Frequently-Asked
Questions
What
should I wear or bring to class?
Students
should wear comfortable workout-type clothes (no jeans please) that you
can bend and stretch in. You might like to tie a scarf around your waist
to better see your hip movements, and there are coin belts and hip scarves
for sale in the studio. Our studio floor is polished hardwood that is cleaned
regularly, so students are free to dance barefoot. It is more comfortable
for most and easiest to feel the movements that way, although you may wear
tennis shoes or ballet/jazz slippers for better traction if you prefer.
It
is a good idea to bring your own bottle of water, as hydration is important
in any fitness regiment. There are accessible water fountains near the
studio, but having a bottle handy will keep you from having to leave class
for water.
You
might find it a good idea to bring a notebook to write down new movements
or make notes that your instructor offers, so that you can practice throughout
the week.
Do
I have to show my midriff in class?
Absolutely
not. Students are NOT required to show their midriff during class - what
you wear is 100% up to your own comfort level! It is easier to see your
movements when you aren't wearing a baggy T-shirt, and your teacher will
most likely bare her belly so that you can see exactly what is going on,
but no one will ask you to do so!
You
might find, though, that after a few short weeks of bellydance class, you
are much more comfortable in your own skin. Often, students will start
classes out in baggy tshirts and loose sweatpants, but by the end of the
session, they are comfortable showing off their curves, and maybe even
a little tummy skin!
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Are
men allowed to participate?
There
are certainly male bellydancers, and many of them are a joy to watch perform!
However, as this style of dance is built on the movements of a woman's
body, most male dancers learn to bellydance slightly different techniques
than women. At this point, there are no men in any of our technique classes
in midtown. There are, however, a few male participants in the Bellydance
for Fitness classes at the French Riviera Spa.
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Are
people allowed to view classes in session?
Prospective
students are allowed to arrange a sneak peak with the class instructors
in order to preview the structure of classes before committing to a session.
However, drop-in viewers are not permitted to ensure the comfort of our
students. |
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How
physically demanding is bellydance?
The
beauty of bellydance class is that the more you put into it, the more you
will get out of it. Whether you are looking for a relaxing, low-impact
exercise that will be easy on the knees and back, or if you are looking
to add a new aerobic workout to your exercise regiment, you'll find it
at Memphis Raqs! Our technique classes are suited individually to
students, based on your personal goals. Only you know your body,
so only you can set your limits and your instructor will push you
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Am
I too _____ to bellydance?
No
matter what you fill in the blank with, the answer is NO! There is
no such thing as too old, young, skinny, heavy, etc to bellydance! Memphis
Raqs prides itself on creating a very open, welcoming atmosphere for all
of our students. We currently have an eclectic range of students, from
16 to 65 years old... homemakers, computer analysts, physical therapists,
lawyers, students, and more! Head over to our students'
page to get first-hand accounts from some of our students...
