teaching bellydance's topics - tribe.net

Now Available

2008-07-11T15:03:58Z

Shimmy for a Cause 2008 was a huge hit!!!
The audience loved it!
The dancers loved it!!
The American Heart Association loved it!!!
Now, you can too...
DVDs are now available of the entire performance.

For only
$9.99
(includes shipping)
you can own your own copy of the 2 hours of marvelous performances.

Checks should be made out to:
Shimmy for a Cause
And mailed to:
Shimmy for a Cause-DVD
Sue Furman
P.O. Box 127
Sims, NC 27880
(please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery)

Just like the show, 100% of the proceed will go to the 2009 cause RA.I.N.N. !
www.rainn.org/

Interested in performing for Shimmy for a Cause 2009? Email us at RaqMundi@DanceStudioB.com for details.

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

Steps to teaching

2008-07-07T14:43:44Z

Hi everyone. I am new to the belly dance community, but already know that I would like to teach eventually. My question is, what are some steps that I can take to prepare myself and get to a point that I will be able to teach on my own.

I studied belly dance for about a year to a year and a half almost 12 years ago and have gotten back into it this past February. I am a quick learner, but I know I've only touched the tip of the proverbial iceberg. I am also a school teacher with 10 years experience in the classroom, so that aspect of the transition shouldn't be a problem for me.

I know I'm pushing a bit considering my lack of experience and training, but I guess it was fueled my my instructor's suggestion that I teach one of our choreographies at the gym of the university my husband attends and works at.

I guess I should also add that my husband and I want to open a studio that offers belly dance, yoga, and capoeira (Brazilian martial art) once he is ranked high enough to teach capoeira. Our time frame is a minimum of 3 or 4 years before that happens, perhaps longer.

posted in teaching bellydance - 4 replies

Switching Format to Fitness Class. Suggestions?

2008-06-25T20:44:09Z

Hey Beautiful People,

I am going to be teaching my first fitness belly dance class and I was wondering if any of you fabulous teachers had any advise on switching over from a more traditional dance class to a fitness geared style of class . I'm doing some reading on how to organize a traditional group fitness class, but I'd love some specific suggestions for belly dance.

Thanks!
:) Levona

posted in teaching bellydance - 4 replies

Teaching the basics of Bellydance, Help!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-25T15:16:32Z

I have been taking belly dance for three years, and I love it so much. Lately people have been asking my to teach them the basics. I always refer them to my instructor, but they would like for me to teach them. This year I was going to take some workshop bc I like to have alot of knowledge concerning the things I do and teach ( I teach yoga) , but their requests have fuel my drive for bellydance. I did not know if I should seize the opportunity and still take workshops or stick with the orginal plan. Please help!!!!

posted in teaching bellydance - 7 replies

On Your Knees

2008-06-23T22:19:43Z

My apologies if I already posted this. I did a quick look through the recent topics and didn't see anything. I thought I posted this, but I'm starting to think perhaps I just dreamed posting it. Okay, that's likely a side affect of too much tribe.

Anywho...

If you have students who are struggling with horizontal hips movements (c hips, horizontal figure 8, hip slides, etc.). You can have them kneel on their knees and it will help them keep their knees in place and use their ab and oblique muscles to perform the movement.

Just wanted to share the tip...

posted in teaching bellydance - 1 reply

Free Online Video: How to Play the Zills - Part I

2008-06-23T03:43:50Z

This is the first installment of a series I'm putting together for my students:

http://www.revver.com/video/951901/how-to-play-the-zills-part-1/

I thought others might be interested.

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

Teaching Differant styles ?

2008-06-21T11:49:35Z

Hi just want to get some advise,
Does anydody teach more then one style of belly dance in their class ?
For example drilling a move in tribal and then showing the same or similar in cabaret style ?
I love both styles and wouldn't want to just teach one, but I don't want to confuse beginer students either, any suggestions?
Thanks S

posted in teaching bellydance - 5 replies

students who don't do anything wrong

2008-06-10T22:00:52Z

Hi,
I'm kind-of new to tribe but I'm thrilled to be here. I've been reading through the 'teaching belly dance' posts for a couple of days hoping to find a bit of advice.

I'm in a situation where I'm a student, but also the teacher's assistant. (This is simply because I have been dancing considerably longer than most of the other students.) I'm very new to teaching. However, most students pick it up from the instructor with an occasional bit of help from me.

Not having much teaching experience, here is my question: How do you help with a student who always responds, "I AM doing it that way!" I spent one entire class reminding a student to keep her knees bent. (She was dancing in running shorts and it was very obvious that her knees were held straight for every move we drilled.) She would say, "My knees ARE bent." If we told her to turn right and she turned left, she would say, "I DID turn right." Or with shoulder isolations: her hip scarf will be jiggling away and she will tell us, "My hips are NOT moving".

Part of me is telling me to just let it go. But, then part of me wants to help her learn to dance. She is obviously trying hard, but she gets frustrated when she looks in the mirror and doesn't see herself doing what I am doing.

Help!!

posted in teaching bellydance - 18 replies

Good beginner bellydance music??!!

2008-06-10T21:25:12Z

Hi, I am looking for some easy music for beginner bellydancing. Where it is easy to counts beats and find the rythem too?? 6,8 beats??
While I am praciticing by myself or dancing with another person...
Any suggestions??
Thank you!! :)

posted in teaching bellydance - 9 replies

Please Help Spread the WORD

2008-05-22T12:07:17Z

Melodia Designs Tribe is MOVING!!!
Yes Ladies and Gentlemen... our pictures have taken over this site. the last 5 years have been recorded, and it becomes harder and harder to wade through the Pictures, and we are about to explode into a whole new era!

We are moving into a new warehouse space, where we will be offering Dance Workshops, and Hosting events! I promise we will be having a house warming event! Also we have a brand new website that is getting launched Some time in July with our very own Online Store, so we will no longer have to go through ebay, and you will be able to have wish lists, register your size, your contact information, and we will have a database to keep track of our inventory... YAY! Growth and Development.

Please take a moment to follow this link to our NEW **Official Melodia Design Tribe** and join us in a whole new era! I will continue to post on this current tribe until June 15th, and then we will be posting solely on The new Site http://tribes.tribe.net/melodiadesigns so join us now, and stay abreast of the upcoming changes, and Inventory Extravaganza's.

I invite you to post new pictures of yourselves. utilize this site to continue the beautiful conversations and support one another for our love of pants!

Please help spread the word!

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

Does anyone know of a tribe...

