Teaching Philosophy

Hello! My name is Andrea Kitta and I am the Artistic Director and Lead Instructor for The Neighbourhood Strays.

I believe that students need a solid base of instruction in order to develop as a dancer, so I attempt to give my students detailed instructions on proper body mechanics and movement. Bellydance is very different from other types of dance for a variety of reasons. To begin with, bellydance involves movements which are natural for the human body. Although many of these movements may feel awkward at first, they are movements which do not place strain on the body if done properly. This means that people of any age, size, or ability can learn to bellydance! However, because these movements require proper body mechanics, it is very important to learn bellydancing with a trained instructor to prevent injuries. (For more details on my bellydancing experience, click here. For more information on finding a competent instructor, click here.)

Our instructors are required to have completed our Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced level classes. They are also required to complete our own bellydance teacher training program which involves observing classes and shadow teaching before taking on classes of their own. All of our instructors continue their training either through taking the Neighbourhood Strays classes as refresher courses or through outside classes and workshops in dance and related physical activity.

I am dedicated to keeping up my own training in order to enhance my classes. In fall 2007, I obtained my certification in the Suhaila Salimpour Format Level 1, and I am currently the only certified bellydance instructor in Newfoundland. Also, in spring 2008, Kristine and I completed the Can-Fit-Pro Fitness Instructor Specialist (FIS) Program. In fall 2008, I obtained my General Skills Certification in American Tribal Style Belly Dance from Fat Chance Belly Dance. I also obtained my Teacher Certification as an American Tribal Style Belly Dance General Studio from Fat Chance Belly Dance.

Although my early training involved more of a trial and error approach, I have realized that students need more detailed instructions. In my classes, I explain each movement in a variety of ways so my students can understand how each movement should feel as well as look. I try to spend time with each student on each movement, which is why I limit my classes to approximately 15 - 20 people.

I believe that the best way to teach is to remember how you learned. If a teacher forgets the learning process, they can forget how hard it is to learn! I've applied this theory to both my folklore classes at Memorial University and to bellydancing and I have received many positive comments on my teaching method (click here for comments by bellydance students and click here for comments from folklore students). In spring 2008, I was awarded the Graduate Students’ Union Award for Teaching Excellence from Memorial University.

I also believe the idea that "movement embodies cultural knowledge" (Sklar 1994). Learning bellydance isn't just learning movements, it's also learning ideas and understanding people and their cultures. I try to incorporate my academic knowledge into all of my classes so students gain an understanding of what bellydancing means.

I believe that a student should be able to express themselves through their movement once they have mastered the proper way to move. In addition to our classes, we also have a troupe which performs regularly. Although I choreograph most of the dances, troupe members are encouraged to choreograph both group numbers and solos.

Lastly, I believe that a bellydancing class should be fun! I see class time as YOUR time. You have taken an hour out of YOUR life for YOU! My classes involve a lot of giggling, moral support, and FUN! I make sure that my classes have a non-judgemental, open, and caring environment so everyone feels comfortable. People are not required to show their bellies or wear certain outfits, no one is required to perform in any way unless they want to, and you are not required to do anything you are uncomfortable with.

The bottom line is I love bellydancing! I love to teach and share it with everyone I can, and I would be honoured if you picked me to be your instructor.

Thanks,
Andrea