FAQs

Trial lessons are by arrangement at the student’s convenience. It is a one-on-one lesson (private lesson) for 60 minutes. All aspects of a regular lesson are included – warm-up exercises, technique instruction and practice, and some combinations with music.

There is a maximum of eight students. Most classes have four to six

One lesson is either 60 or 90 minutes, depending on the level and the type of lesson.

Each lesson begins with a set of warm-up exercises which take about 7 or 8 minutes. Then there are isolation exercises for about 5 minutes. In some classes there are toning and conditioning exercises.  After that I teach techniques for steps and movements according to your level. According to the class there might be technique drills for extra practice. Then we practice the steps and movements in combinations, payign attention to floor patterns, line of direction, and making transitions. After that, there might be choreography as the students progress. I do cool-down exercises when we have worked very hard.

It is easy to join. There is no joining fee and no hidden costs or extras to buy. You can start at any time because classes are ongoing. The schedule is flexible so you may change to another lesson if you can’t come to your usual lesson.

Normally students take one lesson in a week. To see the full class schedule please refer to the schedule page.

Please check the class decriptions. Lessons fees vary.

If you miss a class for any reason, you must notify me in advance (24 hours) and reschedule another within the lesson month.

You will learn more than one style. First you will learn the basics of authentic Oriental Dance including how to use a veil and how to play finger cymbals (zills). This means both Classic Belly Dance and Modern Egyptian Style Dance. Then I will introduce American Cabaret, Egyptian and Lebanese Folklore Dance, Shaabi, Authentic Baladi Dancing, and Arabic Pop. In addition, you can learn music interpretation, performance skills, how to dance with choreography and without choreography, how to perform in a restaurant and how to perform on a stage.

That depends on you. Your level of skill, natural ability, the amount of practice you do, and how much you watch other dancers all have an impact on your dancing. Usually someone who begins at zero takes about a year to be able to do all the basic movements well. If you have other dance training the time will be shorter. To be a professional takes years – somewhere between four and ten. But don’t let that discourage you. Zero Beginners can and do have fun right away. They can do a simple dance after about one month of classes with me.

You can wear any comfortable clothing which is easy to move and exercise in. You don’t need special clothes or shoes. You may wear ballet slippers if you want. You will need a scarf for your hips. It can be a special scarf for Belly Dance or any long scarf which can be tied at your hips.

I have no stock to sell, but I can give you advice and show you where to find the things you need/want.

All health guidelines from the government are followed.  The studio is bright and cheerful, spacious, and well-ventilated. Facilities include a private changing area, toilet, sink, etc.

You are welcome to bring drinks and even snacks if you want. But I always provide water, and free soft drinks. Sometimes I have snacks such as cookies, chocolate, nuts, fruit, Arabic sweets, and ice cream (in hot weather) for my students.

I encourage students to perform when they are READY and IF they want to, but you do not have to perform. Dance is a Performing Art, but I do not expect everyone to perform.

Every two or three months we will have a student Hafla (a dance party) at a restaurant. You can invite your family and friends to the Hafla to see you perform. Or you can come with friends to watch other students.

Once or twice a year I host an Internationally famous dancer and rent a theater. Intermediate and Advanced students may join this performance. Also, when an Advanced student completes the entire course of study, I give that student a Debut Party as the first time they perform a full 15–20 minute restaurant show as a Professional Dancer.