FAQ

What is the difference between Middle Eastern Dance and Bellydance ? Belly dance is a name that many M.E.D. teachers try to distance themselves from. It gives the wrong impression of what we do, and conjures up images of the Harem, wiggling our bellies and exploitation. Unfortunately many people have no idea of what Middle Eastern dance involves and so use the term Bellydance instead. I have no problem with either term--some of my classes are Middle Eastern dance, while others are Bellydance--the basic structure and the moves taught are the same. We can also call our dance raqs sharqi, or Arabic dance, but the truth is that I take a mixture of folk and modern moves from the whole region and use them to make a dance that is fun. You can decide if you want to study the art of dance from the middle east, or if you can change peoples perception of a Bellydancer…..

Where can I find a local class ? If you can't come to my classes then take a look at the links page under teachers listing. Each of the websites listed contains contact details for teachers in other regions. You could look out for posters and flyers at local events, such as dance festivals or fetes. The listing of MED teachers is a country wide problem, so please help me help others. If you know of another web site with listings, or a teacher not listed please ask them to contact me.

Could I do bellydance ? Yes ! Anyone can do this dance, I have students of an age where it would be impolite to ask, right down to 14 year olds. You don't need a belly, but equally it can't be too big ! We have dancers for whom this is a first step on route to better fitness, to those who have added our dance to their weekly fitness routine--and some who don't do it for fitness at all. Because I understand that you know your body best, I will let you go at your own speed, while showing you how to keep safe and get more of a work out if you want it. Our dance is designed to work a range of muscles, and yet is gentle and relaxing--this makes it perfect for anyone with limited range, we simply work together, think logically and artistically to make the dance work for everyone. You don't need any past dance experience, we have very limited paperwork (and help is available), and my classes are very welcoming to all. .

Can my child come to class ? I can not teach children in all of my classes, the exceptions being at Basingstoke sports centre and the Tuesday and Wednesday drop in classes and then only when joined by an adult--contact me to discuss further. Teaching children is a very specialist skill, which I am not qualified or insured to do. I am happy to teach young teens in the Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday classes as long as they are accompanied by a family member, and once 16 they can join any class. Before mid teens, I believe, children do not have the maturity for the emotional side of this dance and I would be uncomfortable talking about sensuality, love, longing and body image with young children. I have, however, found that girls of around 14 gain a lot from being introduced to this dance--both in confidence and body awareness--and it's a great way to introduce topics such as pelvic floor exercises, fitness and flirting to young women. Before this age I would advise parents to find a good ballet or jazz dance class with a teacher who has a balance between fun and gaining recognised awards. These classes will help improve posture, musical awareness and use of space, while also starting a lifelong love of dance. Young men who wish to do this dance should contact me along with the parent they wish to bring--grown up men are always welcome--see my page on Men and Middle Eastern Dance.

I do not welcome children coming to class to watch, but as a parent myself I understand that its not always possible to get a babysitter. If you need to bring a child or children on occasion please ask your classmates if they mind (many people come to class for time away from their own children !) , bring plenty to occupy them and remember that they remain your responsibility for the whole time they are in the building. New mums often ask if they can bring their babies, but again I would suggest that you try out a drop in class for a few weeks--some babies love the music, but others are driven mad with our noise--babies who were dancing as bumps often get very active when the music starts up ! Pre school children are welcome to accompany their parent to our Thursday Morning class at Oakridge Hall for All, where a soft play area is available

Do I have to perform ? Some people can't wait to perform, while others may never want to, and I accept and appreciate that. Middle Eastern dance is a performance art, and as such I organise a number of events each year where you can get some performance experience, none of which are compulsory, although they should all be fun. I also invite visiting teachers to take workshops locally, and organise trips to performance and workshops in other areas. If your aim in coming to class is to perform at a forthcoming event, let me know and I can help you prepare.

