FAQ's

Belly Dance F A Q ' s

Class FAQ's

What is a typical class like?

   Classes typically start out with core focusing, warm up exercises. They are easy to do and can be done at home as well to increase
your body's strength and overall stamina. We then work out the arms and move into working with the zills. The bulk of the class
   is spent dancing, working on the 5 basic dance steps, and eventually learning to incorporate the core isolations we have worked on
   at the beginning of class into the dance steps.
   We expect questions. All questions are good questions. The question you ask, is one someone else wanted to ask, however they
   may have been to shy to ask it.

What should I wear to Bellydance class?

Comfortable clothing to exercise in: Yoga pants, leggings, exercise/workout type attire, tank top, or skirt. A form fitting top works
best, so we can more easily see your core body work. You are welcome to dress up in anyway you like, just make sure we can see
your torso/abdominal area and feet to help you with bodywork and footwork.

What about shoes?

Barefoot, or a sandal that can easily move on the floor for turns. An inexpensive and effective foot covering for dance, is a sock with
the toes and heel cut out of it. It needs to cover the ball of the foot. Or invest in a pair of split sole jazz shoes. It does create a
better experience for turns and dancing in general. Ask us for recommendations and a link for purchasing. No flip flops, or sandals
without a backstrap, and no heels or wedges.

What NOT to do

Please do not wear perfume to class. Believe it or not many of our students are actually allergic to it, including your instructors.
Don’t stress at all for any reason if you are late to class. We know life happens all around us, and we do not get hung up on it. Come in quietly and get yourself prepared, and slip into formation.
Unless you are asked to help instruct other students, please refrain. We know you are just wanting to be helpful. Please allow the Instructors and Class Leaders to do their job and fulfill their role.

General FAQ's

Do I need a coin scarf?

It is not mandatory, however a hip scarf with coins or fringe helps to emphasize and define the hip movements. We recommend
having one.

Where can I purchase coin belts, zills and other belly dance gear?

We bring a variety of coin skirts and other hip belts, scarves, zills, bindis, hair flowers and other misc dance and costume
accessories to display, every week, on-location for sale.

Do I have to have any experience?

No, that's why we come to a class, to learn something new! We have 2 choices for beginners.
- DanceCraft's Folkloric Style Group Improv - Level 1 Beginners on Thursdays in Spring Hill.
- Free Community Belly Dance Class - This is a special event that we offer several times a year. Breakdown of the 5 basics .

I am an experienced dancer. Can I come to the upper level classes?

If you have never had any Folkloric Style Group Improv classes or training, it is recommended that you attend the Level 1 Class, so
that together, we can assess your skill level. Improv is very different from other types of belly dance.

Do I have to perform?

No one is ever required or pressured in any way to perform. We do have performance opportunities for those folks who are
interested.

Who can come to class?

We are open primarily to females, ages 7 to 99 for our FREE Community Class. Our regularly scheduled weekly classes are designed
for adult women and older teenagers. We welcome all body types, ethnicities and skill levels.

What about men?

Can they take classes? Potentially. Men interested in the art are asked to interview privately with us.

Am I too old?

Absolutely not! This style lends itself to any age level and body type. We have several women in their 70's who dance and perform
with us regularly and many in their 50's and 60's. Our eldest dancer was 92 when she retired her dancing shoes.

Can children do this dance?

Absolutely! Although we do not currently have a children’s class scheduled, if the interest is there we are open to potentially
scheduling one again. The style of belly dance that we teach and perform is not sexualized in any way. It is always family friendly.

What if I think I need to lose some weight first? All the more reason to get started now! Belly dance will help you to tone your core muscles, and provide a vehicle for you to potentially shed some of those pounds. It goes without saying however, that if you have serious health problems related to your weight, then we recommend consulting with your health care professional before taking up any exercise regimen.

Does Belly Dance improve core strength?

Yes, it is one of the best core exercise regimens available, provided your instructor focuses on teaching from this aspect of the
dance. It has the capacity to strengthen the abdominals, obliques, back and spinal muscles, glutes and so much more. All of our
classes include isolated body/muscle/core work.

What are the general health benefits of Belly Dance?