2008-05-17T01:03:39Z

For the mad/wonderful world of being in a bellydance troupe. Just a discussion board for the day & the life of being in a dance troupe?

posted in teaching bellydance - 8 replies

Fitv show SHIMMY

2008-04-18T21:52:45Z

I like this show because it does teach the basics and I do like the format--(yes the change of background is a little strange) my question is. last nigjt they taught what they called a
"tremor" where your whole body shakes. then they layered a figure 8 on top of that. Now this seems to be different than a fast shimmy. but they did not explain what the body is doing to get there, just that the everything shakes from the feet up. If any of you is familiar with this type of move. how exactly are we doing this, are we tensing up and just shaking?? Im at a loss...It was a great move but ???

thanks you all are great...

posted in teaching bellydance - 9 replies

Isolating upper abs

2008-03-30T21:31:31Z

Do you guys have any tips for advising students how to contract their upper abs, like for preparation in belly rolls? Weird question, I know. It was a move that I didn't get for the longest time, and then was suddenly instinctual. In a way, i think my body figured it out before my head did, so I'm struggling to come up with ways to describe/drill them in it.

They're doing the lower abs alright. I'm just at a loss with how to describe how you find the muscles to beginners, short of poking around up there. Any advise?

posted in teaching bellydance - 2 replies

A bit of a dilemma...!!!!

2008-03-26T20:59:09Z

Apologies if this has been posted before or im in the wrong tribe.
No doubt this is quite common.
I have a teacher who has become a good friend ,problem is...she teaches oriental and i have started tribal fusion
so i would like to let her down gently that i will not be attending her classes any more.
I still do oriental but closer to home.

posted in teaching bellydance - 6 replies

Any advice would help

2008-03-23T16:30:03Z

Hello All,

I've been dancing for almost 10 years, and I've been teaching private lessons for the past few months. Up till now, I've been working with advanced dancers who are looking to improve their technique. This week I start teaching my first beginner class. Its at a gym and its supposed to be a bellydance fittness class. My boss wants it to be something that anyone can drop into at any time. I'm used to class registration being cut off after a couple lessons so that new people won't be lost. I need to structure my class so that its user friendly to people dropping into class #1 or class # 31. Any suggestions?

thanks in advance

~J

posted in teaching bellydance - 10 replies

Vertical Figure Eight

2008-03-21T03:16:24Z

Alright.
I've been treaching for going on two years and every so often I find these students that cannot get an upwards vertical hip figure eight to save my life; and I'm looking for advice from anyone else who's had this issue.
It seems to be a consistent inability to hipslide keeping the hips level, even though hips slides by themselves don't seem to be a problem - only when you add the lift part do they get, i don'tknow...overexcited?, and turn it into a loosey-goosey shimmy-thing.

Of course, the latest girl has been thrown into the class because her ballroom instructor decided she was too stiff, and I can't get her to hold posture throughout a class without her asking before every single move "Are we still in that posture?" Even though I've explained multiple times that she should ALWAYS be in the posture, and have to correct her every five minutes....

Help?

posted in teaching bellydance - 23 replies

what kind of certification?

2008-03-18T19:02:13Z

I have been approached by a local wellness center to teach bellydance. The lady I spoke with said they have had so many requests for bellydance classes that she finally "had to do something about it."
However, the fitness center requires that you are certified in something. (It's an insurance thing.) They don't care if what I'm certified in: yoga, bellydance, aerobices, whatever. . .
Does anyone have any recommendations on certifications I can obtain fairly soon (say within 3-4 months)? My husband is certified to teach yoga, but he was in a 4-week long intensive to receive that paper. And my kids cannot do without me while I go to yoga camp for a month.
Eventually, I'll do it right, but for now - any ideas about fairly quick, decent certifications?

posted in teaching bellydance - 3 replies

"Practice Makes Perfect Art"

2008-03-02T17:31:40Z

"Practice Makes Perfect Art"
Article by Ariella on The Hip Circle
http://www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp?ArticleID=304

posted in teaching bellydance - 3 replies

March 30th, 2008 'The Day the Stars Came Out'

2008-02-29T21:29:27Z

The 2008 Benefit Show is to raise money for The Samaritan House. March 30, 2008 at
1:00 PM.

4552 Princess Anne Road, Va Beach, VA, 23462

757- 467-2881

Located at the Barry Robinson Theater Fine Arts Center.

Go to:

http://dance-ursula-dance.com/
or
http://dance-ursula-dance.com/images/2008SHOWBR_2.pdf

for more infomation.

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

need advice for teaching older women

2008-02-16T02:36:17Z

I didn't want to hijack Alisa's thread, but I have a similar concern about teaching classes.
I have been a teacher's assistant for a while now, but have not yet taught my own class. At our local hospital they have a "Wellness Support Group" for cancer patients and survivors. Almost all the woman are older (55 - 75 years) but there are a couple of younger patients (in their 20s and 30s). Currently this group of woman occasionally do line dancing together, some yoga and some gentle aerobics. The exercise programs are not well planned and they usually meet about once every two or three weeks. I've been told it's "a chore" to get the ladies moving, but they have expressed interest in belly dance.
A belly dance class could meet with more regularity - it would be up to me when the classes are held. I'm curious about teaching belly dance to this particular group of women. I have no experience with cancer or treatments of this disease. Are there any precautions I should take? I don't feel very concerned about teaching this age group. My teacher is in her 50s and I've belly danced with some AMAZING women in their 60s. My main concern is helping empower these woman and helping them to get moving again.

Any advice?

posted in teaching bellydance - 7 replies

Agrivation!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-14T02:09:08Z

Hi everyone.....i am quite new to this tribe......and i need some advise...
I teach a small class at a comunity center, and tonight was the first class
of the 8 week session that i usualy run.
I also have 3 verry loyal and dedicated students that never miss calss
for some strange reason , i cannot get begining students to comit to anything more than a beginners class!
so tonight when i got all exited about getting together with my advanced
students to drill for a up coming performance( after a long break for the hollydays)
I got to class, and only one person showed up.
I had reminded them of the corect time and date,and they stood me up!!!!!!!!
Has this ever happened before to any one?
What do you do in these situations , where you count on people being there and they just do not bother to show up?
Any advise will be appreciated!
Thanks!
Viorica

posted in teaching bellydance - 14 replies

Cheesy but lovin' it!!!!

2008-02-13T23:27:27Z

My students have been wanting me to teach them another veil dance so . . . .

I picked "Desert Rose" for the routine.

Is that way far beyond the cheese factor? Has everyone and their sister bellydanced to this song? Am I making a huge mistake?

I'm hoping against all odds that this song has been off the radar so long that the audience will go "Cool! I remember this song. . . how pretty!" And not, "OMG, not this stupid song again!!!! LOL

posted in teaching bellydance - 4 replies

My Website now has a full functioning auction site for you to use

2008-02-08T08:04:07Z

Thank you to those who have supported me and have visited my swap page.
Because I realized it was not full service enough, and required me to be involved, I now have a fully functioning AUCTION page you can use. AND IT IS FREE....all you have to do is list and be sure to blog it or network it to others.
Its all yours..my gift to all of my fellow Tribers who got me off to a webstart!!
I have posted my blog but will post the url one more time
www.sacredgoddessonline.com
go to the auction link under other realms or you can also go the bellydance page and link from there. I will still have the swap page going..so dont worry..it is still up..
www.bellydancerswap.com

totally thrilled, and with your help we can network and keep this free auction site going!!
thanks again guys..
Sandy

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

First time teachig!!!! any advice!!!

