younger child can try out the adult class as a drop-in to see if the class is appropriate for their physical development and coordination. Mommy and Me belly dance and Children's belly dance classes are in the works, so stay tuned!
When can I join the Intermediate belly dance class?
Students may join the Intermediate belly dance class after at least 3 months of Beginning belly dance classes. However, it is strongly recommended that students with less than one year experience continue taking a Beginning or Mixed Level Belly Dance class, in addition. Because the Intermediate class introduce props and more advanced technique, it is essential that the foundational belly dance technique be developed and maintained before adding more complex elements. Ask your instructor if you have any questions.
When can I start performing belly dance?
Student recitals and showcases are the first step towards performing belly dance. If you are interested in learning to perform professionally, ask your teacher if you are ready. Becoming a member of the Henna and Kohl Bellydance Company is a great way for intermediate and advanced belly dance students to gain experience in performance.
Do I have to perform if I take belly dance classes?
No, there is no requirement to perform if you are taking belly dance classes. Many students take belly dance for fun and fitness without any intention to perform.
Do you have any recommendations for belly dance music, DVDs, or costumes?
Visit my Links page for recommendations on all of those!
What happens if I miss a class?
All students purchase classes by the session. If you miss you class, you may be able to make it up at another class with the instructor's permission.
Do you recommend private coaching in addition to group classes?
Private coaching is very beneficial for intermediate and advanced belly dancers who are preparing for performance. Beginning belly dance students can benefit from private coaching if they would like more personalized support and training. You can learn more about private belly dance coaching at the Private Coaching page.