FAQ

A: Middle Eastern Dance is more commonly known as Belly Dance, and is also known as Raqs Sharqi and Oriental Dance. The origins of the dance form are clouded in mythology with many claims to ancient fertility, birthing and religious rituals. What is known is that the dance has its roots firmly in folk dances, performed by people celebrating social occasions such as weddings or festival days (or just having fun). In the countries where the dance is native, dancers learn from observing others in their family or social circle. Here in the West most dancers learn from teachers in classes or workshops.

Most of the basic movements and techniques used in Middle Eastern Dance are circular or flowing motions isolated in one part of the body; for example, a circle parallel to the floor isolated in the hips, ribs or shoulders. Accents such as shimmies, or “hits” with a shoulder or hip are used to help “describe” the music. Above all, the dancer strives to interpret the music with their body, using many variations of basic moves. The visual effect should be one of total harmony between what the audience is hearing and what the dancer is dancing.

Props are often used (more often in the West) to accentuate the dance and can include swords, canes and veils.

Q:What is Improvised Tribal Style?

A:A recent development in the world of Middle Eastern Dance is known as American Tribal Style (ATS) Belly Dance. It has influences from folklore-inspired dances to the fusion of ancient dance techniques from North India, the Middle East, and Africa. As performed by its founder Carolena Nericcio and her troupe Fat Chance Belly Dance, ATS has very definite movements that are used to perform an improvised dance. All tribal dancers dance with their “Tribe” using a lead and follow format: leaders “describe” the music using a defined set of moves that all Tribe members learn and the lead dancer will change places with other Tribe members as the dance develops.

Other forms of Tribal Belly Dance exist and if a troupe does not adhere to the ATS format of Fat Chance Belly Dance the style is known as Improvisational Tribal Style. Many of the movements are similar to ATS so it is still possible for dancers from different places or even countries to get together and dance with one another in a Tribal style.

Q: What do I need to know about classes?

A: Anyone is welcome to come along and join in with classes at any time. You don't need to book in advance but you can always call, text or email me for more info. You might want to bring along a bottle of water as you will need a drink - we work hard! Visit this page to find out more about the different classes I currently offer.

Q:Can beginners really join at any time?

A:Absolutely. And your first class is free if you're coming to Waterloo Meadows.

Although you'll be expected to join in with what you can there is always some time allocated to new dancers so that I can give you a quick run down on some basic moves before everyone learns something new and then gets to put it into practice. Please be aware that you will NOT leave the class feeling like a Belly Dancer straight away, but you will have learned something and each week we build on the skills necessary to really enjoy this dance.

Men who wish to learn this style of dance are welcome to come along to classes. Please contact me for more information.

Q:What should I wear to class?

A:Comfortable clothing is best - jogging or yoga trousers and a t-shirt are a good way to start. Jeans can be too restrictive. We generally dance in bare feet but you can wear soft dance shoes if you wish.

Q:What if I am more experienced than a Beginner? Are your classes suitable for me?

A:It all depends on how much experience you have had. Call, text or email me for more info.

Q: Can I bring my children along to the class?

A: Yes, to Waterloo Meadows, if they're willing and able to join in with the class! The dance form is suitable for anyone over the age of 7, and children aged between 7 and 14 are welcome so long as they are accompanied by a participating adult.

I am afraid that presently we are unable to offer a creche but this may change in the future. Unsupervised children cannot come into the class I'm afraid but if you can bring someone to supervise your child/ren then there is a park, a riverside walk and a BMX track at Waterloo Meadows.

Q: How do I pay for classes?

A: Waterloo Meadows: You can pay with cash or by cheque. If you choose to drop-in, the cost is £5 per session (even if you're late!). If you choose to pre-pay for a minimum of 4 sessions then the cost goes down to £4 per session. Children aged between 7-14 pay £2 per session, either drop-in or pre-pay. Over 14's all pay the previously quoted costs.

Q: What if I have to miss a class?

A: I'm afraid that's your responsibility. If you pre-pay and then have to miss a class I cannot offer a refund. You'll soon catch up with what you've missed if you only miss one class.

Q: What happens if you cancel a class at short notice?

A: If I have to cancel a class at short notice then you will not be charged, i.e. I'll alter my records so that you won't have used your pre-payment for a class that doesn't happen. I'll ask you at your second class to complete a contact form for me so that I have your email or telephone number.

Q: What is a dance taster session?

A: It's an opportunity to book me for a 1 or 2 hour session so that your group/organisation can see if they like the dance form and would like to continue with classes. I charge a flat rate per hour for tasters - please contact me for more details.

Q: What kind of dance workshops do you provide?

A: I provide workshops in basic Middle Eastern Dance (Belly Dance) where participants can learn some basic steps and variations with the opportunity to put them together into a choreographed dance, as well as having time to explore the dance movesments and steps by improvising to music.

I can provide a similar workshop to introduce participants to Improvised Tribal Style dance. Please note that the style is all about IMPROVISATION, so whilst some previous knowledge of Middle Eastern Dance movements is useful it's not absolutely necessary.

I can also tailor a workshop to suit your groups needs. Please contact me for more information and pricing structure.

Q: What kind of costuming workshops do you provide?

A: As a Tribal Belly Dance costumier (see www.blackwillowtribal.co.uk for more details) I am pleased to provide workshops to help dancers create their own Tribal costume items such as beaded and decorated medallions, beautiful headdresses that include coins, shells, flowers and feathers, hair accessories such as cowrie falls, decorated braids or faux hair-pieces and much more. Contact me for further details or to commission your groups workshop.

Q: What about your specialist classes or workshops?

A: I have had 14 years experience of working with people who have disabilities and can provide classes or workshops specifically for people who have learning difficulties. Please contact me for more information.

Q: How can I contact you?

A: You can call or text on 07914 315627 or email me at blackwillow@talktalk.net

Blackwillow Belly Dance

Middle Eastern Dance & Improvised Tribal Style