2008-02-07T12:04:35Z

Hi Ya'll !
I'm going to teach a class for th first time!!! Help!!!
Where should I start?
Thanks:)

posted in teaching bellydance - 4 replies

Need advice regarding Egyptian Shmmy

2008-02-03T08:11:03Z

I have heard that when you start doing your shimmys faster and faster sometimes your heels lift off the ground. I have found that when I go faster my heels dig in and I can go faster and have more control. My question is, is this ok or acceptable style?

Thanks

posted in teaching bellydance - 5 replies

Teaching !!!!!

2008-01-21T15:49:27Z

How do you taech beginer students , that have had absolutely
no experience with Middle Eastern Dance, how to use their
obliques( the front muscles that run along the abdomen)
and what exercises can i do in class that enphisize these muscle groups?
i tried to explain the best that i could tonight in class but it didn't
seem to sink in. My pour students just looked at me like i was
a monkey doing parlor tricks.
Any help would be apreciated.!
Thanks
Viorica

posted in teaching bellydance - 8 replies

teaching bellydance in ireland

2008-01-20T13:48:57Z

I really want to become a teacher, I just duno how to go about getting a qualification. I have had some really great teachers over the last 2 years in bellydance and I have been dancing(ballet) since I was four( now 23). This is really what I want and I want to try to be as good a teacher as the ones I have had. Does anyone have any hints or suggestions???

posted in teaching bellydance - 7 replies

7-Day Intensive EDC® Seminars for 2008 Scheduled.....Levels One and Two

2008-01-15T06:35:42Z

(If this post is inappropriate, please remove.)

See photo of seminar flier in the PHOTO SECTION at http://tribes.tribe.net/sausanacademy

2008 Schedule

Complete Study in Egyptian Style Dance and the Egyptian Dance Code® (EDC)®
and Fundamental Classic Egyptian Dance Technique using the Sausan Method

Level One* - Technical Instruction & Interpretation
March 17-23 • June 23-29 • September 22-28

Level Two** - Choreographic and Improvisational Application
September 29 - October 5

• Learn to dance the way the Egyptian Greats danced in Egyptian film.

• Uncover the secret of what makes Egyptian dancers “look” Egyptian.

• Find out why it is so easy to “get” this concept yet so difficult for most dancers to execute.

• Study the lives of Badiya Al Masabni, Taheya Karioka, Samia Gamal,
Na’eema Akef, Nagua Fouad, Fifi Abdo, Katie, Suhair Zakhi,
Nabaweya Moustafa, and many more!

• Learn about the great musicians and singers like Mohammad Abd el
Wahab, Abdel Halim Hafez, Om Kolsum, Ahmad Adaweya, and others who
composed the music, and/or sang these classic pieces for these
Egyptian Greats.

In a word, discover the “expression” of Egyptian dance.
________________________________

$799 per seminar

$699 paid one month in advance.
$749 paid two weeks in advance.
$1349 for Level One and Level Two combined.

*Intermediate to Advanced students preferred.
**Completion of Level One or equivalent required.

All seminars offered to females only. Registration is non-refundable.
Seminars held at 4031 Balboa Street, San Francisco.

Includes: Instruction, notes, lectures, performances, meals, and more!

Previously sponsored non-related 2007/2008 seminars/workshops paid registration fees considered.
(If you attended a workshop with Sausan as the workshop instructor during 2007 or 2008, you may apply the registration fee to the 7-DIS seminar fee. One on previously attended workshop fee per seminar.)

contact: Sausan at sausanacademy@gmail.com; 415-262-0175
Additional information mailed upon request.
www.sausanacademy.com

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

Let's Talk LAYERS!

2007-12-30T15:36:46Z

2008 is fast approaching, and I've had layers on my mind lately as something I'd like to tackle with my classes for the new year. Often, in my drills class, we work on drilling a specific movement (a la how many different ways can we do that darn hip slide) or improving a concept (drills to improve chest mobility, increase hip range of motion, etc).

My passion seems to be switching to layers.

Layers do creep in, of course, but now my brain seems to be fixed on them. And really communicating to students just how many incredible things can be combined and refined to make the dance more interesting. The idea of: now you have movements - the basic building blocks - now we put them together to create even more complex dance movements!

And so I thought, hrm, besides travelling plus a move, or shimmy with a move, what other types of lovely layers might you ladies (and gents) have out there? Please, do share any nifty ideas you might have for some lucious layer drills. I'm very curious to see how others are either training their students to layer *or* how they themselves integrate layers into their own personal practice.

and happy holidays!

x-posted with love

posted in teaching bellydance - 2 replies

teaching a choreography to beginners

2007-12-27T23:57:43Z

Hi! I've searched this tribe for this topic, and did not see this exact thread, so here goes:

I'll be teaching a 10-week class at the local community college in January. I teach tribal-style, and so usually do not teach a choreography, rather, I teach chorus, and how to dance with other dancers. But I've had lots of requests for a choroegraphy, and quite a few of the students in my class will be repeats. Plus, I have 10 weeks (I usually do 6 or 8). So, I've decided to put together a simple tribal-style choreo, with simple combos.

My question: how do YOU teach choreos to beginners? Obviously, they need to learn the moves first, but do you teach all the moves and then start the choreo, or teach sections and then put it all together? In your experience, does it help or NOT help for them to see the teacher perform the dance first (is it too intimidating?) I don't intend for this to be a "learn a choreo in 10 weeks" class, but more a "look what you can do with these basic moves" kind of exercise.

I will NOT be requiring them to perform, though there will be an opportunity for them to if they so wish.

Your advice and wisdom much appreciated......

posted in teaching bellydance - 6 replies

"I want to dance like Shakira"

2007-12-27T12:57:23Z

Hey all! So I'm a new teacher just literally just starting to teach classes. So my first class is made up of a lady and a small group of her friends. Because they are currently my only students, I want to keep them there and happy. Well, they are dead set on learning to 'dance like Shakira' to Shakira songs. I explained that while Shakira does pull in bellydance moves, there is so much more to bellydance than that. I gave them Ansuya and Rachel Brice's websites and suggested that they take a look at the video clips there, but agreed that next class we could learn some 'Shakira' moves. So my current plan is to watch some Shakira music videos, and pick a Shakira song, and choreograph a simple dance using mainly traditional bellydance, but throw in some Shakira-esque moves. I make sure during warm-ups that I explain the history of bellydance, as well as different styles etc. But I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to approach requests like these, and I want to teach American Caberet Bellydance, not just a class on how to shake everything around. suggestions?

posted in teaching bellydance - 9 replies

Dec 15 Invitation

2007-12-11T01:54:07Z

Sirqus of Jreams host 2nd annual
HOLIDAY HAFLA & Bellydance Superstar PETITE JAMILLA WORKSHOP
(Sat)
Dec 15
Childrens Dance Foundation
1715 27th St S
Homewood, Alabama

Petite Jamilla Workshop
Doors open at 1pm for registration
2pm-4pm Choreography Class
$55 / $65 at door
can pay with visa or master card
contact
Jamillarasa@... to register
NO cameras/videos in workshop

(dinner break and get ready for the hafla)

Dec 15
SOJ Holiday Hafla
Childrens Dance Foundation
Homewood, Alabama
Doors open at 6pm
7pm-9pm Show time
Workshop participates attend FREE
Workshop participates are welcome & encouraged to perform in hafla!
non-workshop participates/audience $10
contact
Jamillarasa@...
(The Hafla is video/camera friendly)

Vendors will be on site for all your holiday shopping needs!

