Frequently Asked Questions
What is American BellyDance
American Belly Dance is a combination of traditional Middle Eastern dance, combined with ballet, jazz and modern movements and theatrical staging to produce a dance that is very palatable to the American and Middle Eastern audience.
BellyDance is characterized by smooth, flowing, and sensual movements of the torso and arms alternating with bold, shimmy type movements of the hips. The dancer uses large and small muscle groups thus making the dance aerobically fit and good for your cardiovascular system without the heavy join impact of some dance/exercise forms.
Performers dance to traditional and non-traditional music. Costumes reflect traditional BellyDance attire but also have fusion elements to enhance and represent the dance style performed.
Class instruction includes emphasis on individually assisting students to attain their goals in dance, whether it be purely exercise, stretching and limbering muscle groups or dance theology. Teaching techniques are based on sound principles of muscle and joint range of motion known as isolations.
BellyDance is characterized by smooth, flowing, and sensual movements of the torso and arms alternating with bold, shimmy type movements of the hips. The dancer uses large and small muscle groups thus making the dance aerobically fit and good for your cardiovascular system without the heavy join impact of some dance/exercise forms.
Performers dance to traditional and non-traditional music. Costumes reflect traditional BellyDance attire but also have fusion elements to enhance and represent the dance style performed.
Class instruction includes emphasis on individually assisting students to attain their goals in dance, whether it be purely exercise, stretching and limbering muscle groups or dance theology. Teaching techniques are based on sound principles of muscle and joint range of motion known as isolations.
Registration Questions
How do I sign up for classes?
Contact one our instructors to discuss the appropriate class for you (813-416-8333) or you can go to the Classes tab, click on register, select a class you wish to register for, complete the form.
The information collected is require by our insurance provider and will not be shared in any way, shape or form.
You may pay online using your credit card or by check, or cash at the first class meeting.
The information collected is require by our insurance provider and will not be shared in any way, shape or form.
You may pay online using your credit card or by check, or cash at the first class meeting.
Do you have an unlimited package so I can attend as many
classes as I want in a month?
classes as I want in a month?
We do not have an unlimited tuition package because each class is structured so students with like experiences learn together, we do not want our students bored (because they already know the material being covered) or overwhelmed (because they do not have the experience to keep up with the class). We do however, have a multi class discount.
General Questions
What do I wear to Class
Most students wear workout/exercise clothes, something you can move in, but not too loose that the instructor can't see you move.
Wear a hip scarf if you have one--but they are not required.
We dance bare footed, so no shoes are required. (no socks please--they increase the chance of you slipping while you move .)
Wear a hip scarf if you have one--but they are not required.
We dance bare footed, so no shoes are required. (no socks please--they increase the chance of you slipping while you move .)
What if I am a regular student and not receiving emails
Log on to the website, make sure your e-mail address is correct.
Make sure you haven't checked the "no email" box on your registration form.
Check your spam folder, and if not already there, Add [email protected] to your address book.
If you still fail to receive e-mails contact Kadayif.
Make sure you haven't checked the "no email" box on your registration form.
Check your spam folder, and if not already there, Add [email protected] to your address book.
If you still fail to receive e-mails contact Kadayif.
Am I too --- young, old fat skinny, uncoordinated to dance?
A big NO. We have dancers that range in age from 14 yr to 78 yr , from size 0 to size 26, no previous dance experience is required only a desire to dance, meet new people and have fun.
What if I have bad knees, hips, shoulders, back?
BellyDance is not high impact like other exercise classes, so you will not injure yourself bouncing around.
Our studio has a suspended wood floor to absorbs shock so your joints don't have to.
Bad knees, hips and shoulders may limit the movements you do or the repetition of those moves, but the isolation exercise will strengthen accessory muscles and improve your range of motion thus strengthening your joints.
Proper posture will help those with back problems. And exercise of any kind will improve your body's ability to deal with pain and improve your ability to participate in daily life activities--as well as tone/tighten and compliment weight loss programs.
An added benefit of BellyDance is developing graceful movements and balance.
Our studio has a suspended wood floor to absorbs shock so your joints don't have to.
Bad knees, hips and shoulders may limit the movements you do or the repetition of those moves, but the isolation exercise will strengthen accessory muscles and improve your range of motion thus strengthening your joints.
