Dar Tangerina Academy of Middle Eastern Dance and Music

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FAQs about classes with Dar Tangerina Academy

    • What is Middle Eastern dance?
    • What will I learn in the classes?
    • There is a dancer teaching nearby who is cheaper- why should I choose Dar Tangerina's classes instead?
    • I have an injury or am worried about my fitness- can I still dance?
    • Am I too old? Am I too fat?
    • Are men welcome in the classes?
    • Do you teach children (under 14yrs)?
    • What should I wear to class?
    • I want to perform- will there be opportunities?
    • I have been studying with someone else- how different will the techniques be and is this a problem?
    • I still have more questions! How can I contact you?
    A: The Oxford English Dictionary definition of Belly Dance is
    "A dance originating in the Middle East, typically performed by a woman and involving undulating movements of the belly and rapid gyration of the hips".

    There are many different forms of what we call 'bellydance'- it can refer to Egyptian, Turkish or American Cabaret and is also now an umbrella term for the many hundreds of folkloric styles from Middle Eastern countries- and there are a myriad of different names: Raqs Sharqi (literally 'dance of the East' in Arabic); Oriental (a more balletic fusion of Egyptian or Turkish); Arabic dance; Egyptian dance or Middle Eastern dance; all of which can be confusing for new students!

    The Dar Tangerina Academy of Middle Eastern Dance & Music teaches specifically Middle Eastern Dance styles- I try to avoid the term 'bellydance' as I try to educate dancers in the entire history of the dance over the past 2000 years! I cover traditional styles through to very modern versions so that students learn that the media-driven image of the scantily clad nymphette is no longer valid and hopefully begin to appreciate the subtleties and technically demanding aspects of this beautiful, elegant and fun (!) dance form. 
    A: Classes will start with a warm-up, then focusing on the posture and use of core muscles for strength and stability. Next are taught specific techniques (usually Egyptian styling for complete beginners) and how to isolate the movements and protect the body from injury. After putting the movements together to a piece of music (and learning a little about the rhythms, instruments and interpretation along the way), we can look at a different folklore style or prop (Sai'idi with a cane or Veil or Bedouin dance for instance) and then cool down and stretch.

    For more experienced dancers Sagats (finger cymbals) will be introduced, more advanced techniques linked to specific styles such as Modern Cairo style and the folklore can be developed to the next level. Improvisation is also used more heavily for more experienced students since the dance is at its best when there is no choreography and the dancer learns to express the music as an individual, not a clone!

    BELLYdrills(c) and flexiBELLY(c) classes can increase your fitness, flexibility and strength for the dancing and are a perfect complement to your regular dance technique classes.
    Q: There is a dancer teaching nearby who is cheaper- why should I choose Dar Tangerina instead?
    A: Quite simply, you get what you pay for. Shema is an international performer and instructor with almost a decade of experience across 3 continents. If the other dancer you are considering studying with does not offer all of the above information, including folklore and props, then all you will get is a class where you learn to wiggle. If that is what you want (which is perfect for many people!) then absolutely go for the other dancer; however, if you are interested in learning about the dance, culture, history, tradition, costuming and dancing safely, then it may be worth paying that little bit extra.

    Do your research before committing to a course!
    A: If in doubt, ask your doctor. Most injuries can be worked around- I have students with broken ankles, hips, high blood pressure, bad backs, damaged knees and more. You only need to do what you are physically capable of and there are many ways in which we can adjust the dance to suit your abilities.

    Please feel free to ask if you have any concerns.
    I ask you to fill out a medical questionnaire on signing up, but make sure that you let me know if anything changes whilst you are studying with us.
    A: NO to both. I have students ranging from 14 years old through to 74 years and welcome at any age (14+). Everyone is capable of enjoying Middle Eastern dance. I often hear women saying 'I'll lose weight before I come to try bellydance' but of course, dancing is a great way to lose weight!  Don't wait- just come and join us- we work hard but everyone takes it at their own pace so you never feel clumsy or intimidated.
    A: In theory yes- anyone who genuinely wants to learn about Middle Eastern dance is welcome. There is a long history of men dancing in Middle Eastern and Arabic countries as well as in the UK!
    However, I reserve the right to ask anyone (male or female) to leave without refund of fees, if behaviour is inappropriate to myself or to other students in any way.
    A: No. I do not believe that it is appropriate for children under 14 yrs to perform this dance, due to the maturity required to present the dance in public. If I could run a class where children simply learned and did not want to perform then I would consider it, however most parents want to see their children on stage and so I do not offer this option as yet.

    BUT, if you have a child who really wants to come along and try it out then contact me for a chat- in some circumstances I will allow younger children to study with a parent present
    Q: What should I wear to a class?
    A: Loose comfortable clothing (ie t-shirt and leggings/yoga pants/long skirt) or something which you can move easily in. A hip scarf/coin belt can help you to feel the weight of the hips (these are available to buy in most classes). Bring water and a yoga mat for stretching if you want to.
    A: NO! Not unless you want to- so long as I can see the rough outline of your body through your t-shirt etc, I can easily see what muscles you are using by the quality of the movement, so you will never be asked to expose any part of your body you are not comfortable with!
    Q: I want to perform- will there be opportunities?
    A: Shema rents out choreographies for students so you can get some help with this if you require. Shema no longer organises events for students to perform but is happy to arrange private lessons for support should you so wish.

    Q: I have been studying with someone else- how different will the techniques be and is this a problem?
    A: In an industry which is entirely unregulated, there are as many different styles as there are bellydancers (which is a lot!) so inevitably you will find differences. All I ask is that you embrace my teaching whilst in my classes and then away from class you can adjust and make your own decisions about which elements you want to keep. I study with some of the top dancers in the world, to keep myself up to date and to make sure that I am passing on the correct knowledge to my students, but of course there will always be discrepancies with other teachers. I encourage students to take workshops with other dancers as much as possible but please keep yourself safe though and always focus on your posture.