“. . . enticement, stripping, pole dancing, and any other form of "partially clothed thrusting" are not included (in the dance lessons). 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.”           
 
The above statement is why I chose Bedouin Star’s dance studio for my daughter, Jordan. She was 12 years old when I signed us up for classes. We’ve all seen the lewd and R rated belly dance performances on TV or YouTube. You will NOT see anything like that being taught at Bedouin Star. The home page of Bedouin Star’s website, discusses the studio’s dress code and other policies of conduct for the studio. Their policy states that you are to wear modest clothing to class. No bare midriffs, or anything that will expose your abdomen; no short-shorts (Daisy Dukes); no tube tops or other shirts that will expose your breasts.

Isis teaches tribal style dances. The moves are traditional and not sexualized at all. She is very clear about the differences. Isis and the other instructors maintain discipline in the class and we all have fun at the same time.    

Since enrolling my daughter at Bedouin Star, I have seen her take on a level of confidence that most other girls her age don’t have.  Jordan has had the opportunity to be around other women of various ages, ethnicities, and body types. Since being enrolled at Bedouin Star, she doesn’t fixate on trying to be unnaturally skinny or overly concerned with her body image. In class she is surrounded by positive confident women.  She’s been less concerned with trying to be like one of the popular girls at school, and more focused on her goal of being a member of the Bedouin Star Troupe. There isn’t any cattiness toward other students at Bedouin Star; there isn’t any negativity toward other students. We all get along wonderfully, and we work well together.  There isn’t any ‘drama’ at the studio. It’s a very healthy atmosphere. All are welcome, everyone is included. - Dawn P. (2011)

"As a student of belly dance, I find that not only do I enjoy the dancing for its own sake, I enjoy the enhanced control I developed over my own body, improvements to my posture and coordination, and the sense of community that develops between the ladies in the class.

As with any exercise program, there is a danger of tearing and straining muscles and ligaments, if you try to do too much too fast. This is one point where an experienced instructor is a MUST, to teach her students how to recognize signs that they are pushing too hard, and how to properly do the exercises and dance moves so as to avoid injury.

On a more personal note, one of the things I enjoy about belly dance, over, say, martial arts training, is the music and camaraderie. It's FUN, and that's one of the things that I need to keep my interest in an exercise program.” - Jennifer Y. (2006)

“I enjoy the class because it's a lot of fun, just doing something physical after work helps me relax and unwind.  It lets me make new friends and branch out from my regular circle of friends and co-workers.  I'm in the Air Force and work long hours most of the time, and I don't get to meet a whole lot of new people, especially ones that aren't in the military.  I enjoy it also because if I were just to go to the gym on base, it's a very crowded co-ed environment, and it's nice to be able to do a class that is strictly female.  

Most of all it gives me something to do while my fiancé is deployed to Iraq.  Doing something physical really takes my mind off worrying about him and missing him.  It gives me something else to focus on.  Isis is a wonderful instructor, and I'm really looking forward to going to class again.” - Rebecca W. (2006)

“I do believe that there is a lot of misconception about what belly dancing is. After attending two series of dance class I can say that it is a true art form. It is challenging to learn and there is nothing sleezy or trashy about this style of dance. It is a very empowering dance form. I like belly dancing for a number of reasons. I know that I could do this type of dance and still look dignified at the age 60. There is absolutely nothing degrading in this style of dance. The classes are conducted in a manner conducive to learning and the atmosphere is relaxed. - Toia P. (2006)

“I started Tribal Bellydance for Beginners a couple of months ago. I first found Isis on the internet, and I picked her as an instructor for several reasons..one, I appreciated her modesty rule (no bare torsos in performance or in class), she had a good style of bellydance and a good resume, and also because of the location. I live in Council Bluffs, and Bellevue University isn't too far to drive. I wanted to learn how to bellydance, but I was very apprehensive about joining a class. My first day I was very pleasantly surprised. Isis is a very easygoing person, easy to get along with. She makes everyone in her class feel welcome and comfortable. I keep going to Isis because I love bellydance, and I love being a part of Isis' class. It is a good way for me to get some exercise, and a most enjoyable way, too! I bring my younger sister along...it's a good way to spend time with her, and Isis keeps a family atmosphere so her classes are good for all ages.

As long as Isis keeps having class, I'll keep attending.” - Jessi Y. (2006)