What to wear: Lots
of people wonder what to wear to class. I always say come in something
comfy! Leggings, yoga pants or tracksuit bottoms are fine and if you
can, bring something to tie around your hips. A scarf, pashmina or
sarong are fine to start with but a proper hip belt will help you look
and feel more like a 'bellydancer' as you progress.
Tips for Class
Come
as often as you can as practise makes perfect! You will be able to
consolidate the moves each week and missing weeks can impact on your
progress. Practise at home, when doing your supermarket shopping and
the washing up. Apart from making those things more glamorous, it will
help your dancing!
Don't
take it too seriously! Class is a place where you can let your hair
down and experiment. Don't afraid to get things wrong as that's how you
learn. I teach in quite a light hearted manner as I want you to enjoy
yourself at my classes- It's not brain surgery!
Make
sure you can see and hear me and please stop and ask me to repeat or go
over something in more depth with you. Chances are someone else will
appreciate the recap too
Bring
a notepad and jot things down in a way that makes sense to you. It will
help you remember whilst you do all that practising at home.
Don't
worry about what your neighbour is doing. We all progress at different
rates so just be comfortable with developing at your own pace.
If
I correct you please know that this is to help you become more
proficient- it is not a criticism. A good teacher gives feedback. that
helps students to progress and become more confident dancers.
Be
aware of how your body is moving, your posture and what muscle groups
are driving what movements and don't get frustrated. It takes some time
to get your brain to figure out which bits to move. Chances are you
will never have used your muscles in this way before and it may feel
weird at first. Accept It takes time to become a good dancer and enjoy
the journey.
Watch
yourself in a mirror at home to monitor your progress. Mirrors are very
useful tools when learning to dance. You are able to see what the
movements look like on your body and start to get a feel for your own
style. Over the weeks you will see muscles beginning to tone up as you
begin to master the basics and are able to isolate the body.
Get
some arabic music (or ask me for some), listening to its different
rhythms will help to attune your ear and guage which moves are
appropriate to the music. Watch DVD's and attend workshops whenever you
can. Attending Hafla's is also a great (and fun) way to improve your
dance confidence as there are often live drummers to practise with.