Proper posture will help those with back problems. And exercise of any kind will improve your body's ability to deal with pain and improve your ability to participate in daily life activities--as well as tone/tighten and compliment weight loss programs.
An added benefit of BellyDance is developing graceful movements and balance.
Are there any physical limitations to BellyDancing?
Starting a BellyDance class is similar to starting a Gym or any other physical activity. Check with your physician first! They will be able to tell you if you are healthy enough to start increasing your physical activity.
Can I belly dance while pregnant?
Certainly, BellyDance at one time was used by mothers to teach daughters exercises to help with birthing. As with any activity-it is wise to talk with your physician when starting a new activity. We have many bellydancers who have danced up to their delivery time safely. See photo of Black Dalia below.
Is BellyDance hard to learn?
No BellyDance is not hard to learn, neither is an art form that is just "picked up" with a couple of classes.
With any dance style, the student must practice and participate in classes.
Proper execution of isolations is required before students start combinations and choreography.
BellyDance isolations mimic basic range of motions movements of joints--something we are all capable of performing.
With any dance style, the student must practice and participate in classes.
Proper execution of isolations is required before students start combinations and choreography.
BellyDance isolations mimic basic range of motions movements of joints--something we are all capable of performing.
Are there video's to teach me bellydancing?
Yes, you can purchase many videos that help teach BellyDance.
The American BellyDance Studio recommends that you obtain your basic knowledge of BellyDance through classroom instruction.
Video's do not allow the teacher to correct posture or movements performed incorrectly, thus bad habits can be repeated while practicing. (and bad movement habits are harder to re-learn correctly than learning it correctly the first time).
The American BellyDance Studio recommends that you obtain your basic knowledge of BellyDance through classroom instruction.
Video's do not allow the teacher to correct posture or movements performed incorrectly, thus bad habits can be repeated while practicing. (and bad movement habits are harder to re-learn correctly than learning it correctly the first time).
Where can I buy hip scarves and other costume items?
The studio has for sale hip scarfs and other costumes either new or experienced.
See Kadayif or any teacher if you are interested in purchasing any merchandise at the studio--Sydney's Magical BellyDance Emporium
Periodically the studio will make group purchases of specialty items so students can benefit from wholesale prices. A yearly Beaded Bra/Belt order is usually placed in April, as well as other other special orders.
See Kadayif or any teacher if you are interested in purchasing any merchandise at the studio--Sydney's Magical BellyDance Emporium
Periodically the studio will make group purchases of specialty items so students can benefit from wholesale prices. A yearly Beaded Bra/Belt order is usually placed in April, as well as other other special orders.
Class Questions
What is a typical BellyDance class like?
The class usually begins with some slow stretches and warm ups, followed by basic isolations, combinations and movement steps are added eventually. The classes are small, family oriented, informal, and questions are encouraged.
The class usually begins with some slow stretches and warm ups, followed by basic isolations, combinations and movement steps are added eventually. The classes are small, family oriented, informal, and questions are encouraged.
What if I have to miss a class?
Be sure to notify your instructor that you will be missing class. Makeup classes can be scheduled with another class at your level or lower through your instructor.
Can I observe a class before I sign up
We do not encourage observation of a class, but you can attend a Level I class for the regular class rate..if you sign up for regular class later, your "per class" fee will be credited to your registration fee.
What different styles of BellyDance do you teach?
We teach a variety of styles, Egyptian, Tribal, Folkloric, Gypsy, American Tribal Style, Fusion, Latin Fusion..... but our main goal is to give dancers a good basic foundation before they embellish the moves with styles from different regions. Periodic specially classes are offered on props and specialty styles.
I've been taking classes and I feel like I am ready to move into a more advance class, what do I do?
Discuss this with your teacher, she will be able to find a class that is suited to your expertise and experience. Communicate--its the key to success.
If I join a class am I required to perform
We are a performance driven studio--meaning there are multiple opportunities for our students to perform if they wish; but no student is required to perform.
If you do want to perform, after completing your Level I BellyDance course, inform your teacher she will make sure you are enrolled in a performance class.
See our performance handbook for additional information.
If you do want to perform, after completing your Level I BellyDance course, inform your teacher she will make sure you are enrolled in a performance class.
See our performance handbook for additional information.
If you have a specific questions, please e-mail us at:
A[email protected]
A[email protected]