What to Expect at Your First Belly Dance Class
Read my guide to your first belly dance class with Kalikah
Are you looking to start belly dance classes but you’re not sure if it’s the right decision? Well, you’ve come to the right place – below I’ll introduce what belly dance is all about, and understanding what you can expect to learn in class.
1. All bodies can belly dance
One of the biggest concerns I hear from potential students are related to age and fitness levels. All people are welcome to belly dance class. I teach adults 18+ and my students are of varying ages and ability.
My classes are small (6-10 students max) and I tailor each term according to my students’ individual needs. Every person is different and so your progression is a personal journey. It is my job to help you achieve movement comfortably and learn to create beauty in a new way.
2. Age is a number
Many people who are thinking about starting belly dance classes are concerned about their age in relation to other students. It can be daunting starting a new activity, but belly dance welcomes people at all stages of life. We aim to build a community of diverse people who find common ground through the love of belly dance.
Go at your pace
Every student no matter their age has different reasons for joining class, and everyone learns at a different pace. There is no pressure to ‘level up’ or ‘progress’, you can choose to do whichever class you feel most comfortable in attending.
No judgement, no pressure
Belly dance class is a safe and welcoming atmosphere where you are permitted to explore movement and connect with your body through dance. Whether you are starting with absolutely no dance experience or are a dancer looking to expand your skills, you will be challenged and supported in a relaxed and fun class.
You don’t have to bare your belly!
Despite the name and the revealing stage costumes, we don’t need to bare our bellies and wear sparkling bras to practice! (Although you are most welcome to if that’s your thing!) We usually layer up in comfortable activewear or loose clothing. We will usually wear a hipscarf to accentuate our movements, (plus they make you feel fabulous) bare bellies are completely optional.
3. Your Fitness Starts at lesson 1
You do not need to be athletic or have a dance background to start belly dancing. Beginners level starts with basic postures, techniques and movements, gradually building up complexity as we expand our vocabulary.
If you haven’t exercised in a while, you will find some aspects of class a bit of a workout but you will build your fitness quickly.
Belly dance technique is very focused on balance, strength and movement in the legs, knees and feet. From our very first lesson you will learn gentle conditioning exercises designed to improve these areas so that you can achieve beautiful, comfortable movement.
What will I learn in my first class?
From start to finish, find out what to expect in your first belly dance class.
Introduction and warmup
After I introduce myself and our studio space, we’ll get started with a warmup that includes stretching and gentle movement from your head all the way to your feet. We use the same playlist every week so you will start to learn the warmup sequence over time.
Technique & dancing
I will explain the technique of three new movements, including the hip shimmy! We practice the movement together slowly then we practice what we’ve learned to music, with some short combos bringing our movements together.
Cooldown and stretch
We will end our dance lesson with a slow cooldown and stretch, to help facilitate recovery and easing back into your daily life.
Congratulations, you just completed your first belly dance class!
Are you ready to sign up?
Are you ready to start your belly dancing journey? Or do you still have some questions? Contact me or find out which classes are running via the links below. I hope to see you in class!