*Please note that the hafla is set up for the workshop particpates to be able to perform with special guest Bellydance Superstar Petite Jamilla, be sure to sign up early as there are limited performance slots remining*

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

Egyptian Dance Code (EDC) Workshop with Sausan in Newark, CA

2007-12-10T07:35:26Z

Shayna will be sponsoring yours truly (Sausan) in a 2 hour workshop on February 3, 2008 in Newark, CA.

Come learn "The Secret to the Egyptian Dance Code!". If you are the least bit intrigued, now is your chance to find out what it all means.

I will also be teaching a short choreography. I will also be bringing my Dancing in Egyptian Film Series for sale.

Workshop is from 12:00 - 200 PM at Steps Styles and Spotlights, 40983 Encyclopedia Circle, Newark, CA.

To sign up on line... go to shaynaz.com/sausan.html

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

Personal Trainer certification

2007-12-08T23:04:22Z

Hi!
I was at a Jim Boz workwhop in Florida this weekend...btw, he is awesome!

While there we talked about ways to teach by knowing more about anatomy and how best to help students I have who have serious lower back issues. One suggestion he had is to become certified as a personal trainer. I've always wanted to do this anyway. BUT, I don't want to be cert in aerobics.

Do any of you have any suggestiosn as to the best national cert program to go with? I've looked at AFAA but no others.

Thanks.

posted in teaching bellydance - 5 replies

Looking for Weekend begginers class in Western Cleveland OH area

2007-12-06T11:55:53Z

Hi! I am VERY interested in finding a class on the weekends in/near the Cleveland OH area...I am in the far western suburbs and just started taking a friday night class at the local dance studio but our instructor is new to bellydance herself and I feel I need a little extra work on basics, like learning some! I have several DVD's but it's not the same as live instruction. Any information is greatly appreciated!

posted in teaching bellydance - 1 reply

A question from a student on improv

2007-11-27T16:58:22Z

Hi,
I have been bellydancing for about a year. I took lessons and was asked to join a troupe. As far as the lessons we just learned the basics and as a troupe member we learned structured choregraphy to the teachers choice of music. What I want to learn, is how to piece all that I have learned together as improv. When I dance at home, I find myself just doing figure 8's. So, as experienced teachers and dancers, what should I be doing to 1st get over the fear of improv, and force myself to piece together the moves smoothly so I look like I know what I am doing? I asked the instructor to add a few minutes of free dance to the class and she didnt think that was a good idea. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

posted in teaching bellydance - 24 replies

Needy Students - How Far Do You Go?

2007-11-20T22:36:36Z

I have a bit of a situation I've been avoiding, partly because I've been very busy in my non-belly dance life, and partly because I don't quite know how to respond. I had a student call me up and leave me a message, asking me to find a ride home for her from class because she didn't feel comfortable walking to the bus. Here's a little background:

She made it to the first class of the session this term, and then from what she said in the message was sick for a couple of weeks. I've had her for several terms, and she professes to love belly dance, but in class she never seems happy, nor does she seem to put much effort into dancing. She wears baggy usually black clothes, her movements are small if she's moving at all, and a lot of the time she just stops in the middle of learning something new and just stands there. This is probably a separate issue from what I'm feeling right now, but anyway. Sweet lady, idolizes me a bit which makes me uncomfortable, is very quiet and doesn't really talk to anyone else in the intermediate class.

And so, I don't really feel comfortable asking people to give her a lift. She hasn't really made an effort to get to know people in class, and I kind of feel that she should do the reaching out in this matter. I understand how she feels, I've made the walk to the bus from the centre I teach at many many times, and right now I'm glad that I have students who offer to drive me home. If this woman came to class more regularly, and didn't expect me to do all the work, I might feel more comfortable arranging a ride for her. I know al my intermediate students quite well, and they're all really lovely people, and I know that they wouldn't mind. I have asked them if they were going the same way as another bussing student, and have made the occasional ride connection before, but I always do it in a manner such that people can volunteer.

Ugh. I'm probably making a mountain out of a molehill, but I'm feeling kind of emotionally manipulated because this woman hasn't been back to class since she phoned me. How do I deal with this?

posted in teaching bellydance - 5 replies

I'm too late!?

2007-11-19T20:56:27Z

This weekend there was a great post on drills and games to use in classes...now here I am ready to print it out...and I can't find it! drat!

Are old posts stored in here somewhere? Or is there a way for someone to re-post it?

Thanks for the help - there were some really good ideas in there!

posted in teaching bellydance - 1 reply

Teaching the rhythm-impaired...

2007-11-01T15:52:37Z

I've been fortunate so far in teaching, but what do you do if you have a new student who seems to have no concept of rhythm, or the right foot or the left foot, even when you call it out? Even when there are mirrors so that student can clearly see what you are doing? How do you avoid making that student feel unfairly singled out or uncomfortable when trying to help them "get" it? Any tips or tricks would be appreciated!

posted in teaching bellydance - 7 replies

Belly dance in wooster

2007-10-27T00:11:42Z

Is there any belly dance classes in wooster ohio?

posted in teaching bellydance - 3 replies

Teaching People with Learning Difficulties

2007-10-19T15:48:15Z

I've started to teach a class to people with learning difficulties in the UK - and in order to further clarify the group I'm working with I've lifted this definition from a UK charity called MacIntyre:

"Learning Disability is a term that is used to describe the difficulties that some people have in learning things that society expects them to learn at certain stages in their lives.

Some people are born with certain impairments that restrict or reduce their ability to learn as quickly or as readily as others. Learning disability is not an illness, it is a permanent condition, although in some cases an illness may be associated with the condition.

Some people are much more profoundly affected than others, these people may require help with most aspects of daily living, whereas those with mild disabilities can usually live with less support, but require some help with social or emotional issues.

Valuing People (a UK Government initiative aimed at ensuring that people with Learning Difficulties are integrated into society) defines learning disability as:
‘A significant reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence) with a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning) which started before adulthood with a lasting effect on development. "

I just wanted to share what a great experience this has been so far. Everyone in the class is keen to try this new subject, and in all all honesty everyone seems to enjoy the new experience even if sometimes they worry that they can't do it (any different to any of us at times?)

