Q & A
WHAT IS BELLYDANCE?
Bellydance is one of the oldest forms of dance originating in the Middle East and beyond. It has risen in popularity as a low-impact form of aerobic exercise. A great workout for the whole body but particularly good for arms, hips, legs and waist. Bellydance helps increase your fitness levels and body strength by using your muscles in a different way than you do in every day life. It's a great workout for the whole body and can boost your confidence and posture.
HOW MUCH AND WHERE ARE YOUR CLASSES?
Class prices vary depending on which class you choose. Mondays are held at The Florrence Institute (the Florrie), Mill Street, Dingle, Liverpool. These are free classes (you can leave a small donation to the Florrie in their bucket if you wish) at 5pm to 6pm. Tuesdays (cancelled until further notice) Kensington Fields Community Centre, Hall Street, Kensington, Liverpool. Cost is £4 and from 7pm to 8pm. Wednesdays are in St Stephen's Church Hall, Woolton Road/Lance Lane, Wavertree, Liverpool. Cost is £4 and from 7pm to 8pm.
I'VE NEVER DANCED BEFORE, CAN I STILL LEARN?
Yes, of course you can! Belly dancing does not have any requirements, except the willingness to give it a go, and to be patient with yourself. Because it is something so new for you, it is best to give it quite a bit of time to feel comfortable with some of the moves. You will be asking your body to move in ways it has never done before, so it is best to give it a chance to work out just exactly what you are asking it to do!
DO I NEED TO SHOW MY BELLY?
No you don't have to show your belly! It is thought the term "bellydancing" comes from the fact that most of the moves are driven from your central core muscles, noticeably in the stomach area (we use lots of other muscles too!). See what to wear to class for ideas. In some Countries it is not advisable to reveal certain parts of your body when dancing anyway!
WHAT DO I WEAR TO CLASS?
Wear something comfortable, leggings and a T-shirt are fine. The best footwear is something flexible so you can feel the moves through your feet (or barefoot). Dance shoes, or slipper socks with grips on are good and they keep your feet clean. I provide coin (jingly) belts for you to wear and usually have some for sale at reduced price if you want your own. When we are using dance props I will bring them along too. I try to make your time at class informative and fun but without spending too much.
DO I HAVE TO BOOK OR CAN I JUST TURN UP?
I don't run booked classes, that way you can just turn up when you can. In this day and age with all the pressures of daily life you can come along and enjoy a fun hour exercise and dance amongst friends.
CAN I EAT BEFORE CLASS?
It's advisable not to eat too near to class time but if you have to, make it light & simple. Bring water with you to keep you hydrated.
DON'T I HAVE TO BE BIG TO LEARN BELLYDANCING?
Certainly not!! Everyone can learn to bellydance no matter the size or age. It's a fantastic way to improve your core strength and body confidence. Every shape of woman looks equally beautiful when she moves!
WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION?
If you do have any medical conditions or are pregnant please consult your doctor before attending classes. Also, please let me know of your condition before starting the class. Always listen to your body, if it hurts, stop. If you need to sit out at any part of the class, that's ok.
WHAT ARE HAFLAS?
Haflas are bellydance parties or get-togethers where dancers will dance for one another (sometimes for a wider audience). A friendly and fun environment to show off your latest skills! It's an occasion to dress up (if you want), perform a solo or group dance, watch other dancers and just mix with like-minded new dance friends. Some haflas have a buffet or ask you to bring some food to share, there is usually a raffle for good causes and a bazaar with sparkly goodies for you to buy! I organise 3 haflas a year where proceeds go to various deserving charities under the name of From the Nile to the Mersey Bellydance Events.
WHAT IS BELLYDANCE?
Bellydance is one of the oldest forms of dance originating in the Middle East and beyond. It has risen in popularity as a low-impact form of aerobic exercise. A great workout for the whole body but particularly good for arms, hips, legs and waist. Bellydance helps increase your fitness levels and body strength by using your muscles in a different way than you do in every day life. It's a great workout for the whole body and can boost your confidence and posture.
HOW MUCH AND WHERE ARE YOUR CLASSES?
Class prices vary depending on which class you choose. Mondays are held at The Florrence Institute (the Florrie), Mill Street, Dingle, Liverpool. These are free classes (you can leave a small donation to the Florrie in their bucket if you wish) at 5pm to 6pm. Tuesdays (cancelled until further notice) Kensington Fields Community Centre, Hall Street, Kensington, Liverpool. Cost is £4 and from 7pm to 8pm. Wednesdays are in St Stephen's Church Hall, Woolton Road/Lance Lane, Wavertree, Liverpool. Cost is £4 and from 7pm to 8pm.
I'VE NEVER DANCED BEFORE, CAN I STILL LEARN?
Yes, of course you can! Belly dancing does not have any requirements, except the willingness to give it a go, and to be patient with yourself. Because it is something so new for you, it is best to give it quite a bit of time to feel comfortable with some of the moves. You will be asking your body to move in ways it has never done before, so it is best to give it a chance to work out just exactly what you are asking it to do!
DO I NEED TO SHOW MY BELLY?
No you don't have to show your belly! It is thought the term "bellydancing" comes from the fact that most of the moves are driven from your central core muscles, noticeably in the stomach area (we use lots of other muscles too!). See what to wear to class for ideas. In some Countries it is not advisable to reveal certain parts of your body when dancing anyway!
WHAT DO I WEAR TO CLASS?
Wear something comfortable, leggings and a T-shirt are fine. The best footwear is something flexible so you can feel the moves through your feet (or barefoot). Dance shoes, or slipper socks with grips on are good and they keep your feet clean. I provide coin (jingly) belts for you to wear and usually have some for sale at reduced price if you want your own. When we are using dance props I will bring them along too. I try to make your time at class informative and fun but without spending too much.
DO I HAVE TO BOOK OR CAN I JUST TURN UP?
I don't run booked classes, that way you can just turn up when you can. In this day and age with all the pressures of daily life you can come along and enjoy a fun hour exercise and dance amongst friends.
CAN I EAT BEFORE CLASS?
It's advisable not to eat too near to class time but if you have to, make it light & simple. Bring water with you to keep you hydrated.
DON'T I HAVE TO BE BIG TO LEARN BELLYDANCING?
Certainly not!! Everyone can learn to bellydance no matter the size or age. It's a fantastic way to improve your core strength and body confidence. Every shape of woman looks equally beautiful when she moves!
WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION?
If you do have any medical conditions or are pregnant please consult your doctor before attending classes. Also, please let me know of your condition before starting the class. Always listen to your body, if it hurts, stop. If you need to sit out at any part of the class, that's ok.
WHAT ARE HAFLAS?
Haflas are bellydance parties or get-togethers where dancers will dance for one another (sometimes for a wider audience). A friendly and fun environment to show off your latest skills! It's an occasion to dress up (if you want), perform a solo or group dance, watch other dancers and just mix with like-minded new dance friends. Some haflas have a buffet or ask you to bring some food to share, there is usually a raffle for good causes and a bazaar with sparkly goodies for you to buy! I organise 3 haflas a year where proceeds go to various deserving charities under the name of From the Nile to the Mersey Bellydance Events.
