Belly Dance

WHAT IS BELLY DANCE?

Belly Dance comes under the collective heading of Middle Eastern Dance, which describes a variety of dances descended from the Middle East and found mainly throughout the Middle East, North Africa, parts of the Mediterranean, and in more recent times around the globe.

Born in the ancient harems, and among traveling gypsies and desert tribes, performed by women, usually for women, as a form of exercise, education, communication, spiritual worship, and entertainment, at it's core is a physical celebration of the female, and an expression of her powerful role in humanity; fertility, birth, and of course sexuality. It has been passed from generation to generation, teaching girls about womanhood, and most importantly, preparing women's bodies for pregnancy and childbirth. Belly Dance is the earliest form of antenatal class!

Belly Dance is a muscular based, rather than step based dance form featuring sensuous, rhythmical movements of all parts of the body; but in particular the hips, chest and shoulders. There are sharp and vigorous movements too. Arms, hands and facial expressions decorate the performance. The dance has a particular focus on body isolations and detailed muscle control.

Belly Dance has an enormous repertoire and complexity of movements, so can be continued as a progressive hobby for many, many years.

BELLY DANCE BENEFITS

Belly Dancing is a wonderful exercise suitable for all ages, shapes and sizes, and is becoming increasingly popular around the world as an alternative way to keep fit.

Most movements are gentle and non to low impact, and therefore very unlikely to cause discomfort or injury.

It is often recommended by health practitioners as an aid to recovery from injury, and to help back problems, arthritis and other medical conditions. The dance can be beneficial throughout and post pregnancy, and even during labour!

Many women take up Belly Dancing later in life, as it is an ideal gentle way to maintain fitness, flexibility and stamina as we grow older.

Those who are unfit or overweight will find Belly Dancing a great way to introduce physical activity into daily life. Belly Dance can also help with weight loss when combined with other forms of exercise and healthy eating.

Dancing is scientifically proven to slow down ageing, improve health and promote mental wellbeing. Belly dancing in particular helps to relieve physical and mental tension, aids digestion, tones the entire body, improves stamina, posture and body shape, keeps you supple as you grow older, and is a creative outlet that allows you to express yourself and your emotions.

Many women find learning this sensuous, feminine dance an extremely liberating experience.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR CLASSES

The classes provide genuine, authentic Belly Dance instruction. Students are advised these are structured lessons, and not simply Belly Dance style fitness classes. Classes may be attended for social enjoyment and fitness as well as for serious learning and development.

Tina-Louise teaches mainly Egyptian Cabaret style Belly Dance; other styles are incorporated, particularly in the advanced classes. Tina-Louise does not teach Tribal Style.

All newcomers start with the beginners classes and may then advance through the subsequent levels at their own pace, working towards their own individual goals.

A commitment to regular weekly attendance is required. Due to the progressive nature of the lessons, they cannot be attended on a drop-in or intermittent basis.

The Beginners classes introduce the fundamentals of the dance through the learning of exercises and drills. Students gradually build a repertoire of basic movements and begin to put them together in simple sequences and routines.

Students are individually helped and corrected throughout the classes, so they learn properly and do not develop bad or unsafe habits. Homework is provided to assist with practise in between classes to improve progression.

Patience is required as the dance can often be challenging for newcomers. However perseverance comes with rewards and learning the basics will still improve your health and fitness even if not your dancing finess!

WHO CAN JOIN?

No previous experience is required. Classes are open to females only of all ages (over 3 years), shapes and sizes. Average age is 25-65, but there have been regular students in their 80s and even 90s. Those who wish to attend while pregnant or to help with health problems and injuries are welcome in most circumstances, but will need to provide a letter of consent from their doctor before attending. Under 16s must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian at all times.

Those with previous Belly Dance training are welcome, but are still required to attend the newcomers classes because there are so many different styles of Belly Dance and teaching methods that students may have previously experienced. A newcomer might say "I've Belly Danced for 5 years," but 5 years can be very different from person to person. Our newcomers classes will familiarize you with Tina-Louise's style, and introduce you to the exercises and methods which are built upon throughout all the levels. This is good teaching practise as well as a health & safety and insurance measure.

We welcome students who love to dance and love to learn. If your aim is to become a 'professional Belly Dancer' or 'join the troupe' in the shortest time possible and with minimum effort then our classes are not for you. If you want to receive gratification in the form of rewards such as those used in children's dance schools, again our classes are not for you, as we do not employ these tactics to keep students attending. In the working world of a Belly Dancer these things are meaningless as hirers book performers based on many other attributes and criteria, definitely not certificates or medals.

We do not train students to teach, flooding the market with teachers that are in reality only a few steps ahead of their students. A good and effective teacher is formed from several years of professional dance performance experience and training, which they can then pass on in their instruction.

The greatest reward for a true dancer should be the pleasure of dancing itself, and if a student attains that, we have done our job and do not need to measure it, hand over a certificate, or promise all kinds of successes or business opportunities in order for them to continue. Their enjoyment keeps them dancing whatever 'standard' they achieve, and that is a true success!

HOW TO GET STARTED

Beginners Taster or Trial Class – One-Off Session

An introduction to some basic key moves in a one-off session. Trials and tasters are recommended if you want to try a class before booking a course, or if you're not ready to commit to regular classes.

You may attend the FIRST class of any beginners course as a TRIAL CLASS for a one-off fee, then pay for the remaining classes at the end if you decide to continue and a place is available.

One-off TASTER CLASSES are offered periodically and will appear on the school page timetable when available, or you can book your own with a group of friends.

Beginners & Newcomers Course (Level 1)

Weekly classes for newcomers running as a block, with each class focusing on a different set of basic core skills. A commitment is required to attend the full course from the beginning. Suitable for enthusiastic and motivated students ready to commit to regular weekly attendance and practise at home. The course is full of content and includes routines, drills and homework which are built upon week by week.

Further courses are available for those who wish to continue after completion of Level 1, right up to advanced level.