GETTING STARTED

HOW TO START:

Where to find a dance class? Many dance classes have a limited marketing area and unless they can tap into a City wide advertising program, it is difficult to find them if you aren't 'in the loop'. Below are the many ways to track down a MEDance class.

WHEN LOOKING FOR A CLASS.

Start with your phone book. Look up MEDance groups in the yellow pages. Call dance studios and ask if they know of or offer MEDance classes. Check out Belly Dance, Middle Eastern Dance, Dance, Dance Instruction, Dance Studios.
Call your local Library…many have community programs.
Call your City Hall…Parks & Recreation Departments, Public Utilities Commissions, etc. offer many community programs.
Call your local school board and ask about any Community School programs.
Call your area's University or Community Colleges….most have part-time, non-credit courses and many offer dance.
Contact your local fitness clubs….more and more are getting into belly dance as a fitness program (note; these programs may not be as 'dance' oriented as you want).
Contact your local Community Centers, they often have programs or have people running programs out of their facilities. Include Seniors Centers as they sponsor programs as well.
Check out Neighborhood organizations to see what they offer. Check out supermarket bulletin boards, etc.
Check your city "information' centre if your City is fortunate to have one. These organizations have a ton of information about the City (town, etc.) you live in.
Check the internet: there are many sites that have dancer directories…:), you can find dancers and instructors world-wide via the web. Check out THE OASIS links page for sites…Shira, Aziza, M.E.D.A./BC have directories

Fatima's Law*: most teachers know of the other teachers in the area; not all tell you about the others

You should be able to ask your teacher about other classes available in your area. She should tell you. Unless you are in a very small town or rural area, there is usually more than one instructor working. If there is no one in your immediate area, there are teachers elsewhere. Beware of the instructor who does not have this information or will not give it. There are some unscrupulous teachers who don't want to lose students and will not actively tell of other classes available. A student should have a choice.

WHAT TO WEAR:

Comfortable, loose clothes….basic workout gear….tights & leotard, yoga pants & top...be prepared, you may work up a sweat. Bare feet are best or dance shoes (ballet slippers, jazz shoes, gymnastic slippers), socks only as recommended. Your instructor will advise you.

Optionals: :-), you don't need them but they're useful. Ask your instructor for advice.

leg warmers are always a good idea to start, some keep them on throughout class
Hip scarf: make your own or buy one...rayon fringe shawls are good. Beaded/coined hip sashes are pretty but noisy sometimes. Shimmy belts (fringe, beads, coins...anything that moves attached to a belt or wrap.
Pareos can be adapted for class use.

Future items necessary for class…. Veils, zills, canes...Some instructors supply props for class use. Your instructor will advise you on her class set-up and required items.

Check out THE OASIS vendors for costumes and dance accessories.

Many people ask 'where can I learn to belly dance'.

THE OASIS, M.E.D.G. is here to promote good standards in teaching and in dance. We've developed our getting started pages to help novice dancers/students off to a good start. We hope this information helps you to find a dance class and to evaluate it's quality.

Teachers/instructors have a responsibility to their students to provide good, safe training not just in the physical dance but in other areas as well. Some of the history, culture and costuming and performance elements should be part of your learning experience at some point.

Students have a responsibility to research and be aware of the quality of the instruction they receive.