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What should I wear when I come to class? Costuming for the stage is very particular, but classroom attire is not. No special shoes are required in class, because the floor surface varies from location to location. Dance shoes are always the ideal footwear for class and stage, but prices can be on the high side. So don’t spend any more than you have to. For class, any shoe with a smooth sole is acceptable. Some students prefer to dance in their socks, or even Isotoner style slip-ons. Clothing is very come-as-you-are. Many of the ladies come directly from work and don’t have time to change. The best advice is simply to wear whatever you feel comfortable in, so long as movement is not restricted — just as if you were going to the gym for a work-out. But dressing the part can also be part of the fun, and most students enjoy wearing a hip scarf to class. Hip scarves are optional, and there are many places to purchase them online for a reasonable price. But if you want to avoid shipping cost and/or see the quality before you buy, hold off until your teacher brings them to class. As a service to our students, hip scarves are sold directly in class at a discounted price (sales tax applies).
Isn’t it true that the ideal body type for a belly dancer is an hourglass figure — hippy and voluptuous? This is a common myth, and a stereotype, as well. There is no such thing as an ideal body type for belly dance. All of the movements complement the way we move naturally. And because our bodies are different, the same movement executed in exactly the same manner by two or more dancers can appear to look different on each of them. This individualism is the essence of our dance, and any notion of being too fat or too skinny is simply absurd.
Will belly dancing help me lose weight? Only if it is part of your normal regimen of diet and exercise. Oriental dance is not an aerobic activity. Although it can help you develop muscle strength and increase your energy, as a stand-alone activity, substantial weight loss is highly unlikely. It is interesting to know, however, that many long-time dancers have experienced a healing effect believed to be the result of endorphins produced by the body during periods of high activity. Examples of reported cases include increase in bone mass, lower blood pressure, and better health overall.
How old is too old? Some of the best dancers in the country are actively performing and teaching well into their 60’s and 70’s. Unlike other disciplines, which require the students to start young, oriental dance can be learned by women of all ages — even senior citizens. During class, students both young and old alike are advised to use their own judgment and move at their own pace. Of course, taking into account your own health history, it’s always best to check with your doctor first just to be safe.
What if I’m pregnant? Oriental dance is the oldest form of natural childbirth preparation. An experienced and well-informed teacher will know that in the third trimester, some of the movements should be avoided. But many of them are reported to actually be helpful during labor. And several of our students were actually referred to our classes by doctors or midwives. It’s also very common that after the baby is born, playing the same music that mom danced to during class will calm the baby down and help them fall asleep. So, given a normal, healthy pregnancy, you should be able to dance through the end of your term. But again, use common sense and always check with your doctor or midwife to be sure.
How long will it take before I can start dancing professionally? That all depends on how well you learn, how often you practice, and unfortunately, how good you look in a costume. Truth be told, weight and physical appearance are part of the package when a dancer decides to go pro. You must be prepared to accept the fact that you may never work professionally. Show business is tough — so its the competition. There are many talented dancers who never succeed professionally. But opportunities do arise to perform in other venues where the requirements are far less demanding, and the experience equally rewarding.
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