• Minimum participation age is age 10, but some classes require participants to be at least age 19
• Information forms and waivers for participants under age 19 must be signed by parent or guardian before attending class
• Unless children are enrolled in class at Bedouin Star, they should not be in the studio (excluding events that are open to the public)
• The studio is particularly not "kid safe" for smaller children as we have a sewing area
• The sewing area will be stored away so that all ages can attend and enjoy events that are open to the public

• Midriffs, tube tops, short shorts, shirts that are so small that lifting your arms will expose your abdomen, and low cut jeans/pants are prohibited.
• Do not wear long skirts to class. The instructor needs to see your legs, particularly your knees. Sweat pants, leggings, or comfortable jeans are recommended.
• If you have a full costume, please don't wear it to class. Save it for a drum circle or recital.
• Please avoid wearing massive amounts of jewelry to class. For example, too much clanking of bracelets can be distracting to other students.
• If you have a hip shawl or coin belt, you are more than welcome to wear these to class.

• Arrive on time. Tardiness disrupts class.
• All new students must complete an information form and participation agreement. All current students must sign-in
• If you are not registered for the class that is currently in progress, please remain in the reception area until the current class is dismissed. No one wants to be watched while learning
• Childcare is not provided during dance class. Children, husbands, boyfriends, sisters, cousins, and other spectators are prohibited.
• Only registered students can attend class.
• Students under 18 years of age will need to have a parent/guardian signature on the registration form before they can participate in class
• No street shoes on the dance floor. Dance shoes, socks, or bare feet only
• Please call the studio if you will be absent from class
• If you have health concerns, please see your doctor before attending class
• Men belly dance too and are welcome to register and attend classes
• If you are looking for "hoochie coochie" dance classes, look elsewhere
• Practice outside of class and take notes to better remember what was covered and do not hesitate to ask questions
• If a movement hurts, stop executing the movement and inform the instructor
• Class fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and must be paid in full before you can attend class
• Cell phones must be silent during class and telephone conversations will not be held during class
• Keep chatter during class to a minimum
• Please do not attempt to attend class inebriated or in any other altered state of being. You will be removed from the studio
• Show respect for yourself, the instructor, and classmates by practicing good hygiene
• If you are sick, please stay home. If your kids are sick, please stay home. We're all breathing the same air during class
• Don't forget to have fun!

Q: I'm overweight. Can I still sign up for class?
A: Belly Dance is an exceptionally accepting dance form. Unlike classical dance, there are neither height and weight requirements nor age limits. As long as you can get up and move, you can learn to Belly Dance.

Q: What should I wear to class?
A: Comfortable clothes are recommended: t-shirts and pants (comfortable jeans, sweat pants, etc) work well for allowing movement. Tight clothes are not recommended. Midriffs, tube tops, short shorts, shirts that are so small that lifting your arms will expose your abdomen, and low cut jeans/pants are prohibited in class. As for shoes, flat shoes such as sneakersr, ballet slippers, or bare feet are best. Heeled shoes, sandals, and flip flops may cause foot injuries while dancing.

Q: Will this class teach me to entice my husband, boyfriend, or partner?
A: "How to entice" is nowhere in the lesson plan. I have no control over what students do with the information they gather from the classes, but enticement, 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 uninformed 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 individually 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: 6 years old, though some classes require participants to be 10 years old. A parent/guardian will need to sign the registration form for any participant under 18 years old. There are moms and daughters who attend classes together.

Q: What's the deal with the hygiene addition to the class rules?
A: That is fairly self explanatory.

Q: So what class do I take after the beginner class?
A: The beginner class. No one progresses to intermediate after only one session of beginner class. Some students remain in beginner level class for a year, others for 3, 5, 10, 15, etc. Advancement to intermediate level class will depend on ability to execute movements, work well with others, and level of dedication to practice outside of class. The instructor will inform you when you are ready to advance to the next level.

Q: Is there a recital?
A: Yes, during the Bedouin Star Bazaar and World Dance Day evening show. Students who have attended classes since February and have learned a choreography have the option to perform in the show. The instructor will inform you if you are ready for the stage.

Q: I'm taking classes with another dance instructor. Can I take Bedouin Star classes as well?
A: Sure. Bedouin Star beginner level classes are open to the public. Intermediate and troupe classes are by instructor invitation. Choreography copyright is covered in the class waiver that all students are required to sign.

Q: The last teacher I had called that move a hip drop but you call it a sit. What's the difference?
A: Please be aware that each instructor may refer to movements by different names. This does not mean one is wrong and one is right. Instructors will also vary in teaching styles. Without variety, what's the point? The goal is, no matter what the move, it should be executed with skill, accuracy, and grace, regardless of who is teaching.

Q: Where can I get a coin belt?
A: At the studio! We've got a variety of colors in stock. Also, there will be vendors at the Bedouin Star Bazaar selling Belly Dance items, including coin belts, jewelry, and zills. Shopping at the annual Bedouin Star Bazaar will save on shipping costs!

Q: I've seen dancers in extremely cool costumes but can't find anything similar online!
A: Probably because they made it. Sewing is a pretty big deal in the Belly Dance world. Costuming can be purchased almost anywhere, especially Fusion costuming. Cabaret costuming is a bit more particular. Knowing how to sew is a definite bonus and a guarantee that you and another dancer won't show up in identical outfits. We offer a costumign class on Monday evenings and even help newbs learn to use a sewing machine.

• If area schools are closed due to inclement weather, the studio will also be closed
• At times, severe thunder stom warings as well as heat and wind chill advisories may also call for the studio to close
• Please refer to the "Weather Notice" box on the index page