How do I know I will learn it properly ? I have studied with many of the top teachers in the world and take my continuing study of this subject very seriously. I have obtained qualifications, from both City and Guilds and the specialist course by ASMED in the teaching M.E. Dance (three years of studying all topics from individual styles of dance to individual styles of learning). I continue to learn and adapt how I teach, looking for best practice in all that I do. As a teachers I am monitored by the centres and by other key staff on a regular basis. Adult education requires that students are monitored and their lessons planned and structured. At the beginning of term you should receive an outline of what the course will cover and have the chance to discuss the course content with me. I have now been teaching full time for six years and would probably frighten myself if I worked out just how many hours of classes I have taught--this means there are very few situations I have not faced at one time or another and very little surprises me anymore.

What are the health benefits ? It is certainly true that students report many benefits from learning this dance, although I have no medical proof to call upon. In general anything that increases your heart rate for 20 mins and keeps you mentally and physically active is good for you. This dance is very elegant and helps to increase the self confidence, which has changed how people look at themselves, their relationships and their work. Weight loss is not a primary aim, but some dancers find that a couple of classes a week are a fun way of exercising and help them towards their targets. The focus on the whole body can help with flexibility and ease minor aches and pains in the back and wrists particularly. The use of core muscles in many of the movements helps promote inner strength which can help with stress incontinence, PMT and pelvic control. Its also very good for everyone to take time each week to do something for themselves, the benefits of a few joyful hours are hugely underrated ! Bellydancers do tend to be very strong, beautiful and confident--what more could you want ?

Can I dance while I'm pregnant ? Yes, I am happy for you to dance through your pregnancy, on condition that you have discussed it with your doctor and that you have already done 6 months of bellydance in the run up to your pregnancy. Because of the increase in flexibility of the joints and the disruption to balance during pregnancy it is a bad time to take up a new form of exercise. However we have had many "belly babes", whose mums have used this dance as a preparation for pregnancy, danced through and returned to tone up after the birth. Emma, Kathryn and Nadine all danced (and taught !) through their pregnancies and I can put you in touch with them over email. I was advised to drop the dancing while expecting my youngest, but returned soon after and I am willing to be sympathetic to anyone else who has to give up something they love for those few short months--he is more than worth it ! It helps me no end to know that you are expecting as early as you know (so I don't make you work too hard !). There is a general thought that dancers shouldn't shimmy in the first trimester (work on perfecting your arms instead), or over stretch at any stage (swap hip twists to lifts, don't over reach above the head, and keep head/rib slides gentle and soft), - as ever work at your own pace. Its also a time to draw strength and support from your classmates and make time to relax and enjoy dancing.

How do I sign up ? And how much will it be ? You will need to contact the centre where you want to learn and discuss cost with them (something between £20 and £40 for a ten or eleven week course). The evening classes often have waiting lists, so make sure you book early. If you have a problem with booking please let me know. The most common problem is students asking for "Bellydance" classes, when the centre only offer "Middle Eastern Dance", or vice versa !

The drop in classes really are drop in--you can just turn up. Most people like to email me first, which is nice, but if you just have the urge then come along !

email : info@letsbellydance.co.uk

Take a look at the page "about my classes" and "your first lesson" for an idea of what to expect. I look forwards to seeing you !

How do I get to be a better dancer ? There are lots of things you can do to improve your dancing once you have done a few terms. Some of my best dancers are those who regularly go back into beginners--by recovering the basics you perfect your core moves, build strength and grow in confidence. I am more than happy to teach to ability so will correct you more than the new student standing next to you (this can feel a bit like you are being picked on, but its worth it). It also helps if you take classes or workshops with other teachers--they will show you different styles and explain things in different ways. I promise I wont get upset if you study with others for a while ! You might also gain from performing--try different kinds of audience. Dancing for a group of children is very different from dancing for other dancers--and mix who you dance with. Go along to a Haflah to watch others dance and to relax and party--that's when we discover our best moves. Finally as with all dancers you will need to practice--this can be as easy as drilling a move while watching TV or practicing your tummy work in the car (Van drivers might give you a funny look !) - always start with a warm up and pick music you love. If you would like a personal development plan or an idea where to go next with your dancing I can provide you with a one on one lesson.