I've been following standard lesson plans, reviewing the plans, a)on the spot - let's not move on to another move if it'll prove to be too much, and b) as an ongoing development issue for the group. I'll shortly be rewriting each lesson plan for this group to ensure that I include a smooth move, a sharp move, a travelling move and something to do with arms each time. And we have a game to play each time too as it helps everyone refocus and reinforce what they've learned.

I wanted to share this as when I first posted on an associated Tribe that I was going to be teaching a class of people with learning difficulties the response I had was, "Good luck, can't see it working". In all honesty it's early days yet, but so long as everyone has a great time, feels good about what they've achieved and at the end of one term can recall and carry out three moves from everything they will have learned then I'll be happy. And I think they'll have learned more than that too.

posted in teaching bellydance - 3 replies

teaching ideas

2007-10-02T13:54:13Z

I'm new to teaching, but sometimes asked by my instructor to teach - any ideas on planning classes? (We have a mix of beginners and a little more advanced students)

posted in teaching bellydance - 8 replies

Teaching: up front or from the sidelines??

2007-10-01T18:16:53Z

When I started teaching I just thought it seemed logical that I demonstrate all of the moves to the students. But now that I've had several months to consider my methods, I'm beginning to wonder if I'm intimidating them. Do most of you stand in front of the class and demonstrate or do you talk your way through the moves and coach the students through performing the move? I've noticed teachers in other areas (horses, gymnastics, etc.) don't usually say, "Watch this. Do it like I do." They let the student begin and coach from the sidelines. But it's so difficult to talk your way through a camel! How do you all teach?

posted in teaching bellydance - 7 replies

Teaching for fitness

2007-09-29T02:48:21Z

My background is in the fitness industry. So what I have done is put together a class for women that uses bellydance but in a fitness format. I am finding that it is a nice change for most women that really don't like the usual aerobics and strength training classes. Its fun and at the same time gives you a well-rounded workout.

posted in teaching bellydance - 22 replies

Feldenkrais Method

2007-09-22T15:09:19Z

Hi!

I was wondering if any of you have learned the Feldenkrais Method and if you use that knowledge in your classes. It is a type of somatic education that uses gentle moves and mind focus to improve move(s) and body function. More on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feldenkrais_method .
It's a very new thing here in Croatia and I'm stil thinking of taking the course. The course is quite expensive.

Any of you have experiance with the Feldenkrais?

Dunja, Croatia

posted in teaching bellydance - 3 replies

Teachers who are still students

2007-09-20T12:40:50Z

Is it ok to be a teacher of begginers and still take lessons from other teachers?

posted in teaching bellydance - 35 replies

Sensual Bellydance Workshop and the Intermediate Student

2007-09-19T07:10:08Z

Hi there!
Here are some thoughts that are running through my mind right now, please don't think that I'm talking absolutes here! They are observations of my dance path and the paths of those around me :)

A beautiful aspect of bellydance is that the beginner stage is very enjoyable... even easy. Bellydance movements are natural for the body. When we are beginners, things usually move pretty smoothly. We plunge into the dance, improve relatively quickly and in general feel wonderful.

THEN comes the intermediate stage. For some reason, "intermediate" doesn't sound very glamourous, especially after hearing friends' and family's praise and admiration because we have "turned" into a bellydancer. For some students, the intermediate stage doesn't really take place and many jump from beginner to advanced/professional. By "advanced/professional" I mean the stage where a dancer gets to improvise at a live-music show, learn a choreography and present it in a professional setting or do commercial shows, such as restaurant/club gigs, birthday parties, etc.

I would say that there are three groups of Intermediate dancers:
1. Those who go through the intermediate phase
2. Those who move from being a beginner to doing commercial gigs but still continue studying and improving
3. And those who skip the intermediate stage altogether.

My personal path took me from advanced beginner to doing professional shows -- something I don't regret BUT now I can see that if I had known the importance of Intermediate work, and if I had focused on it for some time... I would have had an easier ride.

The point is, I would like to share some techniques, observations and methods that I think will be very helpful for dancers willing to improve and move to the next stage. This workshop focuses on "learning to learn". It focuses on the basis for becoming a dancer whose movements are connected, who dances musically and has her technique "under control", so she can then focus on emoting and can actually enjoy herself when she is dancing (as opposed to be thinking about the steps).

The vocabulary and quality of movement I will be teaching have a sensual quality. The principles I teach, however, can be applied to any style.

Looking forward to seeing you on the 29th!
Blanca

http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops/index.html

posted in teaching bellydance - 2 replies

Music for Beginners Practice/Drills?

2007-09-17T03:54:07Z

Hi all!

We are starting up a practice class ad need some ideas for some music.

It doesn't have to be Middle Eastern but we really - need it to have a beat we can easily follow -preferably 4 or 8 count.

We want to practice our anchor points, side, back, front, centre, kind of thing, as well as basic footwork. So far everything i've turned up has been a bit too fast or has quite complicated rhythms.
We know we need to familiarise ourselves with authentic music but we don't want to complicate things too much for ourselves to begin with! It's okay with the unfamiliar tempos when we have a teacher to keep us in time - but we will be doing this by ourselves!

If anyone could suggest specific tracks/songs that would be really great.

Thanks very much.

Rachel

posted in teaching bellydance - 10 replies

How do you handle fees?

2007-08-28T14:07:15Z

Ladies,

After a two year hiatus due to a back injury, I'm returning to teach belly dance in Daphne, Alabama. In the past I didn't have too much trouble with people paying up front which is what I require- full payment for the 8 week session up front. If they miss a class I do not refund the money, but at one time would credit their missed session to the next 8 week class session.

How do y'all handle this? I cannot, due to fees I have to pay the center where I teach cause I'm considered a private contractor, teach on a pay-per-class basis.

Also, in Mobile where other Zuri members teach they work through Mobile Community Services. The money is paid up front and if someone misses a class, well, they miss it and lose that money.

Any suggestions? Thanks!!!

posted in teaching bellydance - 3 replies

teaching downfall

2007-08-24T14:54:21Z

oh i am soooo pissed off!!!!!!!!
sorry i just have to go off for a bit here so just please bere with me ......
Tonight, i was supposed to start a newa new 6 week session at a new Dance School( here In South Cackalacky)
The story staeted a few weeks ago when they contacted me for a teaching possition , and also asked me to do a small
dance domonstration, so people could see what is intailed in the art of Belly dance. Mostlt it went great , with a lot of planning classes and handing out cards and people sounded genuinly interested. The director of the dance center even sayd she had a people already signed up.
i show up tonight to start my beginers class, and no one showed up!!!!!!!! so i wait 35min......and still no one showed up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i really do not know what to think at this point!!!!
Has any thing like this ever happened to any of you?
do you have any ideas?
i feel like i am trying so hard and working my ass off and getting nowhere!!!!!!!
thanks for all imput!
V

posted in teaching bellydance - 5 replies

Teachers in Souther NJ?

