Frequently Asked Questions - Classes and Instruction
What's the difference between Egyptian, Fusion, and American Tribal Style Bellydance?
At Serpentine Studios we have instructors who specialize in these 3 major styles of modern bellydance. Each has its own particular look, feel, costuming and music. For more info, read our class descriptions. In a nutshell, classic Egyptian is for you if you like fun, flirtatious and feminine movements, getting in touch with your "juicy" side, and learning grace and poise. If you're interested in the traditional roots of bellydance, this style is the most true to Arabic styling. All styles will help you learn great posture and tone your core, but if you prefer a modern urban edge to your expression, check out Fusion Bellydance, a modern mix of world dances based in bellydance technique. Using funky music and concentrating on precise, slick movements, this style often has a darker, more mysterious feel. American Tribal Style is another modern fusion of bellydance, and is great if you like to have structure and enjoy group dynamics. You'll learn beautiful movements and combinations that fit together in fun sequences that you and the group eventually cue to each other to create a structured improvisation. Like Tribal Fusion, this style takes influences from Indian, African, and Spanish dance. For a detailed look, check out Laura's blog article, "Tribal Fusion and Egyptian Cabaret, what's the difference?"
What should I wear to class?
Wear something you can comfortably move in. Yoga/sweat pants and a t-shirt or tank top is fine. A sports bra underneath tends to be more comfortable than a regular bra. We often need to look at our legs to correct movements so slim pants are great, or if you wear a skirt, leggings underneath are a good idea. For bellydance classes, you may bring a scarf to wear around your hips if you like, or peruse our selection of hip scarves at the studio. Aside from being fun and pretty, coin scarves provide visual and acoustic feedback from your hip movements, helping you learn! If you have any further questions, ask your instructor on the first class!
Do I have to show my belly?
No! It is up to you whether you show your midriff, and is not necessary. As students become more comfortable and begin to learn abdominal control, they often want to see their bellies. We also work up a sweat in class so just a crop top or sports bra is often more comfortable! However, this is a personal choice.
Do I need to buy a hip scarf for bellydance classes?
Although we do sell hipscarves at the studio, it is not required to wear one to class. We do find that wearing a coin scarf helps you learn by bringing the focus to your hips, while giving you feedback to let you know if you're doing the movement right. They are also a lot of fun, when else do you get to dress up in class?
Do I need to buy a hula hoop for the hoop classes?
There are plenty of hoops for you to borrow during class at the studio, but if you want one custom-made to your size and in your choice of colours, you can order one at any time. We do recommend getting your own hoop so that you can practice and work out at home too!
I don't have any dance experience, is that ok?
The majority of our beginner students come to us with no dance background, so don't worry, you'll be fine!
I have a lot of dance experience, can I start at the Intermediate level?
It depends! See the different scenarios below:
Previous bellydance training: There is no standardized curriculum in bellydance, so what you may have learned from other teachers could be quite different from how we teach. It is often recommended to start at the beginning with any new teacher. Talk to us as we may know of your previous instructors and can help you figure out where you can fit in to our curriculum. Sometimes one private lesson can be all it takes to get a sense of what you know and what level would be best for you.
Other dance background: While a solid dance background means that you'll likely learn quickly, it can be very tricky re-training your body for a new dance form. Bellydance has a very specific movement vocabulary and nuance that is quite different from western styles of dance; and each teacher may have a very different style as well. We recommend taking at least a couple beginner classes or private lessons to gain a strong foundation before moving up. Talk to your instructor as each situation can be quite different.
Middle Eastern/Turkish/North African background: Have you been immersed in the culture and dancing to this music all your life? If so, you have an advantage when it comes to understanding the subtleties of the music and expression, which is usually the hardest part for many students. However, the kind of social dancing one does with friends at parties and weddings is different than the performance style of bellydance. We get more specific about technique and spend time learning how to move safely and efficiently so injuries don't occur over time. The performance style is more dramatic, precise, and refined, so we think you'll still get a lot out of the beginner classes. If you're still not sure, a private lesson can be a great idea to help you see where you fit into the curriculum.
Previous bellydance training: There is no standardized curriculum in bellydance, so what you may have learned from other teachers could be quite different from how we teach. It is often recommended to start at the beginning with any new teacher. Talk to us as we may know of your previous instructors and can help you figure out where you can fit in to our curriculum. Sometimes one private lesson can be all it takes to get a sense of what you know and what level would be best for you.
Other dance background: While a solid dance background means that you'll likely learn quickly, it can be very tricky re-training your body for a new dance form. Bellydance has a very specific movement vocabulary and nuance that is quite different from western styles of dance; and each teacher may have a very different style as well. We recommend taking at least a couple beginner classes or private lessons to gain a strong foundation before moving up. Talk to your instructor as each situation can be quite different.
Middle Eastern/Turkish/North African background: Have you been immersed in the culture and dancing to this music all your life? If so, you have an advantage when it comes to understanding the subtleties of the music and expression, which is usually the hardest part for many students. However, the kind of social dancing one does with friends at parties and weddings is different than the performance style of bellydance. We get more specific about technique and spend time learning how to move safely and efficiently so injuries don't occur over time. The performance style is more dramatic, precise, and refined, so we think you'll still get a lot out of the beginner classes. If you're still not sure, a private lesson can be a great idea to help you see where you fit into the curriculum.
Other questions? We're more than happy to chat, drop us a line anytime at info@serpentinestudios.com.