Belly Dance Classes and Workshops

What you get out of taking a bellydance class depends very much on what you put into it, and what your perceptions about bellydance are. Many students are quite surprised to learn it’s not burlesque or the risqué moves they see on music videos, and that it’s a lot harder than it looks!

Workshops are another excellent way to get an introduction to belly dance and a teacher's style without committing to regularly scheduled classes. Workshops can be held a dance studio, theater, or local gymnasium depending on who is scheduling the event. They can vary in length from 1 1/2 to 6 hours, and can cover a range of topics or concentrate only on one or two. The most common places to learn how to bellydance are community education programs and dance studios. Health and fitness clubs or yoga studios are other places to look for bellydance classes. If you don’t want to be in a big class with other students, or the class schedules don’t fit your availability, private or smaller group bellydance lessons may be better for you.



My belly dance classes are offered through different programs. Advanced Beginning/Level 2 classes are held through the Aalim School in Inver Grove Heights. Beginning in the Fall of 2007, Advanced Intermediate level classes will be held through Hopkins Community Education. And my advanced level bellydance class is offered through Pratt Community Education in Minneapolis. I also have a home dance studio, so I am able to offer bellydance lessons for individuals or small groups. Thanks to the phenomenal dance instructors I've had, I’ve also learned to teach not just individual bellydance moves, but also incorporate the authenticity and integrity of this ancient and lovely art form to my students.

In my beginning classes I balance teaching the basic moves, proper technique, and learning to play finger cymbals with humor and encouragement – it’s ok to feel clumsy! In my intermediate and continuing level classes we work on learning more difficult moves and finger cymbal patterns, layering moves together, combining moves into combinations, and choreography. And in my advanced classes we focus on improving technique, multiple layering of moves, developing a students dance style, stage presence, and professionalism.

The feedback I receive from my students, regardless of the class level, is that my classes are lively, upbeat, challenging, and welcoming for all ages, shapes, and sizes. I’m pleased they are enjoying the classes as much as I enjoy teaching them!