'How to choose a bellydance teacher' - by Lindsey Salomon
My first teacher was limited in moves, had no background knowledge of the dance or its history and as a result I found myself quickly overtaking her with my thirst for more information. I know a lot of teachers around the country as well as abroad and they are ALL very approachable. Ask your questions of them - they will be pleased you did! If you ask a teacher you are interested in learning from a question and she doesn't know the answer, what would she say? If she said 'I don't know' and left it at that, what would you read into it? If she said 'Im not sure but Id be happy to find out and let you know', wouldn't you have more confidence in her?
In order to find the right teacher for you, don't be afraid to ask her (or him!) questions. The all important questions in my view are:
Once you begin a discussion with a potential teacher, you may have other questions to ask - don't be afraid to ask them there and then.
I have studied with many teachers including Tracey Gibbs, Yvette Cowells, Lorraine Frew, Jan Piggott as well as teachers from the many workshops I have attended. I have also had the great pleasure of dancing with Randa at her own show in Cairo!
I continue my education with teachers at regular workshops around the country and I often go to see Egyptian dancers on my trips to Cairo. I teach predominantly Oriental but I also teach veil, Assaya (stick), Khaleegi and Nubian. I am aware of the music which suits these styles as well as the costuming to accompany them. I teach private lessons in my studio at home. My question to you is, does your potential teacher know all or any of this? Can she impart this knowledge/ teaching to you safely? Ask your questions before you commit!!!!! Having the right teacher can really help in your learning and development to become a confident and happy dancer. Begin or continue to enjoy your dancing!
Lindsey
x
In order to find the right teacher for you, don't be afraid to ask her (or him!) questions. The all important questions in my view are:
- How long has she been dancing?
- Who did she learn from?
- What styles does she know?
- What styles does she teach?
- Is she still learning and if so, who from?
- Is she fun to chat with? Do you feel comfortable with her?
- Is she insured?
- Is she knowledgeable regarding health and safety issues?
Once you begin a discussion with a potential teacher, you may have other questions to ask - don't be afraid to ask them there and then.
I have studied with many teachers including Tracey Gibbs, Yvette Cowells, Lorraine Frew, Jan Piggott as well as teachers from the many workshops I have attended. I have also had the great pleasure of dancing with Randa at her own show in Cairo!
I continue my education with teachers at regular workshops around the country and I often go to see Egyptian dancers on my trips to Cairo. I teach predominantly Oriental but I also teach veil, Assaya (stick), Khaleegi and Nubian. I am aware of the music which suits these styles as well as the costuming to accompany them. I teach private lessons in my studio at home. My question to you is, does your potential teacher know all or any of this? Can she impart this knowledge/ teaching to you safely? Ask your questions before you commit!!!!! Having the right teacher can really help in your learning and development to become a confident and happy dancer. Begin or continue to enjoy your dancing!
Lindsey
x