I thought it would be a
nice idea to have a page where I can answer those questions commonly asked
by my students. Please email me if you would like me to add something to this
page.
Q: Do
I need to be a particular body shape, size and or age for Belly Dance?
A: No. Introductory Belly
Dance classes are open to anyone who wants to have a little fun while getting
some exercise. The answer is the same for professional dancers. The requirements
exist in the dance form itself: understanding the style, music and technique
of the dance. The myth of the voluptuous Belly Dancer is just that, a myth.
There is no accounting for taste, however.
Q: Do
I need to have rhythm or previous dance training to study Belly Dance?
A: No. Again, Introductory
Belly Dance classes are open to anyone, all that is required is enthusiasm.
For those who take Belly Dance more seriously than fun and exercise however,
their are prerequisites for each level of Belly Dance. Not only that, someone
studying Belly Dance who has previous dance training will have a much easier
time learning the dance form than someone who does not. Anyone however can
pursue Belly Dance, it simply will take a different amount of time for each
individual to pick it up. Keep in mind as well that, you can never stop learning
when it comes to dance and even when you feel like you have a good understanding
of this unique dance form, their is still so much to learn.
Q: What
do I need for a Belly Dance class?
A: Enthusiasm, an open mind,
lots of energy and something to tie around your hips (such as a scarf, shawl,
bathing suit wrap or piece of material).
Q: I
enjoy taking Belly Dance and would like to purchase some music to practice
to, where do I go and what do I buy?
A: I generally hand out a
'resources' sheet (below) to all of my students each session which lists some
of the places you can find music and also suggests some artists to look for.
If you have not received one from me, please let me know. The search for Belly
Dance music is a frustrating one. It takes dancers years to fully understand
Middle Eastern music as it is so very complex. The music is the most important
part of the dance form and so I encourage my more advanced students to ask
lots of questions and learn as much as they can about the music.
Belly
Dance Resources
Music
Where
~ Internet (search 'Belly Dance')
~ Music Stores (HMV or A&B sound) (World Music, under 'Belly Dance', 'Egypt',
'Turkey', 'Middle East',)
~ Library (look under 'World' music)
Artists
(These are just a few suggestions to get you started, there are thousands
of great music artists from this part of the world!!!)
Traditional:
~ Hossam Ramzy
~ George Abdo
~ Emad Sayyah
Classical:
~ Farid El Atrache
~ Fairuz
~ Oum Kalsoum/Um Kalthum
Modern:
~ Amr Diab
~ Natacha Atlas
~ Hakim
~ Alabina
~Warda
~Amany
~Najwa Karam
~Tarkan
Costuming
& Props
...If
you read through my Website thoroughly...many of your other questions
about Belly Dance may be answered on some of my other pages...