Bellydance increases your strength, stamina and overall flexibility. Because it works the entire body from fingertips to toes, it has
   the capacity to literally tone and sculpt the entire body. Belly Dance when done properly strengthens muscles overall, as well as
   vital organs and tissue. It tones all of the areas that women most want to work on: tummy, thighs, glutes, upper arms, and more. It
   is very low impact to joints.

Can I just do Level 2 or ATS/FCBD on-location classes?

Yes, however we recommend that you do both online and on location classes. The majority of the step work breakdowns are done
   online. Online we spend more time with step breakdowns and evaluations. ON-location is spent answering sticking points on step
   and body work, along with minimal step work breakdowns, while focusing more of our energy toward formation choreographies
   and zill work.

Do I have to wear a mask?

Masks are currently optional Whether you choose to mask or not, know you are supported either way. You are 100% responsible
     for your health and your decisions while taking classes with us.
     We are co-hosted by a local governmental agency, The Hernando County Recreation Department. This could potentially change if
     mask mandates are re-instated by the WHO-World Health Organization and/or the CDC-Center for Disease Control.

Do I have to be vaccinated?

COVID vaccinations are not required. You are 100% responsible for your health and your decisions while taking classes with us.

What if I don’t know how to do the online thing?

Just let us know. We will do our best to help you out. We are happy to set up a private session to assist you with questions or
challenges. Also, read our “Online Etiquette & Tips” info. You can access that here on our website or request a copy be sent to your
email address.

Do I have to buy costumes?

Absolutely not for regular class wear. Potentially though if we do shows and you choose to participate. You may be asked to
   purchase specific colors or items we are using to create a more synchronized group look. Ask about our “Costume Info” handout.
   We do NOT recommend that folks just go out and start spending money and buying costume pieces without proper guidance and
   recommendations from us for vendors.

Do you do shows?

Yes, we do a handful of shows a year. Most of our shows are community based and open to all of our students who desire to
participate.

Do you get paid to do shows?

Yes, we do on occasion have some vendors or private parties that we may potentially charge. Those funds generally go into a kitty
to purchase show type equipment or to pay photographers, videographers or for something special the group may need in order to
better their performance experience.

Do you do any workshops or other social events?

Yes, it is our goal to have something scheduled every month: A workshop, an intensive, a special performance or prop class,
costume making workshops, a FREE Community class, a Hafla (dance party), or an outside social event.

What if I have a physical impediment?

You can still dance as long as we, as your instructors are aware of your limitations, and as long as you personally honor those
limitations. You are required to be 100% in charge of your health at all times. If an instructor asks you to do something you cannot
do, it is your responsibility to communicate to them your limitations.

Do you have scholarships or hardship grants?

We currently do not offer these for regular weekly classes. Anyone is welcome to take our FREE Community class as often as they
like when it is offered. This is our way of contributing to those who cannot afford regular classes.

Do you have gift certificates?

Yes, we offer gift certificates for 4 weeks of classes, either on-location or online, and/or merchandise.

Do I get 'credit' for missed classes?

No, in general, we do not roll missed classes into the next month. It is a bookkeeping nightmare for us. If your classes are recorded,
   you can make it up by watching the recorded class online. If they are not recorded, you can make up the class all month long either
   with an online or on-location class, or by trying out an upper level class. Check our “Class Fees & Refund Policy” - It is available
   online, part of any PayPal invoice, we can email it to you or you can pick up a hard copy on-location. It is also listed with your
   “Tuition Schedule” at the end of that document.

What if I know I will miss a class during the month?

As long as we know ahead of time at the beginning of the month, we can deduct that amount from your monthly fees. If we are
having special discounts, those discounts apply only to 4 weeks payment of classes for the month.

Can I bring my husband or friends to sit and watch me while I am in class?

No, this is not a spectator sport. Some folks are self conscious about learning especially when they are brand new. An audience can
be very uncomfortable and intimidating for them.

I don’t have a babysitter, can I bring my kids?

Yes and No. If your children are occupied, can sit still and be quiet during class, we will make space for them and they are more than
welcome. Make sure to discuss this with Jaynellen or Paula ahead of time. If they cannot sit quietly, we prefer they are not in our
classroom potentially being disruptive.