Common Questions: FAQ
Please also read the Article “Bellydance Learning Tips – Wisdom for Students”
What kind of bellydance do you teach? Egyptian classical: is most common because Cairo's entertainment industry is the Hollywood of the Near East. Other broad categories: classical vs folkoric vs experimental/fusion. I don't teach my personal style but offer an internationally accepted movement vocabulary. See influences below.
What's the difference between your two Intro Class Types? They mostly overlap. Variety appeals to popular tastes. I&R Technique is for keeners who want more thorough depth and detail. More below.
Why should I learn bellydance from a man? Benefits: special class chemistry, unique perspective, extra motivation to cultivate beautiful movement. Downside: minimal -- I overcome not having a woman's body by using volunteer demonstrator's in class. For women's folkoric styles or veilwork I can start you off and then refer you onwards.
What if I'm a slow learner? We all are at some things. Being unique, you deserve to give yourself permission*** to learn in your own way, in your own time. Be proud even if you master one great move in a session – all growth is a success. Dance is like learning a language – it takes time and practice. With a fun journey, efforts are rewarded by skills that bring many back to repeat sessions.
Why are your fees higher than average? Quality. [Small Classes. Uniqueness that inspires. Formal training and experience that delivers results. Charm. Packaging. People trust gentle honesty. Unparalleled ego management – that means no bs from me ever, even when I'm super-stressed. If I'm not delivering extreme value then I suffer too.]
Why are fees non-refundable? My class sizes (8-12 max) are capped to ensure quality and I've turned away someone to accept you. Exceptional circumstances may apply for low-income individuals – just talk to me.
Do you care if I'm late or absent? Not really, since it's common to sacrifice valued recreation for higher life priorities. Do what you want to be ok.
Can I make up missed classes at another location? Yes, within that session. Shift workers often skip a week then double-up the next week.
Do you care if I'm struggling and frustrated? Absolutely, we'll talk, you'll trust that your efforts will bear fruit and you'll get through personal barriers. It's a common part of learning something new and different.
How do I take extra lessons? You can attend on a drop-in basis or hire me for private classes ($60/hour) some daytimes, before some evening classes, Sunday evenings. Four people can split this ($60/hour) for semi-privates. Contact me to start/join a group. I am preparing a computer video tutorial on MicroSoft Media Player for purchase.
What if I have a medical condition or physical injury? Tell me up front. Many things can be modified. Let's talk about what you can and shouldn't do.
What ages do you teach? 15yrs - no limit (I miss Irene, 65ish yrs), 13yrs with parent.
Am I too out of shape/old to do this? No such thing. Every person decides what they can handle. Even VO Fitness drills can be modified as well.
What is VO Fitness (Bellydance)? Please see Class Types.
What if I don't want to perform at the end of the session? Its not a formal choreography for stage but a chance to goof off and celebrate. If it suits you, come hang out with us and contribute to the fun-loving atmosphere.
What if I do want to do a choreography at the end of the sesssion? Well, I'd rather people learn the movements fully instead of being pressured to memorize sequences. We'll put moves together into combinations that you can easily use to strut your stuff. Structured improvisation is the natural mode for Oriental dance anyways.
Who/what are your major influences? Curriculum borrows heavily from: Yasmina Ramzy (Toronto) and Venus (Vancouver). Methods and Movements from: Hadia (Montreal), Venus (Vancouver), the Cifuentes (Berlin), many Reda influenced master teachers worldwide. My personal dancing: Horacio, Hadia, ballet, jazz, Sri Lankan classical.
I've taken bellydance from so-and-so, how will you treat me? There is no 'one right way' for movement or interpretation. If I want a move done a certain way I'll back it up with solid reasons for your growth as a dancer, just like other students.
What if I've taken bellydance before and I don't want to take Intro topics? I&R Technique, particularly is a split-class format that works very well if repeaters (intermediate, advanced, even teachers) can work with me communicating their needs in class simply by raising their hand to signal they want an extra skill added to the current exercise. I can teach a rough equivalent of 8 levels. There is always something to learn – that's what you came for right?
How can you teach multiple levels at once? Using athletic coaching methods. Start everyone with a hip isolation. Repeaters get bored and raise their hand. I ask them to pick between 3 skills and they add one on top. This format has limits but after 3 times around you might be ready for my advanced classes.
What if I'm taking bellydance from someone else during/after your session? Good. You'll learn more skills and faster. You aren't my property. There are limits to what I can offer that others want. Let's enjoy our time together. You might rediscover a new skill/experience that you're ready to come back for later.
Why don't you teach veilwork or stage choreography early on? Everybody else teaches that without enough focus (just my opinion) on solid foundations. I'm happy to refer you elsewhere or to offer a special workshop if enough are interested. Contact me to start/join a pre-signup list.
I've heard you're an excellent finger cymbalist, why don't you teach that? I do if enough ask for it. It won't take many. Contact me to start/join a pre-signup list.
I teach bellydance, how will you treat me? Artistic integrity means acknowledging others' ideas so everybody wins. I give credit to my influences and I want to trust that you will too. I'd appreciate assurances from you that you will give them and myself credit for ideas and approaches that work for your classes then we can respect and share each other's artistic value fully.
Are there men in your classes? Very uncommon but men can register after I talk to them. These interesting men improve a class through diversity. Contact me with your concerns/questions.
Are you gay? Irrelevant. In class, I see joints moving to sound in the geometry of space. I admire “feminine” traits without personally identifying with them. In performance, I believe that music, movement and emotion go beyond gender so that even Oriental dance can be modified to suit my individual expression -- the glittered alpha-male showmanship of Elvis and James Brown.
What's it like being a guy teaching all these women? Irrelevant. I don't date current students. My sources for personal life lie outside work. Utmost professionalism matters -- I ask permission to physically manipulate joints and if possible use the students own hands to guide their movement. Uh, no, I don't put your hands on me -- er, I do offer hugs though.
Many can't get around “bellydance = women only”, isn't that hard? Yes very, but most thankfully there are supporters who pay for what I do. People want: personal growth physically and emotionally to find balance; to see new talents that breakdown old barriers; to support commitment to live a dream; to be inspired by unlikely success.