~ Belly Jewels ~

Frequently asked questions...

I've never belly danced before, will I fit in ok?

Everyone has to start somewhere! It isn't the most difficult thing in the world, like most things it comes with patience & practise, and new ladies join all the time and are of varying abilities so my classes are for all levels of dancers. If you really are struggling, but are serious about wanting to learn, I also offer private lessons, see my latest updates page for info or email me.

What should I wear to class?

Most wear leggings/joggers/stretchy trousers (not jeans) or a long flowing skirt, and then a vest top or t-shirt and some have jingly coin belts/hip scarves. This isn't essential, but I find after a couple of weeks, if women find they are enjoying belly dancing then they want a belt to help them 'feel' the moves, as they tie around the hips & accentuate shimmies etc. Most also go bare foot, although some women choose to wear soft dance pumps/shoes. I ask people not to wear socks as there is a risk of people slipping in them. I may shortly be getting some hip scarves that I will be selling, but if you can't wait until then, check out my 'bits n bobs' page for suggested sellers on the internet.

Is it a course and does it run over the summer and public holidays?

No, my classes aren't run as a block course, they are ongoing and people pay as & when they turn up. I don't stop during the summer holidays and the same goes for Easter, half term etc. I may sometimes cancel class on a bank holiday if there will be a big drop in numbers but this is always posted on my 'diary' page or you can call or text me if you're unsure if class is on. Christmas is the only time I usually break for a well deserved rest! Classes are currently £4 - payable to myself at Webheath, or at reception at St Augustines where you are given a card to hand to me at the start of class.

I'm not slim/young/flexible/co-ordinated, so I'm a bit reluctant to join...

Don't be! I can assure you I teach dancers from teens to ladies in their 70's and all ages inbetween! I can adapt movements slightly if you are struggling, maybe due to an old injury, or knee/back problems. There are women of all shapes & sizes and the lovely thing about my classes, and belly dancing in general, is that it is irrelevant what size you are, as long as you're having fun and keeping fit, and this may even help in shedding a few pounds or increasing flexibility!

I've heard that you have to perform at dance events/haflas and this puts me off attending.

I never pressure my dancers into performing, it is down to the individual.  Many women do like to perform their routine which we learn in class over a number of weeks, as it gives them something to work towards and you get a lovely troupe bond when everyone nervously takes to the stage and then feels a big boost afterwards when they have remembered their dance after weeks of practising! But some of my women have never performed and this is absolutely fine! The St Augustines class do not learn a routine as this is more an exercise based class, whereas my other two classes do learn a new routine each 'term'.

What is a hafla?

It is like a belly dance party! All my troupes come together, and sometimes visiting troupes from the local area are also invited to perform, as well as solo and duo acts. Each hafla is in aid of a different charity that I select, and all money raised from ticket sales and a raffle is donated to this chosen charity.  People bring a dish for a shared buffet, there is usually a bar on site, and after all the performances there is time for an 'arabic disco' where everyone can get up and shimmy! It isn't open to the general public, and tickets have to be purchased beforehand to bring family & friends along.  Men and children are welcome (if they are well behaved!) and it is a lovely informal get together!