How To Find The Right Belly Dance Teacher For You
- lilishimmydance
- Oct 3, 2022
- 2 min read
The best belly dance teacher is different for each student. Each student's needs are different, and just like finding the right doctor, therapist, school, and clothing store depend on many factors that will be unique to you. Let's break down 3 things to consider while searching for a belly dance teacher.
1) The Teacher's Belly Dance Style
In belly dance, teachers will often incorporate different styles of middle-eastern dance, props, and music types. There are many different styles of belly dance, middle-eastern dances, and props, so you need to think about which ones seem more intriguing for you to learn and practice. Here are questions to ask yourself as you try out different instructors' classes:
Do you want to try zills, Saidi with an assaya (cane), fan veils, sword, fire, etc.?
Does your teacher focus on American Cabaret style, fusion, folk, Egyptian style, Lebanese style, etc.?
Will you learn how to do back bends, splits, and other movements requiring flexibility and balance?
When your teacher dances, do they focus on technique, fluidity, expressiveness, or a combo of all three? How do you want to dance?
2) Teaching Styles That Speak to Your Needs
Professional belly dancers sometimes get into teaching without learning how to be effective teachers. Unfortunately, this can leave dance students feeling lost, frustrated, and inadequate. It often results in students quitting belly dance because they think they will never catch on to the dance or catch up with the class. There are green and red flags to consider when searching for the best belly dancer for your needs.
Green Flags ✅
The teacher spot-checks each student's movements before moving on in the lesson.
Proper warm-ups and cool-downs are used before and after the lesson.
Positive body speech is used.
The class is inclusive and diverse for every person and body type
Red Flags 🚩
Gossiping about other students or teachers
Explanations of movement are rushed through
No modifications are given to students with different abilities or needs.
Rude comments are made.
These are just a few examples of green and red flags to keep an eye out for when you're searching for your belly dance teachers.
3) Class Size
Pay attention to how you feel in the different classes you test out. Is the class size too big, too small, or just right? You want to feel comfortable around your peers and teacher so that you can ask questions and get the most out of your belly dance classes. You also want to ensure that the teacher has enough time and space in the class to give all students time to ask questions and receive feedback.
Finding the best belly dance teacher for you can take some time. Don't settle for a teacher that doesn't meet your needs because there is someone for everyone. Be sure to look for in-person and online classes to expand your options, and use social media to get a feel for each teacher's style. If you have a tip for dance students to consider when finding the best belly dance teacher, please share it in the comments.
Resources
Comments