F.A.Qs

What should I wear to class?

Belly dance may be a fun way to learn more about sensuality and body awareness, but it is also an exercise class. Students should wear clothes that are breathable and comfortable to move in.
Don't wear jeans as they are too restrictive and don't feel you have to wear or buy anything in particular that you don't already own. Belly dance costumes can be expensive and until you know your style you won't know what suits you best. The most important thing is to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing.

Here’s a list of belly dance clothes ideas:

    •    Yoga pants with a camisole
    •    Fitted sweat pants and a tank top
    •    Leggings and a t-shirt
       
Students are not required to show their bellies during class, or even during performance. Cropped tops aren’t necessary!
For students that are comfortable exposing their stomachs in class, they can either roll up their tank top, or wear a sports bra to class.
Some dancers choose to wear jazz shoes or other dance flats, but many belly dancers prefer to practice and perform barefoot. Socks are not permitted, because they can be dangerous if the floor is slippery or the class is working on turns and spins!

Is belly dancing a good way to improve my fitness?

Absolutely! There are several elements that work towards a fitter, healthier body.

First of all, the class is a low impact exercise class, which will contribute towards cardiovascular fitness.
The body isolations that are taught in a belly dance class help to tone up the core muscles, which is very effective to reduce lower back pain and get a better posture all together. You will find that you get more toned in the arms and shoulders, abs, waist, legs, etc without feeling that you just had a sweaty session in the gym. If you attend classes regularly, you will also notice an improvement in flexibility of the spine, hip joints and shoulders.


What If I miss a class?

That's not a problem. You only pay for the classes you attend, and although I structure my classes so that you will learn new moves each week there are plenty of recaps and this will give you the opportunity to catch up with anything you have missed.

Can I try one class to see if I like it?

Of course! Classes are 'pay as you go', so you don't have sign up for a block of lessons or join at a particular time of year.


Do the classes run throughout the year, or just during term time?


Classes run most weeks but please do check for holiday dates, or drop me an email if you are unsure. There will be no classes on Bank holidays, and the dates may be limited over major holidays like Christmas.


Is there parking at the Y.M.C.A?

Yes, there is a free car park immediately outside the hall.

Who goes to bellydance classes?

Anyone above 16 years old can join the classes.
You do not have to be of a certain age or size to join the class. Belly Dance is appropriate for women all ages and sizes.
If you are worried about taking up an exercise class for health reasons, please contact your GP.

I'm pregnant, can I still do the class?

The classes are not aimed at pregnant women, and some of the exercises are not really suitable.
However, the belly dance basics class is a low impact exercise class and the movements are therefore less intense and could be suitable for pregnant women if slightly adapted.
Please contact your GP to see if you can join a class.