There a mixed abilities in every class, even the beginners. Students in any one class will range in age, shape and size. Each works at their own pace and within her own limitations. If you are not interested in exams and want to just enjoy the dance without any stress, you are free to do so as everyone in a class covers the same amount of work. For those who do wish to take exams or perform, the scope is also there and you will be expected to work extensively at home and put in an extra few hours with the teacher/studio owner at a mutually beneficial time, so that movements can be fine tuned.
Is there any religion involved?
No.
What is the age limit?
We do not offer designated children's classes and therefore prefer a new dancer to be in their teens. However, dancers as young as 8 years accompany their mothers and participate in the normal classes. On the other side of the scale, a few of our dancers are in their 60's and have even elected to do the exams. In our Senior's SMS classes we have ladies in their late 70”s & early 80”s.
Does it matter if I have never danced before?
No!
I have a back/hip/knee injury or have undergone surgery. Can I dance?
The only proviso here is: Consult your doctor. Standard belly dance posture requires a bent knee and although the dance form is not particularly stressful, some movements are of a sharp and snapping nature, involving waist and hips, whilst other spiraling movements involve the lumber area of the spine. Floor work is not compulsory but the use of a veil is and this will require the arms to be lifted well above the head.
Will I lose weight?
Work with the dance movements at home, between classes and you will see a difference in your body. Your flexibility will improve, you will tone.
The dance should not be taken up as a sole method of reducing weight as a review of diet and lifestyle also needs to be made for lasting weight loss.
I am pregnant, or am trying to fall pregnant. What should I do?
If you are pregnant and have not done belly dance before, it is suggested that you do not start now. If you have been belly dancing for 6 months to a year you are likely to be able to continue until such time as you no longer feel comfortable. Abdominal, oblique and pelvic muscles are extensively used in the dance and therefore, the onus is on the pregnant dancer to obtain the consent of her Obstetrician, prior to continuing with the dance.
‘Goddess' this and ‘Goddess' that!
The majority of dancers find that elements of the dance combine within the body to generate a positive energy flow which inspires one. The dance merges into a form of fitness, meditation, relaxation, creativity and entertainment which can become a way of life for some. Feeling more feminine and being able to express yourself in a whole new format is likely to give you more confidence in both your body and your mind. The spirituality is whatever your own heart brings to the dance. To look at yourself anew, is to regenerate the soul. Without becoming egotistical, this new self awareness and self-confidence is what many refer to as the “Goddess State”.
Do I have to perform?
No, performances are not compulsory. All students are classified as amateurs and the majority of public performances are handled by advanced dancers who have been training for some time. The studio classes will gather for a HAFLA at least once a year to showcase what they have learned for friends and family. HAFLA's are low key and fun filled. Abilities of dancers will range from professional to beginner and all are encouraged to take part just for the spirit.
I want to get the most out of my dancing. How do I structure home workouts?
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Make sure that you have a space where you can remain uninterrupted for at approx ½ hour.
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Where possible, dance in front of a large mirror. (This can be a very alarming piece of apparatus at first, but is invaluable when evaluating your movements.
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Before you begin, have in mind a selection of movements which you would like to work with or a sequence or two from the choreography which you are learning.
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Choose a relaxing piece of music for your warm-up and stretch routine. Do not skip this.
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Warm up (without stretching) for not less than 3 minutes, by flexing the neck, swing the arms, rolling the shoulders and circling the wrists. To loosen the upper body, lift and drop the diaphragm and gently slide the ribcage from side to side. For the lower body, gently push the hips from side to side, circle the hips a few times, bend and straighten the knees and then walk on the spot, with well-lifted heels to loosen the ankles.
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Stretch for at least another 3 minutes. Below are some of the basic stretches used in class:
- Oblique & Hip stretches. - Vertical, alternating arm / hip stretches. - Cat stretch. - Inner thigh stretch. - Roll down. - Straddle stretch (make sure that your back is not rounded)
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Choose another piece of music which is more up-beat and which ‘talks’ to you for the dance section of your routine.
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Work with the selected movements, paying particular attention to the beat of the music and the flow from one movement to another.
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If you are working with a sequence from choreography and do not have the correct piece of music on hand, rather dance it without music whilst keeping a rhythm in your head. If you battle with this, pay attention to your teacher’s “count” next time you are in class and make a note of it. This is preferable to having music playing which could confuse the beat for you although unobtrusive, soft, background music may not interfere with this.
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Music from dances which are choreographed should be played often and whenever the opportunity to just listen arises i.e. Whilst cooking, doing other chores, driving etc. “ Dancing in your head” (e.g. whilst having a cup of coffee, putting your make-up on, or before you go to sleep) is one of the best ways to master choreographed sequences. Putting movement down on paper in the form of your own interpretive shorthand is also invaluable.
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Remember to allow a bit of time for cool-down before you carry on with the rest of your day.
What is the procedure if I want to perform as an amateur for family and friends?
As a courtesy, members of RSDC are asked to notify Alhena of their intention to perform prior to finalizing arrangements for the event. Permission needs to be obtained for the use of studio choreography as there are legal implications to performing for the public, whether it be a homely event or something on a bigger scale. It is also good ethics to apprise the studio owner of happenings within the dance community.
I know of someone who wants belly dance entertainment. What do I do?
Firstly, we do not dance at ‘male only' gatherings or at gatherings where the male gender is of the majority. Please do not get involved in quotations or discussions re dates and times as this can create an assumption on the part of the ‘customer' that the event has now been ‘organized'. Rather ask the person concerned to visit this website and click on “Hired Entertainment” on the HOME page where they can find out the details and Contact Us via this website.
I want to perform in public / be part of a performance troupe. What do I do?
Firstly you need to be completely honest with yourself as to your ability.
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Have you mastered the ‘flow' of the dance?
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Can you convert the music to movement in the correct way?
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Can you adapt your dance or ‘busk’ on the spur of the moment and still be ertaining? * Do you have a broad knowledge of the dance?
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Are you willing to work as a team?
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Are you willing to put in plenty of extra time and effort for practice?
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Are you able to financially support a ‘performance' level quality of costuming?
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Are you willing to adhere to ethical business practices and the BDASA code of dance ethics?
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Are you ready to be critiqued?
f the answer to ALL the above is yes, then you can apply to your studio owner for an audition which will take place in front of a panel of current public performers.
I would like to teach belly dancing. How do I go about this?
The Belly Dancing Association of South Africa (BDASA) offers a 7grade exam syllabus which needs to be completed at student (amateur) level before you are able to advance to teacher's level. On completion of amateur levels, you can apply to BDASA for membership as a teacher and proceed with your first Teacher exam. Once this has been successfully completed you will be eligible for membership with the South African Dance Teachers Association (SADTA). RSDC does adopt the BDASA syllabus.
Please contact Alhena if you are interested in doing exam work.
