Welcome to Belly Dancing with Dance Club
We hope you enjoy yourself, learn something new, make some fabulous friends (all belly dancers are fabulous), and expand your horizons. A few things to keep in mind – belly dance should never be painfull! If you are experiencing any pain, stop what you are doing. Check your posture and make sure you are not overextending yourself, or performing a movement in a way it wasn’t intended. There are different levels of intensity, so if what the class is doing is too much for you, just take it down a notch. Shimmies don’t have to be done at light speed, do singles if ¾’s are beyond your abilities at the moment. Your instructor will point out the different levels of skill and intensity available to you, so you can find the one that is challenging without being painful. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, ask your doctor first.
If you have an injury or illness, let the instructor know. We don’t want anyone aggravating injuries in class. It doesn’t mean you can’t come and participate, but the instructor can suggest modifying movements to improve your dance experience.
Wear something comfortable to move in. Sweats are perfectly acceptable. On the first day, let’s all start out wearing something in which the instructor can see your legs. Then if you would like to wear a long skirt for the swish effect you are welcome to do so later. Costuming items are fun to wear in class, and you will be dazzled and amazed at what is available on the internet. You don’t absolutely need any of the items below, but they really do enhance the class experience. Items you may be interested in procuring for a truly fun belly dance experience are:
* Zils: The instructor might have an extra set of zils in class, or go online and order a set. They are commonly called finger cymbals.
* Hip Wrap, preferably loud with coins: They are just so darn fun (loud) to dance in. However, we won’t fault you if you prefer a quiet shawl with fringe. The instructor might have one available to borrow at class.
* Veil: The instructor might have an extra veil to borrow in class. But it is easy to make your own by purchasing a 2 1/2 yard piece of chiffon or other gauzy fabric.
* Footwear: Some people like it and some don’t. If you get to dancing for hours on a hard floor, you might prefer wearing plain ballet slippers or even those isotoner house slippers from Wal Mart. Discount Dance Supply online has a nice inexpensive line and quick customer service.
* Music: This is fun for when you practice at home. Check for music on the internet, and consider any of the “Rough Guides” to Bellydance, Egyptian music, Asian Underground etc. Compilations are good because they usually have a variety of styles.
The class format will probably evolve over time to better reflect the needs of the students, but classes will typically consist of the following:
* a warm-up drill;
* some stretching movements (or you can arrive early and stretch out more on your own before we begin class);
* reviewing basics skills and movements;
* a group activity, practicing some movement techniques;
* some choreography instruction where you will either learn the theory behind an established choreography or style of dance.
Stretch your comfort zone, and think about performing your new skill! Women of all shapes, sizes and ages (as in fully costumed in public) perform this dance. It was never originally intended for Barbie Doll stick figures (we can thank Hollywood for starting that odious misconception.) We will discuss more on this topic in the classes if you are ever curious about it. Several opportunities will be available, if you are interested.