Here are answers to some of the questions we are asked most often, about us and our classes. Hopefully you will find the answer to your question here, but if not you are welcome to contact us.
About Bellydance and the Troupe
1. Is bellydance like stripping?
Absolutely not! Bellydance is based in folk dances from the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Western Asia, in which all members of the community participated. Dancers performed at community festivals, weddings, births, and other social events. Often women danced only for other women. Though the dance can be sensual, it can also be energetic, mysterious, happy, sad, elegant, silly, and just about anything else one would like to express! For more information, there are articles on this subject available on the excellent website www.shira.net. In particular, see "A Dance for the Whole Family" and "Isn't that Like Stripping? (Why They Ask)"
2. How can I invite The Neighbourhood Strays to perform at my event?
We are available for public performances at a variety of events, and are willing to donate our time for a good cause. If you are interesting in having us perform or would like a quote for a performance, please contact us detailing your needs. For more information, see our performance page.
3. What are your performance venue requirements?
We require a reasonable sized, smooth dance area. We are able to adapt to different sized spaces, but the more space you can provide, the better! We strongly prefer to dance in bare feet, so a clean, smooth dance surface free from hazards (water, sharp objects, glass) is preferable. We use pre-recorded music on CD, so a sound system is necessary. We can bring a small portable stereo with us, but it has a very limited range and is particularly not acceptable for outdoor performances. In any event, the more you can tell us about the space, the better, as we are better able to prepare our performance according to your needs and limitations.
About our classes
1. I've never taken a dance class before. Is that OK?
This is absolutely OK! The majority of our students have never taken a dance class before. We welcome everyone of all ability levels to take part. Even many of us in the performing troupe had no or very little dance experience prior to starting bellydance classes.
2. I'm overweight and/or older and/or not in shape and/or have two left feet, is that OK?
Of course! One of the most beautiful things about bellydance is that it can be successfully and beautifully done by people of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. Our classes always include a diversity of students, from those in their first year of university to retirees. We encourage our students to work to their own ability and comfort levels. If you have injuries or otherwise have restricted movement, you are still welcome to participate. Please speak with your instructor at the beginning of your class so that she can help you to work within your limitations and help you to avoid further injury.
3. Do I have to show my belly?
Though we are very welcoming to all bellies, and you are certainly welcome to show yours off, you are NEVER required to show your belly. It is perfectly acceptable to wear a long t-shirt or tank top to class.
4. What should I wear to class?
We generally recommend that students wear a long, loose fitting skirt to class, and bring a scarf or other piece of material that can be tied at the hips. However, yoga pants or other pants that you are comfortable moving/stretching in is also quite acceptable. Any kind of t-shirt/tank top is fine to wear on top. It is preferable to wear something that fits fairly close to your body as this will help you see your movements, but whatever is comfortable for you is fine. We offer coin scarves for purchase in class, but these are NOT required to participate!
5. What should I wear on my feet?
We generally dance in bare feet, as this provides the best flexibility and traction. However, if you prefer you can dance in socks or light slippers, as long as they allow your foot to flex fully.
6. Am I required to perform?
You will never be required to perform. We offer classes the opportunity to perform for friends and family during their last class, but only if the students decide unanimously that this is what they would like to do. Occasionally, we also invite students to perform with us at other events (such as the annual SummerDance festival) but participation in these performances is purely voluntary.
7. What happens if I have to miss a couple of classes?
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer refunds for missed classes. We do review movements each class, so if you miss one class you will be able to catch up without too much trouble. By missing two or more classes in a row, you will start to fall behind a bit, so we encourage students to attend class as much as possible. However, we do understand that life sometimes gets in the way of these things, so if you do miss classes we will do our best to make sure you can catch up as quickly as possible, but we cannot rearrange the class schedule for a few students.
8. Will we be judged on our abilities? Can I "fail"?
Our classes do not have a competitive atmosphere. We encourage everyone to work at their own individual ability and comfort levels. You may move up to the next level when you are comfortable doing so - we don't do any kind of testing, and you will not be "judged" in that sense. We of course offer encouraging feedback during class, but we work hard never to make anyone feel "on the spot" or uncomfortable by feedback. Dance class is supposed to be fun after all!
9. I've heard that bellydancing is good exercise. How many calories does it burn?
Bellydancing is great exercise! Depending on the intensity of the class, you can burn anywhere from 200-500 calories per hour.