Learn to Bellydance!

At last there’s a fun way to get fit for women (and men) of any age, size or shape.  Bellydance is a low impact activity that not only tones your body but allows you to gain self-esteem, confidence and foster friendships.
Bellydance is a popular form of expression in the Middle East, where it is learnt from a very young age.  Often it is a “party dance”, where women, children and even men get up and celebrate together.

Age and body shape are no barrier to the dancer


1.  Why Bellydance?
Because it’s the most fun way to get fit! It is suitable for any age, height, shape and fitness level and is a low impact activity, which is great for toning and strengthening your whole body.  It’s a fun hobby that nurtures self expression, celebration, fantasy and feeling womanly.  It’s not only fun, but gentle enough to be therapeutic while increasing the level of fitness at the same time.
For moms, coming to class not only helps get you back into shape, it also gives you a chance to get away from life for a few hours and forget about kids, hubby and housework.  Overall you’ll look and feel better, and the long-term benefit of that is an increase in body confidence and self-esteem.
Bellydance will make you realise that your body is beautiful no matter what shape or size you are, but the best thing about it is that it’s a fun, safe way to exercise.

** It is advisable to consult your doctor before performing any new exercise regime **



2.  What If I’m Uncoordinated?
The focus of our classes is enjoyment, so anyone who is keen to give it a go is welcome.  Don’t worry if you’ve got two left feet - anyone can learn with practice.  Your co-ordination will increase with persistence and patience.  Just give yourself a chance, do your best and you’ll improve as the weeks go by.


3.  What is a typical bellydance class like?
A good belly dance class should have a warm-up, mini aerobic section (fast moves which raise the heart rate), and a cool-down with stretches.  A good belly dance teacher will instruct on correct posture and technique.  Expect to learn both single movements and combinations.  Learning zills is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the art, and this will be covered after you have an understanding of the basic core moves..


4.  Which Bellydance class is right for me?
If you have no previous experience, start with an Introductory class.  We offer a "Foundations Class" that instructs you in correct posture and teaches the core movements essential to mastering this art form.  The class runs for approximately 8 weeks, after which you may advance any of our "Beyond the Basics" or Beginner/Intermediate classes You now have some dance experience but are still relatively new to bellydance.  Expect to spend at least six months at this level - learning rhythms, dance combinations, how to layer movements, and how to play zills and or hand drums associated with this dance.
Those with extensive training in other dance forms may be able to progress more quickly, but generally expect to spend about a year mastering this art form before moving onto a more advanced level.  Advanced and choreography specific classes are often performance-oriented and require a fair degree of physical fitness and mastery of basic technique.


5.  What should I wear to class?
You just need comfortable clothing, preferably something that lets the instructor see your movements.  It's nice to have ballet slippers or other dance shoes, but many students prefer to be barefoot for class.  You can wear a coin or fringe hip scarf if you like (we have a selection of these available in our boutique), but I don't recommend buying one until you're sure you want to continue.  You'll be hard pressed to find another use for it!


6.  What If I Hate Exercise?
Our classes have a dense population of exercise-hating individuals.  They find that they enjoy bellydancing because it’s so much fun that it doesn’t really feel like exercise.


7.  I have an injury; can I still take the class?
This depends on the type of injury and your doctor’s advice.  Speak with your instructor about past injuries or body weaknesses so they can give you alternative exercises or movements if necessary.  Mostly you need to learn the difference between good and bad pain so that you don’t aggravate the condition.  Some conditions can actually be improved through proper exercise. (Ex: Lower back problems may be lessened by strengthening your abdominals)
Learn to listen to and respect your body.


8.  Is belly dance hard to learn?
Sometimes.  The basic belly dance foundation movements are not too difficult for most people.  But you are discovering new ways of moving your body - some movements will be easy; others will be unusual and will require some practice and concentration to get used to.  It becomes easier as you practice.