Can I go straight into the more advanced class ? It's a bad idea not to start at the beginning even if you are already a dancer of other styles or you have done this kind of dance in a family setting since childhood. You will need to understand the names I give the moves and how we use them to relate to the music and in the different styles--its much easier for me as a teacher to cover this kind of information in a Beginners class where everyone needs to know it than in the more advanced where often only one topic is being looked at. If you have already done classes with a teacher elsewhere then we can judge your level roughly by how long you have been dancing and how many classes a week you have been doing--if you want a personal assessment that can be arranged--but if you have been dancing for less than a year the Beginners/Improvers is probably the best place for you to start out.

Can I bring a friend to watch ? I'm sorry but you can't bring extra people to the classes--I like to welcome students who are not up to dancing to come along and sit in the lesson, but they have paid for the teaching and are part of the class. Bringing others to watch is unfair on the other students who often feel uncomfortable with being watched and on me as a teacher being put in an difficult situation. Many students have never danced infront of anyone in their life and a class, while learning a new skill and trying out movements, is not the best time to learn this skill. Sometimes classes are observed by the centre to check on teaching standards, and you should be warned when this is likely to happen--and sometimes new students ask to watch a class before they join (we prefer this to be near the end of a term when the students start to feel confident) and this is arranged through the centre and not the teacher. If you have any other reason for wanting to bring someone along then please ask me well ahead of the class, but do not be disappointed if it can't happen.

Can I come and watch to see if I like it ? See the answer above. You are most welcome to come along to one of the drop in classes anytime but I would like you to kick off your shoes and join in at the back. In exceptional conditions (health reasons) I would be willing to ask a group if they would mind being observed, but this would be at a time of my choosing and probably not with a beginners group. Please don't just turn up and look through the window--that's about the hardest thing to handle for students who are trying to learn. Imagine if it was your first lesson and someone came and sat in to watch. Shows are for watching, classes are for joining in.

Can I get more out of this than just dance lessons ? Oh yes ! As a group we organise trips to see shows and bands, we have video evenings and a Yahoo chat room (email Yahoo request to Info@letsbellydance.co.uk) or you can go to www.bhuz.com which has chat areas for all interests.

Bellydance touches many other interests such as costuming, history, travel, photography, make up…. Whatever your interests, you have skills the rest of the group would like to share as we learn from each other.

I'm really only into one style of dance (Tribal/Cabaret/Egyptian) do I have to try the others? At a beginners level I like everyone to do at least 10 minutes of many different styles--you don't know what you like until you have tried it. But some people only want to focus on one style and that's fine. If you are happy to travel between venues you should find your favourite style available at most times. The advanced class on a Wednesday aims to focus on Tribal for a third of its lessons and advanced choreography for another third. Its also worth looking out for workshops and using them to balance with your technique classes.

What should I wear ? You will find dancers in my classes in everything from jogging pants and t-shirt to full Bedlah (two piece, beads/sequins….), I am happy for you to wear whatever you feel comfortable in. I tend to have my tummy out (!) often, because I find it helps students to see the moves more clearly. During the warmer months it can be more comfortable to wear a crop top, but again its down to personal preference - all tummies are acceptable in my classes. A good sports bra is essential for almost everyone, but anything tight or forming on the tummy or hips could be restrictive and is best avoided (including jeans). Not all floors are clean so some students prefer to wear soft soled shoes (like ballet pumps), and a length of material tied around the waist, or a hip belt helps us keep the focus of the moves. You will also need to bring some drinking water--although most centres have fountains, and you are welcome to take a water break whenever you need one. See the picture below for examples of class wear.

(all of the above are examples of the most common emails I receive--if your question is not listed please email me direct and I will do my best to provide a full answer )

: sara@letsbellydance.co.uk