| Q: What are the benefits of learning to bellydance? A: Bellydance is a fun-filled way to exercise! It relieves stress by clearing the mind because it demands your full and undivided attention - you can't think about anything else except what you're doing! It increases strength, flexibility, grace and body awareness by thoroughly, but gently, working every part of your body from head to toe! But most of all, it is a wonderful way to express your inner beauty through dance - to let the goddess in you shine through! Q: What is the average age/size of your typical bellydance student? A: In my classes, the average student age is about 33, and the average size is about (I'm guessing here) 175 pounds. You can never be too old or too heavy to bellydance - it's a dance for everybody and EVERY BODY. Q: What should I wear to class? A: Wear stretchy, comfortable clothing which allows you free range of motion. Leggings, yoga pants, t-shirts and tank tops are popular choices. Bare feet, socks or dance shoes are fine. No jeans or skirts, please. Q: Do I need anything to get started? A: It is recommended that you wear a hip scarf to accentuate your hip movements and isolations. A hip scarf can be as simple as a old shawl or a piece of triangular fabric tied around your hips, or as elaborate as a heavily beaded or coined creation from Egypt. If you plan to continue your study of bellydance beyond the initial 6-week class, you'll need a veil and finger cymbals. Any costuming or jewelry beyond that is entirely up to you and your budget! Q: Do I have to show my belly? A: Absolutely not! Q: Do I have to perform? A: No. We have student recitals, or a "hafla" (Arabic for "party") at least once a year where students have the opportunity to perform for fellow students, family and friends in a safe, supportive environment, however no one is ever required to perform. Q: Isn't bellydance like stripping/exotic dance? A: They are similar in that they are both great forms of exercise and a great deal of fun! But there are many differences between the two. The first difference for me is that in bellydance, the only thing that might be removed during the dance is the veil, which is used as a prop, rather than an article of clothing. Also, the hands rarely - if ever - touch the body in bellydance. But probably the biggest difference is that what we call "bellydance" today is actually based on the regional folkdances of North Africa, the Near and Middle East, and the Western Mediterranean. Although bellydance can certainly be used in a sensual way, it also includes ritual and ceremonial purposes, family and community celebrations, and even birth preparation! Q: Can I learn bellydance from a video or DVD? A: I do not recommend learning any discipline from a video or DVD. Bellydance DVDs rarely address issues of safety and correct posture.. And most importantly, a good teacher will correct your mistakes in posture and technique, which a DVD can never do. Having said that, however, DVDs are a great practice tool once you've learned the basics with a good and caring teacher! Q: Do you teach children? A: Yes, I am happy to teach dancers of all ages, however I do require that a parent or guardian be present in the classroom for students under the age of 18. Q: Can men bellydance too? A: Yes, they can! AND they can learn to bellydance in a way that reflects their strength and masculinity! If you're interested in a male-oriented class, please contact Chandara. |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Learn the Ancient Art of Bellydance |
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| with renowned Teacher & Choreographer |
| Chandara Gamal |
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