Belly Dance
by Vicki

FAQ

How much do classes cost?
Individual classes are $12. each, or you may purchase a series of 8 classes. 
 
Palm Bay Resident: $70.   Non Resident: $80.
Begin: June 7th, Monday,
Time:  Beginner/Level 1: 6:00   Advanced/Level 2: 7:00
There will be one make up class for the session at 6:00 on the 9th week

 How do I enroll in class?
To enroll in class, you may go to Palm Bay Community Center on at 1502 Port Malabar Blvd. Palm Bay FL  32905 or register on-line at www.palmbayflorida.org or call
321 952 3443

 Do I have to pay in advance?
 
Yes.  Payments taken before class time at the Palm Bay Community Center or payment can be made on-line at the City of Palm Bay web-site, www.palmbayflorida.org or call
321 952 3443

Where are classes held?
Classes are at the Captain’s House,       
1300 Bianca Drive NE 
Palm Bay, FL

What do I wear to class?
Please wear non-baggy comfortable clothing. Best choice would be a top and pant
that are somewhat form fitting.  It is important that your movements and knee positions be seen to better help you learn. Harem pants or large skirts can also be worn. A hip scarf or coin belt would be a helpful tool to emphasize movement.

 What do I wear on my feet?
Nothing! Belly dance is generally performed with bare feet. If you prefer to have something on your feet, any soft soled dance shoe or dance bootie is allowed in class.

Do I need to bring anything to class?
The only thing you will need is bottled water.  In time you may want to purchase your own hip scarf.

What do we do in class? 
Classes generally include: warm-up, isolation drills, hip work, new move segment, hand/arm work segment, review of movements, and a cool-down.  Beginner and intermediate students also learn the art of group improvisational dancing.  Intermediate classes also include learning advanced improvisational dancing, choreography, and training in dancing with finger cymbals and props.

Can I take just one class to see if I like it?
Sure! Just stop by the Palm Bay Community Center and pay $12.00 for one class.  If you decide you would like to continue, you can return and join the rest of the session.

What "style" of belly dance do you teach?
Beginner classes begin with learning basic belly dance moves such as hip and chest lifts and drops, shimmies, and traveling steps.  After that, the style favored is a US tribal technique which focuses on group improvisational dancing.

Am I too heavy or too old to take a class?
NEVER!!!! Belly dance embraces all ages and body types. The dance is a celebration of who you are, not how old or how much you weigh.  It is a means of getting in touch with your feminine side and expressing it in a fun and healthy way. Age and size are never an obstacle when it involves belly dance.

How old do I have to be to take classes?
Students must be in high school or older to attend adult group classes.

Will belly dance help me lose weight?
Belly dance is a wonderful form of exercise; it helps tone stomach and arm muscles. If you are concerned with your weight, it’s a great way to lose a few pounds and tone muscles.

How do I know which class to take?

Classes are set up into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.  Even if you have prior dance experience, you will need to start in the beginning level classes to learn all the movements in our dance style. Enrollment is open for about a month when a class begins and then closes to new students until a new session starts. Sessions are eight weeks and on week nine a make-up class is held. The instructor will help you to know when it is time to advance to the next level.

What happens if I miss a class?
At the end of the 8 week session, there is a make-up class for those who had an unplanned absence in the session.