Expect to have a lot of fun! We're going to learn the basic movements of Belly Dance and by the end of the class, we'll have learned a dance called "the Drum Solo". 

It's a fun, fast paced, expressive dance where most of the movement includes shimmies  as well as some other Belly Dance movements. It's a great way to experience the earthy rhythm and sounds of traditional Middle Eastern instruments. 

The Drum Solo is usually performed to a traditional drum called the Dumbek or Egyptian Tabla, which provides the rhythm. It can also be accompanied by other traditional drums and tambourines, as well as full size and finger cymbals - the finger cymbals can be  played by the Belly Dancer!

We'll start the class with the fundamental movements and the posture and alignment for performing the exercises and movements safely. After we've warmed up and stretched a little, we'll learn a few basic movements which we'll build into the choreography.

As this is an introduction class, the focus is more on introducing the basic movements and experiencing how the dance can feel in your body. 

You don't have to wear anything special, but make sure that you pick something that you can move freely in. You absolutely do not have to bare your belly if you don't want to. 

Any elasticated , yoga  or harem pants that fit comfortably and securely on the hips are great. If you prefer loose fitting pants, just make sure that they’re not too long as you don’t want to be stepping on the bottoms!

You will also want to tie something like a belly dance coin belt or scarf around your hips as the weight of the scarf really helps to feel the movement of the hips and the coins make a wonderful sound when you shimmy.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a coin belt! a tasselled scarf, triangular scarf, sash or any other scarf or fabric that you can tie around your hips will do, as you will benefit from the feeling of having something tied around your hips. (you can get these on Amazon - look for a "belly dance scarf". I've also spotted some on Etsy)

Obviously, you don't have to dress up....but it really helps to get into the spirit and mood of the dance. So, go ahead, wear your make-up and big sparkly, jangly jewellery or a glitzy top and pants (as long as it’s comfortable and you can move in them).

Don’t worry or feel disappointed if you think that you don’t remember everything. This is an introduction, and you are not expected to remember everything. The main aim of this class is for you to relax and have fun and experience the joy of the music and dance, and moving your body in a different way.