2007-08-06T21:45:24Z

Hey all!

I had a beginning Tribal Fusion student contact me online looking for a teacher within one hour from Southern NJ *she didn't give me an exact city*... I recommended Troupe Hipnosis, but I wanted to see if there was anyone on this tribe who fits that criteria.

Namaste!

posted in teaching bellydance - 3 replies

Anyone want to teach a workshop at the 27th Utah BD Fest in Salt Lake City, Aug 18?

2007-07-03T03:54:58Z

We still have a few spots open if anyone wants to teach a workshop at the 27th Utah Bellydance Festival in Salt Lake City, on the evening of Sat., Aug 18.

A few styles are already represented, such as Tribal Fusion.

We charge $50 for the 2-hour workshop, and you keep half.

Vending spots are still available, as is an Ad in the Program.

See www.KismetDance.com for more info.

If interested in teaching, pls email us soon at yas@yasamina.com.

Thank you for your time.

Best Regards,
Yasamina

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

Figure 8's?

2007-07-02T22:47:18Z

Hi,

I have aquery about horizontal hip 8's.

Most of the DVD teachers/instructors i've seen demonstrating these so far, lift their heel when moving/lifting the hip over or round toward the front, drop the foot flat as the hip moves in to centre, exchanging the lift to the other heel as that hip starts to comes forward. Some do this heel exchange when lifting the hip round/over toward the back in a reverse 8, as well. Although I think I have seen this a lot less often.

My new (first live) teacher demonstrates these keeping her feet flat all the way through, on both forward and reverse 8's?

I've been struggling a lot with this and I just can't seem to get my hip over/around, especially coming forward, if I don't lift my heel - I just sort of jerk about ;-)

I was managing a reasonably fluid attempt at these, if I lifted my heel. Is this problematic because of my DVD learning or is it just a question of different styles and probably not yet enough flexibility on my part? I've only been learning for a very short while..

Any thoughts/ advice / comments on this.

posted in teaching bellydance - 6 replies

To post fees or not to post?

2007-06-23T19:05:50Z

Do you ladies and gents post your class fees on your website?

I'm just now getting my website together (thanks Jae!) and I'm not sure if that's the proper thing to do or not. I thought maybe the prospective students might contact me first, and then I would e-mail or snail mail them the information.

posted in teaching bellydance - 4 replies

Big 5 - basics of a shimmy

2007-06-04T21:14:05Z

Howdy y'all!
I have been asked to teach a shimmy-specific class for **beginners** at my gym. I have tried to break (any) shimmy down into it's basic direction/ move - and I came up with a big 5. Didi I miss any?
* lift (vertical )
* drop (vertical)
* push (horizontal - usually with weight on the hip)
* twist (horizontal, alternate sides)
* slide (any direction - controlled)

Thanks!

posted in teaching bellydance - 7 replies

Looking for a good warm up/cool down regiment

2007-05-22T23:53:56Z

I'm looking for some good stretches to incorporate in to my warm up/cool down section of my lessons.
I've been teaching for a year now through our city's community activity program which means I'm teaching in a classroom at a public school. The floors are always filthy so I am confined to doing standing stretches. This makes it hard for me to get a good stretch on the hips/outter thighs. Any advice or good links to some stretches I could use?

posted in teaching bellydance - 3 replies

Rhythms in Intermed Class

2007-05-13T11:40:51Z

Hi Everyone!

I've been plugging along, teaching Basics and Mixed Level classes for (my gosh!) almost a year now. My Basics class repeats each 8 weeks but I try to keep Mixed Level fresh and new. So, each 8 weeks is something different. We just finished up an introduction to props class and I have done drills, layers, and combos in the past. I would REALLY like to teach these ladies rhythms in a bit more detail, so I'm putting together my syllabus for a "Rocking Rhythms" class.

I'm curious, though - which rhythms do YOU feel an early level dancer should know? As this is a mixed level class, there are some baby bellies and some with a bit more experience. Overall, though, not too much detailed rhythm knowledge. So I'd appreciate any suggestions on which rhythms you feel are vital to teach. Here is what I'd selected for an 8 week class:

beledi
saidi
ayoub
chiftitelli

2 weeks each. With review of course and building on the previous each week. Now, I know chiftitelli is considered difficult by some, so I was also looking at:

Malfouf
Maqsoum
Masmoudi

I would LIKE to stick with 2 weeks each, but if not that's fine too. If you have any suggestions I'd appreciate it! Thanks!

posted in teaching bellydance - 3 replies

Dear Divine Distributors of Dance Discipline,

2007-05-07T12:34:29Z

Do any of you know of a teacher of Persian Dance who has instructional videos? Or who has videos of her/himself dancing?

I've been reading tantalizing bits about Persian dance and would dearly love to SEE it!

Thank you,

Egret

posted in teaching bellydance - 6 replies

What will prepare me to teach?

2007-05-05T17:45:20Z

Hey everyone,

I thought it would be good to open this topic for discussion . There are many students out there who want to teach and need to know how to prepare themselves for the posisiton. I am excited to see what everyone contributes. Heres what I have to offer off of the top of my head.

Many years of dance training and performance experience. Serious students who want to teach should take many classes per week (once a week isn't going to cut it). Any dancer should be at an advanced level of skill before teaching even beginners. One should be educated in teaching methods and techniques, have experience with teaching in general, gain proper instruction in musicality (understanding the structure of m.e music, drum rhythms, time signatures, instrumentation and how dance moves correlate to the music, phrazing) cultural dance dialects, choreography theory, performance skills including stage space utilization, poise, body carriage, stage presence & persona development. ...And this is only scratching the surface.

With perserverance and persisitance in training, all of this and more will be developed in time. It is best to be patient with your development and know that the rewards will be worth the wait :-)

posted in teaching bellydance - 17 replies

How to explain to students who can't do the movement and injure themselves.

2007-05-03T16:30:43Z

I have a few students in my class who after being explained the movement and shown multiple times are still having trouble doing the movements like the shoulder shimmy and chest circles. I have used many visualization techniques and have emphasized proper posture and execution of the technique. One of my students hurt her should by overdoing the shoulder shimmy and the other came to me with sore shoulders from the same reason (after I told them to keep it small at first). I make sure I do a good warm up and cool down and I tell them to only do what they can and make the movements small at first and if they feel pain to stop! I have only been teaching for about 6 months now (dancing for 7 years) and the last thing I want is my students doing the movements wrong and hurting themselves. Plus, I do not want to be known as the teacher who's students get hurt! Does anyone have any advice for students who don't practice at home and who still cannot do the movements after weeks of instruction?

posted in teaching bellydance - 7 replies

dance, wieghtloss, and stomach surgery

2007-05-03T15:49:58Z

OK...I have a question for everyone. I have a student who lost over 100 pounds within this last year. She is looking at having the excess skin removed from her stomach. I am wondering how this will affect her dancing within the next year or so. I don't know any thing about it. Any suggestions for me...her....or and advice on the situation in general.
Namaste,
Arayya

posted in teaching bellydance - 2 replies

best tips for a big class?

