Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do I wear?
A: We recommend yoga pants or leggings, a tee shirt or crop top, and a scarf to tie around your hips (you can buy the fancy ones at the studio) We dance barefoot.

Q: How long is the class?
A: Beginner 1 and Beginner 2: One hour
Intermediate 1-Advanced: One hour and fifteen minutes
Veil and Folkdance: One hour
Advanced 2 / Pro: One hour and thirty to forty-five minutes

Q. How do I pay for class?
A. We accept cash, cheque, or credit cards via paypal. You can register in advance by mail or online with a credit card. Please contact Hannan for your registration form. Remember, by registering early for the session, you can save $10 or get a free instructional DVD!

Q: What happens if I miss a class?
A: That's okay! Please simply go to another class at your level within the session. Please note that sessions cannot be extended.

Q: Is it possible to arrange a private lesson, a small group lesson, or a lesson for a party?
A: Yes, private lessons are $55 an hour, semi-privates are $35 per person (you arrange the group yourself). For information on hiring a teacher to come to your bridal shower or birthday party, contact Hannan.

Q: Is bellydance good exercise?
A: Yes! It is a medium level aerobic workout, increases core strength, increases flexibility, and improves posture. Also, the isolations and steps are great for your brain!

Q: I grew up bellydancing, or have taken some classes somewhere else, or have studied other forms of dance, do I start with Beginner 1?
A: Yes. Our Beginner 1 classes offer an excellent technical breakdown of the belly dance movements. Learning this vocabulary and the posture will make your subsequent classes much more enjoyable. If it is apparent that you should pass this class, we will let you know. Scroll down for information about levels.

Q: How long does it take to learn bellydance?
A: After the first six-weeks or so, you will know enough to spice up your social dancing with some bellydance moves! Some of the movements you will pick up quickly, others take more time. The key is patience and regular practice.
Once you move into Beginner 2 (after 6-12 Beginner 1 classes) we encourage you to join in studio recitals. We offer opportunities for group and solo performance.
If you want to teach or perform professionally, you should plan on a minimum of three years of serious dance training.

Q. What else goes on at the studio besides the weekly belly dance classes?
A: We offer specialty classes every month with local and visiting instructors. Some of our past topics were veil choreography, dabke / bellydance fusion, drum solo theory and choreography, and Valeda Grooves Arabic rhythms choreography. We have more monthly specialty classes in the works to help broaden your knowledge of the art of bellydance. We also rent the studio to other dance teachers who teach various types of dance.
Also, we host events at the studio such as the belly dance swap meet, bellydance lessons for parties and corporate team building, and a bi-monthly student performance night "Cabaret 101".

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