Do I need to be young/thin to learn bellydance?

Of Course not! Bellydancers come in all ages, shapes, and sizes.
There are some health issues that can make some movements more difficult. Please let your teacher know if you suffer from a medical condition that may affect your movement.

Can I come to class even though I’ve never danced before

Yes! Beginner classes are designed for those with NO experience.

How long will it take for me to learn belly dance?

This depends entirely on you. People learn at different speeds and learn better with different methods. It may take longer for one person than another to master the same movements. Practice, practice, practice!

Is it good exercise?

Bellydance is wonderful exercise. It not only helps with your posture and muscle definition, but will also make you more comfortable in your body and therefore more graceful. It isn’t a high impact exercise, as it relies mostly on isolations and stretches. However, the moves are not easy. Most often they are motions that your body isn’t used to performing in quite the same way and you may very well work up a sweat!

What if I’m too shy to learn in front of other people?

In a beginner class, everyone is in the same boat! The other people in your class are just as busy learning as you are. Private lessons are available if you really are too shy to take a group class.

Do I need a costume for class?

No! Wear something that you are comfortable in. Workout clothes are fine: yoga or sweat pants, and a t-shirt or tank top. Shorts and skirts are also fine (although pants are preferred so that your teacher can see the movements of your legs). You don’t have to show your belly or invest in a costume to be in belly dance class! It is definitely easier to practice barefoot or in socks, but if you need to wear shoes, just let your teacher know. I recommend a hip belt or scarf of some kind (either with or without coins) to help you feel “more like a bellydancer” and to help you feel your hip moves.

Is bellydancing like stripping?

No!!! Bellydancers keep their clothes on! A stripper dressed in a bellydance costume or as a “harem girl” is a stripper, plain and simple.

Bellydance traditionally has been a dance for women to enjoy and perform for each other, not a dance for male entertainment.

Do men bellydance?

Of course! There are many wonderful male bellydancers in the world.

Are there different types of bellydance?

There are many different types of bellydance - too many for me to list here! Some examples are: Egyptian Cabaret, Turkish Cabaret, American Cabaret, Turkish Rom, American Tribal Style, and Tribal Fusion. There are also many different folkloric dances.