2007-04-22T18:52:19Z

I've just started teaching a tribal-style class-- and i have 25 people coming to it! i'm really excited that so many are interested, but the class is so huge that i'm wondering if others would share how they deal with such a big class. I want everyone to be able to see, and i was hoping to do a bit of chorus work, but with 25 students?! any tips? thanks!!

posted in teaching bellydance - 9 replies

music question

2007-03-29T02:15:02Z

any sugestions for cd owning, my supply needs to be updated but i dont know where to start! any suggesstions?

posted in teaching bellydance - 5 replies

First timer

2007-03-18T20:08:24Z

hey gals

this wednesday i officially start teaching my first class. It's at one of our local gyms and i am nervous! this will be my first debut as a teacher and not as a student. Yikes...any words of advice???

posted in teaching bellydance - 6 replies

looking for exercises you teach or have been taught

2007-03-15T20:20:51Z

dear dance sisters,
I am attempting to put together a list of belly dance related exercises for my webpage. I have noticed that there really in not much in the way of specific exercises for bellydance and would like to remedy that. I am asking for your help. If there is something you have done in a workshop or in class, etc. that you think has helped you out with muscle strength, muscle endurance, aerobic endurance, or flexiblity I would like to know about it. Thank you all so much in advance!
Namaste,
Arayya Aymelek

P.S. I would be sharing this information with my students and my advisor in college, I need to write a couple more papers for exercise physiology and would like the stick with something that few people know about and should know more about in the fitness industry.

posted in teaching bellydance - 3 replies

You know you dance too much when...

2007-03-12T11:32:04Z

Your 2-yr old empties your bag, loses ONE brand-new zill, correctly places a bindi from the new pack on her forehead, and chooses the $20 bill (NOT the $1) to fold and stuff into her onesie at the neck. Yikes!

Is there a recommended age limit to Mommy-and-me classes?
Only *half* kidding,
Zahira

posted in teaching bellydance - 4 replies

Studio owner changes agreement, what to do?

2007-03-07T12:07:54Z

I have arranged with a local yoga studio to begin teaching a class this Wed night. Went down there over the weekend to get the key and alarm code. A patron came in and purchased something and the studio owner was telling her about my class. She then changed the price to a "spring discount" which is different from what we agreed on.
Turns out this studio owner also does not have a minimum enrollment and has some classes with one student.
At the "spring discount" price for one student I end up making $4 to teach the class!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That doesn't cover my gas to drive there.

Should I call her and tell her that I must have a minimum enrollment number?

She also told me she would advertise and that consists of putting a flyer in the window, but it's red paper with black lettering which is somewhat hard to see.
I've been driving around, putting out flyers, posting the class on the internet, telling other dancers I know to pass the information on, etc. And basically she's done NOTHING. She thinks that the "universe" will bring her students, never mind going out and getting students.
Plus, I found out over the weekend that NOBODY has registered for the class.
I am totally bummed about this class.

But then my new Wed night beginners class is almost filled to maximum enrollment, which sort of makes up for it in the good things happening to me department.

posted in teaching bellydance - 4 replies

What would you include in a handout for class?

2007-03-07T12:05:37Z

I got tired of being asked the same questions over and over again by students:

What was the name of that song? Where can I get that CD? Where can I buy zills? and so on.

So, I usually put together a handout for my classes that lists my favorite CDs, where to buy bellydance-related stuff, etc. For teaching at the community college, I also include a rough outline for class, what will be covered, that sort of thing.

What would you include in a handout?

posted in teaching bellydance - 5 replies

good zilling music?

2007-03-01T22:53:29Z

I have got some intermediates that have played some rhythms in beginners... beledi, triplets (gallop pattern) and runs. I would like to get them more familiar with zilling to with music rather than zilling alone.
Any good songs with heavy zills? Other than Eddie Kochak?
:)
Thanks!

posted in teaching bellydance - 1 reply

Student with a hernia?

2007-02-21T18:26:48Z

One of my students would be in her 40s. She has had numerous c sections (has four children). Anyhow last week after class she told me that she had seperation along the scar tissue of her stomach muscles (she strained lifting something at work and "burst" her scar seam). Since then she has had a hernia. Her doctor told her that the only way to fix it would be surgery (which she says is not an option).

Anyhow, I would like any advice from people who have hernias and continue to dance, or teachers who have had students with hernias. Is there anything that you have "discovered" to make their life easier and still able to dance?

I have told her to make sure her posture was always spot on (self correct continuously), not to do stomach movements/undulations or anything that puts pressure on her stomach area and to wear a girdle for added support. I guess I should have asked what the doctor told her about dancing (she sort of dropped this on me at the last moment and I didn't have a lot of time to respond).

Many thanks!

posted in teaching bellydance - 3 replies

advice for 30 minute lesson

2007-02-21T18:25:27Z

I've got a gig in March, I am so excited, totally different from anything I've done.
It is an all female slumber party at a local upscale hotel and they want a 30 minute lesson.
Any advice for what to teach in 30 minutes? Maybe a few isolations and shimmy?

posted in teaching bellydance - 4 replies

Advice......

2007-02-21T03:21:45Z

I have recently been asked by a local elementary school to give two, 45 min presentations for pre-K to 3rd graders on dance (particularily belly dance). They would like me focus on dance as fun exercise. I've worked with highschools and universities but never with an elementary school. I've been working on it but I would appreciate any input. Does anyone have any thoughts or advice?

posted in teaching bellydance - 7 replies

Baltimore Bellydance Newsletter

2007-02-14T15:00:01Z

Please help spread the word. We anticipate newsletter distribution to resume this spring!

The Baltimore Bellydance Newsletter will once again be distributed free of charge.

To get yourself on the list, you can go to the Baltimore Belly dance Newsletter webpage and click the "subscribe to newsletter" link. - Check out the site while you are there.

http://baltimorebellydance.com/newsletter.html

Please help spread the word. The newsletter used to reach thousands of people each printed issue. The same great newsletter will now be electronically distributed. Starting this spring.

R'aina

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

classes...

2007-02-13T20:15:11Z

Hi all,
I teach bellydance in Maple Ridge. My current session is 8 weeks in duration. My classes are planned a ahead of time and so far it's been working incredibly well.
I was approached to teach more on different days and also different duration...in particular - the studio owner wants me to do short ones - 4 weeks long...I'm rather hesitant. I think it would be a good thing to be somewhat consistant with the duration (# of weeks, e.g. 7-10 weeks or so) to see how students are progressing and have students approximately on the same level (at least for the beginners). Right now I have some students in my beginners classes that have taken bellydance before, so I'm trying to challenge those particular ones only, by adding to the basic move (e.g. layer hip figure 8 with level changes, shimmies, etc)...I want to avoid students on too many different levels in one class....
...what do you all think? Would you mix duration of lessons a lot? I was thinking maybe consistency around7-10 weeks would be fine, but few sessions over the 4 weeks period plus 8 weeks etc? And this would be changing in the future again. I think, specially beginners classes, need a good base understanding the moves correctly which is hard to achieve in 4 weeks....unless I rush throught it and I don't want to do that. I want to have a reputation of teacher who provides quality over quantity....(I usually break down 2-3 moves a classes - depends on difficulty level). Any thoughts?

