Tribal, Gothic, and Warrior Style Belly Dance Instruction, Performance, Choreography, and Consulting

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here you'll find the most commonly asked questions and their answers. Submit questions via e-mail. Enjoy!

Q: What should I wear to class?

A: Comfortable clothes are recommended: t-shirts and pants (jeans, sweat pants, etc) work well for allowing movement. Tight clothes are not recommended: Bare midriffs, extremely low-cut jeans/pants, tube tops, shirts that are so short/small that your belly is exposed when you raise your arms, and short-shorts are prohibited in all classes. As for shoes, flat shoes such as sneakers or bare feet are best. Heeled shoes, sandals, and flip flops may cause foot injuries while dancing.

 

Q: Will this class teach me to intice my husband or boyfriend?

A: "How to intice" is nowhere in the lesson plan. I have no control over what students do with the information they gather from the classes, but inticement, stripping, pole dancing, and any other form of "partially clothed thrusting" are not included. Bedouin Star's goal is to avoid the stereotypes of belly dance, to be the exact opposite of what the majority of society imagines belly dance to be.

 

Q: How many classes do I need to take before I learn the dance?

A: Patience, Grasshopper. Class pace is individaully based. Some students catch right on and others need to take more time to let the information sink in. None of this is learned overnight. You could be a beginner student anywhere from 2 to 15 years. It all depends on the level of commitment and your goals. Dancing for fun is just as important as dancing in hopes of performing on a stage and both ideals are welcome in class.

 

Q: I'm self taught through DVDs and books and have recently realized, from seeing other dancers, that I may not have learned some vital information. Can I attend Bedouin Star classes?

A: Of course you can! As a matter of fact, you are encouraged to. There is one major difference between learning in class and from a DVD. In class, the instructor can correct you. DVD, not so much. Posture is critical as proper posture better prevents injuries. If no one can tell you that your knees aren't bent enough or not to slouch your shoulders, the lack of proper posture will effect your dance abilities. In addition, learning simply by watching is not always ideal. Many belly dance movements appear simple, but contain mechanincs that, when explained in greater detail, can also prevent possible injuries.

 

Q: Do you teach floorwork?

A: No. I personally do not believe floorwork adds any aesthetics to a dance. Just a personal preference.

 

Q: How old must I be to attend classes?

A: 12 years of age. Your parent/guardian will need to sign the registration form or attend class with you. There are moms and daughters who attend class together.