Q: What must I wear to class?
A: Comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. Tracksuit pants, a fitted t shirt or leotard, a scarf for the hips and socks or bare feet, jazz dance shoes, or the greek sandal dance shoes available from dance shops.
Q: How will I know if Bellydance is right for me?
A: Bellydance is not as easy as it looks - you need to give yourself at least a few months of class to see if its right for you. There is a lot of advertising out there proclaiming that bellydance is natural to womens bodies - and whilst this is true in part - it is still a new skill you are learning, like driving - it takes time and practice to master. Some moves will come to you more easily than others. You will progress at a different pace to your class mates as everyone learns differently. Practice Practice Practice. A movement needs to be repeated 3000 times in order for it to become part of your muscle memory. *The key to effortless dance is consistency in your practice - Rachel Brice*
Q: I've taken bellydance classes before with another teacher which class should I join.
A: As each teacher has a different focus all new students must join my beginners class. Once you have progressed through the Alibelly beginners programme you can do the assesement audition in order to move up to the next level.
Q: Is bellydance just for young thin women?
A: That depends on your reason for dancing - if you'd like to perform publically most venues require a dancer who fits in with the western idea of attractive.
If you are doing this for yourself, excersise or fun then there is no age or looks requirement. Alibelly's Bellydance classes are for women of all sizes and ages.
My requirements for performing dancers are based on dedication to learning, correct execution of movements, the ability to remember and perform our choreographies correctly and how a dancer interacts with her fellow dancers.
Q: Can anyone learn Bellydance.
A: Yes but if you have had any health problems please check with your Doctor first and if you decide to go ahead listen to your body - never force movement.
Q: Is Bellydance like pole dancing?
A: As much as Tennis is like soccer. So no - we don't have poles, we wear a costume that stays on and most of us cant hang upside down on a pole using the sheer strength of our thighs.
Q: Isnt bellydance a dance of seduction?
A: Historically - no. Bellydance was a folk dance which was peformed by women for women in segregated households.
Q: Does bellydance make you lose weight?
A: In order to lose weight you need to dance for at least 30 minutes everyday at a rate that increases your heart rate. A once a week class will tone rather than result in a massive loss of kilograms. Bellydance strengthens the core muscles of the spine, abdominals and hips. To lose weight you have to eat less and move more. : )
Q: How long does it take to become a professional dancer?
A: Years! If your plan is to take a few classes and wiggle off to the nearest greek restaurant to earn a couple bucks then Im not the teacher for you.
