FAQ's

General

Are there any payment plans?

For semester based classes, you may make 2 payments of $105 for 60 minute classes, $135 for 75 minute classes, due the first and sixth week of class. You may also pay the drop in rate per week.

For ongoing classes, we have a 12 week punch card, a 6 week punch card or the still reasonable drop in/ per class rate.

What Should I wear?

Comfortable, non restricting clothing that is not so loose that it obscures my view of posture, a mat for stretching is optional, water bottle, snacks for moms as needed, a hair tie, exercise shoes (not running shoes) are optional for all classes

Raqs Sharqi

Do I need a costume or special gear?

For class, exercise wear, as described above, and a hip sash to help delineate the hip line are all you need. Coin belts are STRONGLY discouraged as they distract from the learning atmosphere. Fringe or beaded belts are acceptable, and we do have scarves and sashes available both to borrow and for purchase at class.

Do I have to show my belly?

NO. Belly dance really is a misnomer. Although the current fashion displays midriff tops as the norm, it was largely a colonialist/Hollywood adaptation which brought this into style. There are a number of traditional dresses, as well as gem studded stage concoctions available which can showcase movements just as well.

Do I have to perform?

Performance is not required, and many people dance purely for fun, fitness and/or a sense of community. Performance opportunities are available for those who wish to participate, most notably the spring student recital hosted by Tundra Caravan.

So where did the term bellydance come from, anyway?

In 1893, Sol Bloom used the misnomer ‘Belly Dance’ to titillate Victorian spectators at the Chicago World’s Fair. When faced with marketing traditional Middle Eastern dance in strange, uncorsetted foreign garb, he made up for a lack in sales by using this scandalous term (in an era where the term ‘limb’ was preferable to arm in terms of respectability) and banning women from the audience. The result? The public flocked to this tantalizing new image and Mr. Bloom, the consumate business man, raked it in. We have been saddled with both the name and the naughty connotation ever since. It is possible that the term was in use prior to that, but Mr. Bloom certainly made an impact with it! Some dancers choose to perpetuate the use of this term, claiming we can redeem the name. I find it more accurate and descriptive to translate Raqs Sharqi (Arabic) or Oryantal Tansi (Turkish) as Oriental or Middle Eastern Dance.
To see what the Turkish have named ‘Belly Dance,’ click here. <http://shira.net/gobektansi.htm>

Dancing Thru Pregnancy/After Dance

Why should I take 2 classes per week?

Dancing Thru Pregnancy is a clinically proven fitness program, based on and tested for in a twice per week format. Medically proven results include dramatic decrease in risk of preeclampsia/toxemia, reduced risk of cesaerian surgery, significant reduction in recovery time, reduced risk of depression, as well as greater range of motion, better body alignment, and reduced stress to ligaments & muscles. We cannot guarantee these results if you do not take 2 classes per week on a regular basis, beginning early in pregnancy.

Do I need to exercise outside of class?

Minimum recommended exercise during pregnancy includes 20 minutes of centering/relaxation twice a week and 20 minutes of aerobic activity 3 times per week. It would be wonderful to do both relaxation and aerobic activity every day, but we understand this can be hard to work into a daily routine, and Dancing Thru Pregnancy is a good start, fulfilling two of both the centering and aerobic requirements. Walking at least once a week in addition to class is a good way to meet the minimum recommendation.

What style of dance is Dancing Thru Pregnancy?

Dancing Thru Pregnancy is not performance art. It is a fun fitness program aimed at developing strength, stamina and skills for pregnancy, birth and recovery. We incorporate elements of yoga poses, strength training, centering, and aerobic dance. Lara has experience in many dance forms, including aerobic dance, Middle Eastern, African, Salsa, Mexican Folkloric, etc. and elements of each may be used in the aerobic section, however none of the aerobic choreographies should be interpreted as a ‘pure form’ of any specific dance style. This is a chance to let loose and enjoy exercise without worrying about spring recital- your end of course performance will be greeted with cuddles instead of applause!

Can partners come to Dancing Thru Pregnancy Classes?

We periodically hold partner classes to give your loved ones a chance to see what you are doing, however regular attendance of partners can be distracting to the nurturing setting of Dancing Thru Pregnancy. As this is woman centered fitness program, there are also movements that are not particularly beneficial to the male body as well.

Can I bring older children?

Toddlers on up can become very distracting during class, and we do not provide babysitting. We encourage you to take this opportunity to get out of the house on your own, and spend some time with just your new baby. There is a comfortable waiting area adjoining the studio if you have a child old enough to responsibly care for her/himself during class without disturbing other classes.