Very often a beginner might be filled with feelings of self-doubt and awkwardness, but with perseverance and the right encouragement these obstacles are quickly overcome.  It is incredibly rewarding to see the amazing growth that, invariably, takes place within each student.  Not only will the novice dancer be introduced to parts of the their body that they may not have been previously aware of but they will be taught to simultaneously move opposite portions of their body in an articulate and unique way.  The movements will not only give you a good cardio vascular workout but it also creates that awareness which is so vital to poise and a graceful carriage.  You don't have to be blessed with loads of natural talent to reap the benefits of belly dancing.  Not every student will be destined to become a professional dancer but with the right attitude and teacher there is no doubt in my mind that this marvelous dance can profit everyone, you just need a good sense of humor and the willingness to have heaps of fun


9.  What if I'm out of shape or overweight?
Thats the beauty of things - people of all shapes and sizes attend class.  Some are slim, others curvy, some are tall, others small.  To dance, you can be chubby, slender, pear-shaped, ironingboard-shaped, full-figured, slight-figured, and everything in between. So don’t be worried about looking a certain way to be able to come to class.


10.  Do you HAVE to show your belly?
No.  Even when performing, many professional dancers keep their stomachs covered.



11.  Do you have to spend a lot of money?
That's entirely up to you.  If you just want to dance for the exercise and your personal enjoyment, you don't have to spend any additional money.  If you decide you want to perform, you can make or buy costumes according to your personal taste and budget.  If you like shopping, you can "shop 'til you drop" if you want to!



12.  Do you offer private lessons?
Yes.  Private or semi-private lessons are a great way to progress quickly, as the instructor can address your individual strengths and weaknesses.  All of our instructors are available for such personal one-on-one instruction (whether at the studio when other classes are not being held or in yourhome or other location.  The charge for this begins at $50 per hour.



13.  Can men belly dance?
Sure!  There are masculine styles of the belly dance and costuming for men -- although belly dance is more often considered a feminine art form (because of it's flowing, circular lines and emphasis on the belly/childbirth aspects).  It is traditional for men in the Middle East to dance using many of the same movements we learn in belly dance class, AND there are a number of excellent male belly dancers that teach and perform these styles.
Here is a link to some FAQ for men provided by Zorba, a well known Professional Male Belly Dancer.



14.  Am I too old to bellydance?
No.  Unlike ballet, belly dance movements are natural and not hard on your body.  Most people feel that "life experience" actually makes a better belly dancer.  While they may not be working the restaraunt scene - there are many professional (and amatuer) dancers that are well into their 60s and 70s still performing in shows/events, and teaching.
We offer a "Grand Goddess" class (for those who may uncomfortable or intimidated learning alongside younger women)


15.  Am I too young to bellydance?
As this art form has grown, there are many children who have learned this art form watching their mothers and sisters practice and dance.  Children tend to pick things up easily. We do offer Youth Classes - but only for ages 8 and above (we have found that children younger 8 generally just to not have the attention span required to maintain consistant class instruction).



16.  Bellydancing?  "Isn't that like stripping?"
Absolutely not!  The association between bellydance and stripping comes from the fact that in 1893 Algerian dancers (who did not bare their midriff) performed at the World's Fair with a flexibility that was shocking to Victorian America whose women walked stiffly around in corsets.  It was so scandalous that vaudeville owners added "hoochy koochy" dancers to their shows, cashing in on the scandal.  These dancers were rarely, if ever, from the Middle East or knew anything of the dance form.  As America grew more liberal the dancers had to go farther to shock in order to pull in the crowds.  This was the birth of the modern burlesque dancer or stripper, being called "burlesque" dancers because they were a main inclusion in burlesque variety shows.
A dancer who removes her clothes is a stripper, NOT a belly dancer.  A stripper who starts out dressed like a harem girl is not a real belly dancer, any more than a stripper who starts out wearing a police uniform is a real police officer.



17.  Isn't bellydancing used as a form of seduction?  I want to learn to dance for my husband.
In the Middle East, women mostly dance for other women--for their friends, neighbors, aunts, mothers, and cousins.  They use it to celebrate happy family occasions such as weddings and even today in some parts of the Middle East the men's celebrations are in a separate room from those of the women.  If you are just learning this to entertain your husband - he will actually get more out of it by the fact you are in a good mood when you come home from class, that you are feeling more fit and more self confident.



18.  Where can I learn more about the dance?
Check the links provided on our Networking page and start with the general information sites listed there.



19.  Other questions?
You can ask your instructor either before or after class, or feel free to e-mail us any time - We're happy to hear from you.



Beledi Bay          www.BelediBay.com
927 Broadway Dunedin, FL 34698