Lalia

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

bellydance lessons

2007-02-08T11:51:22Z

Hi, I was wondering if there might be any teachers in ohio that are willing to trade lessons with me. I have some metal tribal-y stuff in my pics in my profile, and i make handmade bindis and tattoos. Thanks!

posted in teaching bellydance - 1 reply

Bellydance Video Collection

2007-01-31T13:58:13Z

Hi everyone..I have updated my bellydance video blog..so If you want to check it out it is http://bellydancevideos.blogspot.com

please private message me if you have any favourites you would like to share with others and I can add them to my blog. If we build this up it could save hours of searching through youtube for good videos;)

thanks

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

What do you like to teach on the first day?

2007-01-30T06:33:54Z

What are some of your favorite moves to start off teaching a fresh new class of beginners? What moves would you avoid on the first day (aside from the obviously too advanced)? I have found that some moves work better than others, on the first day, for building confidence and setting expectations.

posted in teaching bellydance - 22 replies

Mentoring

2007-01-27T16:21:27Z

Hi there, just a question - does anyone have experience with being or having a mentor as a dancer? Like someone you not only take classes from but get personal advice on your progress, maybe you send her a dvd to look at, etc? I live in a place where it's difficult to find a teacher locally so I was thinking about approaching someone abroad - any thoughts on that? Thanks!

posted in teaching bellydance - 1 reply

Dance correspondance certification program

2007-01-23T19:08:48Z

Hi

I had signed up to be one of the first to start this program. I just got an e mail promicing a 20% discount if I buy chapter 1 in the next 30 days will some of you look at this and let me know what you think. Looking at the syllabus it looks like it would be bennificial to me for the experience but I am not sure about the credibility. It is a correspondance Bellydance Teacher certification program. I got 1/2 of my BFA on line so I have no problem with that. It is so new I am just not sure

Thanks

here are the links

http://thebellydancetrainer.com/syllabus.html
http://thebellydancetrainer.com/btdfaq.html
http://thebellydancetrainer.com/recertification.html

posted in teaching bellydance - 17 replies

Best & worst of bellydance class

2007-01-23T02:59:50Z

I am collecting information to include in an article I am writing about teaching bellydance and I would like input from students and teachers as to what aspects, elements, teaching techniqes, etc you like most about bellydance class or classes you've taken in the past and what experiences with your teachers you could have done without.

Lets not point any fingers or mention any names. Any information included in the article will be completely anonymous and will be included in the spirit of helping teachers to understand what there students most want out of class.
I am also interested in knowing your interest in the following aspects of bellydance: bellydance for physical fitness, holisitc benefits, becoming a performer,becoming a teacher, spiritual aspects.

Shimmies,
Carrie

posted in teaching bellydance - 26 replies

How did you know when you were ready to teach?

2007-01-10T18:44:03Z

(Evidently I had a slip when I was typing, didn't I?- for any of you who replied to the previous post)
I was wondering it was the sort of thing you arrived at doing out of desparation, inspiration, instigation, or obligation... ect.

posted in teaching bellydance - 1 reply

my article in Chronicles magazine this month

2007-01-02T08:51:13Z

kind of ironic, havnt seen it myself yet, but it sounds like they posted a few of my pics that go with the article. and I see by the website, one of my pics made the cover.
let me know how it looks...its still a mystery to me how it turned out...
thanks
(Senior Bellydance)

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

Class planning

2007-01-02T04:49:34Z

Hey all

That last thread "what will prepare me to teach" was incredibly useful. I am was wondering if someone would like to share a 6 week lesson plan with me, so that I may use it as a reference. I have taught at a small gym before about 9 months ago. I am now going to start teaching on a regular basis with a much larger class. I am a bit nervous which makes me a bit unsure of myself. I want to make sure I am on the same page as the rest of you. I figure I will start at the begging with things like shimmies and hip circles. I just want to see what you all are doing and thus give me some mental credibility. Not just teach what I made up becuse I will end up second guessing myself. Thanks

Annwyn

posted in teaching bellydance - 3 replies

Enjoyed your article

2006-12-17T16:56:23Z

Just got my 1st copy of Zagareet magazine whom I am aspiring to write for and Carrie I LOVED your article on feeling the music and true improv! (Oct-Nov 2006)
Thank you so much. This is an area my own troupe will be immersing in as soon as we end our break from ATS classes, b/c I hope to loosen them up a bit from the structure of ATS and instill in them more of the feeling the music aspect. I want to really drive some stage presence and audience interaction tips into them and help them feel more free.
I hope to incorporate some of your ideas.
Thanks!

posted in teaching bellydance - 1 reply

Rompe Rompe?

2006-12-12T21:55:05Z

Im looking for Rompe Rompe on a cd can any one help?

posted in teaching bellydance - 8 replies

New site!!!

2006-12-01T04:29:34Z

Hey all,

First I would like to say I have my new site up, Second I would like to link it to others, If I get many ill make a directory!!!! Last I am a new teacher just with in the last year or so, I have a great new gig comming up in okinawa japan at the rec center on the military base. So please give me feed back. I want a professional site so any thoughts would be appreciated thanks!!!!!

www.annwyndance.com

posted in teaching bellydance - 0 replies

Qualified to teach ?????

2006-11-30T05:34:20Z

There is a discussion happening on another tribe relating to dance students who are unqualified to teach, begining teaching too soon and the problems that can arise because of it. I personally have experienced problems with back injuries due to learning incorrect posture from one particular 'know it all' dance teacher very early in my training and had to backtrack and spend extra time unlearning the incorrect posture. This is just one example of unfortunate and sometimes physically dangerous things that happen when unqualified teachers are teaching.

Althought there are currently no national standards of professional accreditation, qualification or licensing required to teach bellydance, there are centainly educational routes one can take in order to sufficiently prepare one for teaching bellydance. Above and beyond typical componets of our dance training, one must be educated in effective teaching techniques and have a strong awareness of anatomy and proper body alignment. Some teachers choose to become a certified finess instructor as a means of aquiring the anatomy awarenss and teaching skills. I personally am a certified Yoga Instructor and apply my education in anatomy and teaching Yoga to enhance my bellydance teaching. A study in massage thereapy will teach allot about anatomy as well.

Id like to open up this discussion and invite all of you to share your insight, wisdom and knowelege about what you see as being essential skills qualifiactions needed to teach bellydance and ways of establishing those qualifications.

Thank you all for your contributions...

posted in teaching bellydance - 33 replies