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Classes and Courses |

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Classes |
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In this section: Quick Class finder for Classes with Sara Shrapnell Compare all the classes in the area to find the one thats best for you. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Beyond the Basics--student development Classes or Course--which is best for you (below) Student Levels Explained (below) More details of : Basingstoke Sports Centre Class, Saturday mornings Tuesday evening South Street class, Reading Class at Oakridge, Basingstoke on a Wednesday evening The Thursday morning class, also at Oakridge Readings Friday morning class are not currently running |
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New students of all levels are welcome anytime to a drop in session or to the first two weeks of a course. I run lots of classes aimed at various levels at different venues throughout the area and at times to suit different people--please take a look at the quick class finder to work out a short list of classes that would suit you then click on them to get more details. Click here to explain about drop in and courses--below Click here to explain about levels---below Click here to find out how the classes work |
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Preparing for Your First Class Please visit this section before coming to your first class--you will find lots of things I would like to teach you in your first lesson, except its good to get on with a bit of dancing :) I will always do Posture with any new student so don't worry too much about that, but read through all the notes and email me any questions you have. (this area is still under construction so please re-visit once the photos have been added) |
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What is the difference between a course and a drop in class ? My courses are run through adult education or via the sports centre and are a structured to develop Middle Eastern dance. We start with the basics and have aims and outcomes to achieve during the 10 or 12 weeks. Adult Education courses tend to cover much more about culture and different styles of bellydance, while the sports centre class is much more fitness focused. All courses need to be pre booked by ringing the number listed on each classes homepage. The most popular courses do tend to book full, so early booking is recommended. New students are welcome up to week three of a course, although full payment may be required, after that date you may be asked to wait until the next course starts. Start dates are listed on each classes homepage. Drop in classes are less structured and so the teacher can adjust the lesson depending on those who attend. You are welcome to come along on the night and pay as you go, although it helps me to know if newcomers will be coming along, so I can allow time to cover good posture and welcome you to the group (email : sara@letsbellydane.co.uk). These classes are good for those who can not commit to a whole term of classes, or who want a second class each week, want to re-cover something they are working on and those who want to increase their fitness and stamina. Learning is less structured and more suited to those who learn in a more free flowing way. There are more opportunities for experimentation, self expression, while we still focus on good technique. For beginners each drop in class is structured to build on the previous weeks session and to introduce something new. This means that you are never more than a week behind and that you can join at any point. For example--one week we might learn how to do a figure 8 move, and the next week we will learn how to undulate with it, while also introducing the camel. The next week we walk with a camel and introduce the shimmy…. Each weeks lesson plans are on the classes homepage, which will give you a better idea of how it works. Further info on our classes can be found on the FAQ and About the Classes pages. Please read "your first class" before starting either a course of drop in class. |
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Student Levels Explained. Beginners start with no prior lessons in Middle Eastern dance, and remain until they have mastered the basic moves (20 weeks plus). Improvers work on framing, linking, posture, undulating, pivoting and free dance, and generally have under a years experience. Intermediates are confident in all the above and are ready to work on layering, choreographies, styles of dance, props and performance skills--they are expected to take workshops with outside teachers and to report back to the group on what they have learnt. While the Advanced dancers have been dancing for 3 years or more and aim to look at the subject in more depth while still working on their dance, performance and technique. As you will see, many classes cover more than one level. If you have already taken lessons with another teacher please email me to find the level most suited to your skills. Generally students of ASMED or JWWAD qualified teachers share the same vocabulary as my classes and can move directly across. Other students may need some time in a more basic class in order to understand the structure I use. Experienced dancers of other styles and those who have danced in a Middle Eastern style in a home setting need to start in beginners, although they sometimes move on quicker through the levels. If in doubt start at a lower level and I can always move you. |


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NEW STUDENTS START HERE !! : This section can seem very confusing if all you want to do is get started. I suggest you read the sections below so you can decide if you are going to learn best by doing a drop in or a course--many people swop between the two, so its not too important--and what level you need to start at. Then go to the quick class finder to work out what venue fits in with your week and would be easy for you to travel to. Then before you come to your first lesson please read Your first class, FAQ and my Terms and conditions. - then email me if you have any other questions Sara@letsbellydance.co.uk |