Frequently Asked Questions
Intro
Gina’s Middle Eastern Dance classes are for anyone who wants to dance. All ages (12+), genders, shapes and sizes are welcomed and encouraged. There is no ideal body shape and you can bare your skin or not as you feel comfortable. This class isn’t about changing your body, but rather, it’s about recognizing and channeling the ravishing beauty that you, and only you, manifest. We consciously strive to create a supportive, non-competitive and non-comparing atmosphere in all classes. Please relax and know that you are”just right” for this dance – not too much or too little of anything. Perfect as you are. This is a dance about expression. It is designed to express, not impress. The only criteria is that you be open to enjoying yourself and let go of some of that self-criticism.
Background
The exact origins of this collection of dances is unknown. We do know that the genre is thousands of years old. Various theories have been suggested regarding the origins such as that this dance form originates from childbirth movements, that it was a dance of slaves or wise women, that it was something that was done in harems, that it originated with goddess or religious worship, etc. Parts of all of these stories are true (and untrue), and there is much more to the story that we do not know. Each country has different folk dances, different styling and even differences in their more formal dance presentations. Gina teaches many, many folkloric and “cabaret” (for lack of a better term) styles. In beginner classes she teaches the basic movements that any dancer will need to move forward as a belly dancer. This dance is not “exotic dance” or stripping. They are respectfully and tastefully presented dance forms.
Why a “semester”?
Gina is committed to teaching in winter, spring, summer and fall quarters. This ensures that everyone starts at the same point and ends at the same point. It neither over-challenges beginners, nor bores advanced students, both of which drop-in classes can sometimes do. Furthermore, after a semester of dance, you will graduate with clear results. You will emerge with a bank of dance vocabulary, as well as choreographies designed especially for people at YOUR level. For beginners the model is progressive with your first semester focusing on feet and hips, second semester on arms and posture, third semester on hands and face and fourth semester focusing on stage presentation.
Suggestions
The easiest way to learn dance is to first get the foot movements, then the hips, then the upper body, next the arms, and finally the fingers and the facial expressions. If you get lost, go back to the feet. Lower body movements are often easier than upper body movements, so don’t get discouraged if we are working on the upper body and it is challenging. It will come with time. Also know that some movements you will pick up the same day that they are introduced to you and other movements will take weeks, months or years to fully master. It doesn’t matter. The goal in Gina’s beginner classes is to have fun. Please don’t give up on yourself. Give yourself a chance with this dance. Often the people who are doing the best in class get discouraged the soonest because they become impatient with themselves. Progress is the goal, not perfection! Good dancers are made (through practice), not born. Lighten up and have fun!
What to Wear
Leggings, “high water” yoga pants or gauchos are best, or any other leg covering that allows a view of your ankles (no skirts, please); the top should be close fitting – a tank top, leotard or sports bra is fine; and a hip scarf of some kind is suggested. Gina will have hip scarves for sale during the first several weeks of the semester or you can bring something from home. The dance is traditionally done barefoot. You may want to wear ballet slippers or some other non-heeled type of foot covering if your feet are sensitive. Even socks will do if they have rubber grips on the bottom. Fun costuming is encouraged.
Injuries
Don’t do anything that hurts and please discuss any chronic injuries with Gina.leo.
Make Up Classes
Please be aware that there are no cash refunds on classes that you miss, no discounts on future sessions due to missed classes, no registration transfers or transfers of credit to other people and no refunds or credits due to weather rescheduling or instructor illness. That said, for beginners there are options if you need to miss a class. You are welcome to attend a makeup class, preferably during the current session. If you re-enroll at full price during the next semester you can use a make-up class as late as the next semester (this means that you will attend an extra class per week). You must be currently enrolled in a session in order to take advantage of a make-up. Beginner students may attend any beginner class for make-ups (you don’t need to call ahead).
Class Etiquette
Please try to arrive on time. If you are either early or late, please try not to disrupt the class when you arrive. If you are on time, please greet the instructor. Say good night when you leave. Also, please make an effort to greet other students and learn each others’ names. Avoid cliquey-ness and reach out to people who seem shy. Please stay focused during class and leave socializing for before class and after class. When we are rehearsing a choreography, please do not ask questions while the music is running as it derails the work. Your questions are welcome and encouraged before or afterwards. Unless they are participating, male guests are not allowed to watch class. All visitors must be cleared beforehand with Gina.
Self-Love
Dancing will be a profound personal journey if you want it to be. That goes for anyone with an open heart and a willingness to show up and keep trying. Please be gentle with yourself. Give yourself positive messages about your progress and your potential. Banish the “nevers” such as “I’ll never be good enough”, “I’ll never perform” or “I’ll never look good enough to …” Keep at it. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll be able to do in a few months or a year. Please communicate with Gina about your goals and your dreams. If you are struggling, please don’t struggle alone. Gina is available to talk by phone, email and sometimes, if it’s not too busy, before or after class. She welcomes your comments, thoughts, and feelings.
Registration Terms
Please click “Register Now” on any Beginner class web page to view the registration terms.