More resources:
Music: A list of the music I use in classes / recommend for beginners
Articles: Articles that I have written either for students or for other publications
Links: Links to other websites that can give great in-depth information about bellydance
Student FAQs
~ What should I wear to class?
The main thing in class is that you feel comfortable and that I can see the movements you are making, so t-shirt and leggings / tracksuit bottoms are ideal (but not too long, please - I need to see your feet!). Some people like to bring a hipscarf (coined or beaded) to tie around their hips, but there's no need to splash out if you don't feel you want one. If you want to tie something round your hips, a lightweight scarf (such as chiffon) will do. There is no need to reveal your belly, unless you want to! We usually dance in bare feet, but the hall where the classes are held can get quite cold in winter, so if you're worried about icy toes, I would recommend getting some ballet slippers or grippy socks. Ordinary socks aren't allowed as there is a risk of slipping on the floor. With temperature in mind, it's also worth bringing a couple of layers that you can remove as we warm up, or put back on as we cool down!
~ I have to travel a way to get to the class - does it matter if I'm a few minutes late?
Each class begins with a thorough warm-up, which raises the pulse and body temperature and mobilises the joints to prepare the body for dancing. This is a crucial part of the class, and missing this could increase your chance of injury. I therefore require everyone coming to class to be present for the warm-up! I am present at the venue at least 10 minutes before the beginning of a class to collect payment, answer questions, etc, so don't worry about arriving a few minutes early!
~ Can my friend come and watch the class?
No - many people coming to bellydance classes feel quite self conscious already because they don't know everyone in the group, without the added pressure of having other people watching them! If your friend wants to watch to see whether they would like to try bellydance, I would strongly encourage them to join the class for just one session - that will give them a much better idea!
~ I want to practice at home...what music do you recommend?
I have compiled a list of CDs that I either use in class or recommend to beginners.
~ How do you keep students up to date?
If, for instance, I have to cancel a class due to illness or family emergency, I will ensure that I 'phone students and let them know what is going on. In addition, I make sure that this website is kept up to date with class dates and times. Please keep an eye on the home page, as this is where I will post announcements about changes to the schedule. When I know about events in advance I will make an announcement at the beginning of class. Otherwise, I generally keep in touch with students outside of term-time via email. This is because ringing around all my students would be incredibly time-consuming! However, I understand that not everyone has access to email, and am prepared to make alternative arrangements.
~ When can I start coming to the Improver's class?
If you've been coming to my Beginner's class for at least two terms, then I would be willing to consider you moving into the Improvier's class. However, I will be honest with you as to whether or not I feel you're up to it. If you're coming from another teacher's class, I would have expected to you to have done at least one year of bellydance previously. Again, if I don't think you're ready for Improver's I will be honest with you!
~ Do you teach private lessons?
Yes, I do. To get the most out of a private lesson, you really need to have a clear idea of something that you want to focus on - it could be a particular movement, it could be dancing to a particular piece of music. We will agree before the class what you want to look at, so that you get the most out of the time. For more information about costs for private lessons, please visit the teaching page.
~ How do I find out more about the different styles of bellydance?
The best way is to watch performances by as many different bellydancers as possible, whether in real life or on DVD/video. Hannan Sultan of Toronto has compiled a great list of Youtube video clips that illustrate the different bellydance styles, which you can check out for an introduction to different styles.
~ I've been bitten by the bellydance bug - what can I do to learn more and progress quicker?
The key to progressing quickly with bellydance is to practice at home between classes. Try and get hold of some the music I recommend and practice what we have learned in class. It's also really important to start going to other teachers. They will have different perspectives and teaching techniques to me, and this will help you to get a thorough grounding in bellydance and begin to develop your own style. An excellent way to sample the teaching of many UK and international teachers is to attend large scale bellydance events in the UK such as Jewel of Yorkshire and Fantasia, and I also recommend Wiggle as a source of info about workshops, haflas and teachers in the UK.
~ Are there any bellydance groups or networks I can join?
Yes, there are several! Northern Arabic Dance Association (NADA) are a membership organisation covering the North of England and Scotland - they organise workshops, lists teachers in different areas and publish a magazine devoted to bellydance. Another membership organisation is MOSAIC, which has more of a national reach, and also publishes a magazine devoted to bellydance.
~ What online resources do you recommend?
There is loads of information available on the internet - some reliable, some not. The websites listed on my links page and below are valuable sources of information, but I list them because I find them helpful, not because I think they are the final arbiters of 'facts' about bellydance. Both Bhuz and OrientalDancer have lively online discussion boards visited regularly by both beginners and experienced bellydancers. The networking site Tribe has several tribes devoted to bellydance - too many to list here! If you prefer more of a magazine format then the online magazines Gilded Serpent and The Hip Circle are also both interesting reads.