Frequently
Asked
Questions

What Should I Wear?

No special clothing is required—wear whatever makes you comfortable! Yoga pants, leggings, jogging pants, or a wide skirt paired with a t-shirt, camisole, or light sports bra (if desired). Hip scarves are optional, and exposing your midriff is entirely up to you.

Ballet shoes or bare feet are preferred. Socks can be slippery and unsafe, so please dance barefooted or wear soft-soled shoes. If wearing dance shoes, be mindful of barefoot dancers nearby to avoid injury.

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Don't worry about bringing a coin belt.  A scarf or sash is fine.  I will also provide some extras for classes.  Really loud coin belts, truthfully, drive me bonkers.  It is hard to talk over them.  

Can Men take Belly Dance Classes?
 

Yes! Everyone is welcome. Certain styles, like Turkish Romani, for example, have distinct traditional movements for men and women. Regular classes focus on the female form of the dance, but the male form can be taught in private lessons, workshops or recommended to other specialty instructors. 

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What if I have a medical condition?

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If you have any medical conditions, are new to exercise, or are pregnant, please consult your doctor before attending. Let your instructor know about any concerns before class.
Class intensity varies, and you’re always encouraged to listen to your body. If something hurts, stop! Taking breaks or sitting out is completely fine.  

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Do I need to be a certain size to learn belly dance?

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Absolutely not! Belly dance is for every body. Some think you need to be curvy, others think you need to be thin—neither is true. Every shape is beautiful in motion!​  

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Will I have to perform?

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Performing is always optional. Opportunities are available for those who want to build confidence and try the stage, but many dancers simply enjoy the classes. If performing isn’t your thing, your support as an audience member is just as valuable!

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What style do you teach?

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It is class dependent.  My default answer is, fusion belly dance and American Style Belly Dance.  Belly dance in itself is an umbrella term.  There are so many styles. For example the most commonly known forms of belly dance are, and not in any particular order: Fat Chance Belly Dance, Raqs Sharqi, Egyptian Cabaret/Egyptian Classical- depends upon who you ask, the verbiage changes, American Oriental, Turkish and tribal fusion.  What we call these styles and what encompasses them varies as much as there are fish in the sea.  That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but as belly dance is something that is passed down orally and is now just being written down and recorded, we do not have a universally agreed upon set of terms. I do my best in class to talk about all the known versions of a movement and how it may be utilized or what it is called based upon its style or history.  I personally lean more towards the tribal fusion and Turkish style of belly dancing.  I also have a huge love for Bollywood and classical forms of Indian dance, such as Bharatanatyam, and commonly incorporate that into my dancing.  Belly Dance is ever evolving and changing. 

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Here is a nice video talking about the different styles and giving a little history.  CLICK HERE

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What is with the sloth?

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As I know it, it all began with the giant stuffed animal sloth being hung on the I5 North Bound, just south of Bellingham.  Now known as "Slothy," it was taken down by the state multiple times only to have the sloth put higher into the tree after each removal.  Now the sloth is so high it is unsafe for the state to remove it.  Sloths can be seen all over Bellingham, hidden in businesses, trees,  and homes.  It is a really unique, fun, and whimsical community collaboration in Bellingham.   

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Read More About the Sloth CLICK HERE 

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The elephant in the room- Cultural Appreciation vs. Cultural Appropriation?

Cultural appropriation is something that is hard to talk about, but needs to be talked about. The line between appreciation and appropriation often comes down to intent and impact. Appreciation aims to honor and uplift a culture, while appropriation, regardless of intent, often demeans or exploits it.  Belly dance does not just encompass one culture, it is many, especially if you find yourself on the side of fusion, which at is core is smooshing together many, many styles.  My goal is to foster an environment of cultural appreciation, where we prioritize learning the full history and context of the dance, rather than just the movements, which helps us avoid unintentional appropriation.  I commit to continuous learning and reflection to ensure I always engage respectfully and ethically, and will make every effort to prevent any inadvertent cultural appropriation.

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What can we all do?  To have actions above just words?  Seek knowledge!  Listen actively! Support source communities! Prioritize respect over aesthetic.  

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MORE COMING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF BELLY DANCE- being written by an amazing local sociologist- stay tuned...

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