(412) 610-9165

 Classes     

Intermediate Master Classes February 10, 2008: Balancing 10am-noon, $20 Wilkins School Community Center in Swissvale Private lessons available:  $45/hour for one person (group rates available) Call 412-610-9165 to set up a day/time Want to see a video of Safa's Intermediate class performing?  Go to the Video Gallery!

Class handouts Beginner I class outline available here Beginner II class outline available here Zill practice outline available here Abdominal exercises for home practice available here Beginner dance class choreography is here Intermediate dance class choreography is here Graceful arms and torso handout is here

Articles on bellydance history and related topics Here is an excellent article on feminsim in bellydance Apostate: musings and essays about dance from a male perspective The associated concept: Yes, men can dance! A fascinating discussion of eroticism and bellydance The spiritual side of Middle Eastern dance

Recommendations Click here to download a printable list of recommendations Recommended Reading "Serpent of the Nile", Wendy Buonaventura -- the classic informational book on Middle Eastern dance "Snake Hips", Anne Soffee -- a delightful autobiographical intro to bellydance "Tribal Bible", Kajira Djoumahna -- history of tribal style bellydance "Choreography: A Basic Approach Using Improvisation", Sandra Cerny Minton Recommended Watching "Tribal Fusion: Yoga Isolations and Drills", Rachel Brice -- excellent outline for practice Suhaila's Bellydance Fitness Fusion series -- killer workout and great drills "Latcho Drom" -- documentary on gypsies in many cultures, currently hard to find "Gadjo Dilo" -- Romani movie with some great dancing in it Just for fun: a list of Bellydancers in the Movies (James Bond!) Recommended Listening Solace -- “Ahsas”, “Shawaza”, “The Gathering Season”, “Satya”, “The Kabila Project”, “Rhythm of the Dance”, “Vadalna” Turku -- “Alleys of Istanbul”, “Nomads of the Silk Road”, “Ozlem”, “The Kabila Project” Khafif -- "Yunzradi Taraq Anat" Gypsy Caravan -- “Awakenings”, “Migration”, “Quest”, “The Kabila Project” Helm -- “At the Oasis”, “Tribal Dance, Tribal Drums”, “Zakharafa” Oojami -- "Bellydance Breakbeats", Urban Dervish Bellydance Superstars -- “Bellydance Superstars”, “Bellydance Superstars II”, “Desert Roses”, “Desert Roses II”

Frequently Asked Questions How long will it take before I get "really good" or become a "good dancer"? This is totally dependent on you.  It can take some people years to master one movement and others only a week. Things that may help you learn more quickly are Previous dance experience Flexibility Strength The only thing that will for sure help you master a movement is practice, practice, practice! How young/thin/fit/raunchy do I have to be to learn bellydance? None of the above!  Bellydancers come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and weights.  It is one of the only dance forms that is designed for  maximum enjoyment no matter what you look like!  This means that NOBODY can say "I can't do that".  Of course you can! There are some health issues that can make some movements more difficult: double-jointedness, arthritis, or lower back pain Please remember: bellydance has been used as physical therapy, and can IMPROVE your health!  It can't hurt you! I've never danced before.  Can I come to class? Absolutely!  Beginner classes are designed for those with NO experience.  Please drop in and check it out! Men do this too? You bet.  There is a long and rich history of male bellydancers, both in the Middle East and in the US.  See some of the links above for  information or to find out what it's like to be a male bellydancer.  It's just as much fun no matter what your gender! I'm not sure if I want to be in a class with other people. That's okay.  If you feel self-conscious, remember that everyone else is new at this too!  Don't worry that other people are looking at  you.  They're too busy concentrating on getting the movement right to think about what you're doing. If you are really shy, please consider a private lesson.  That way you can learn at your own pace and not feel nervous. What should I wear to class? Whatever makes you comfortable.  I suggest workout clothes: yoga pants, and a tshirt.  Shorts are fine, as are skirts.  Tank tops, sports bras, whatever works for you.  Don't feel you have to show your midriff to be in class.  Don't feel you must spend money on a  costume to wear to class. Please be aware that it is easier to practice barefoot.  If you have a medical need to wear shoes, that's fine. Is it good exercise? It sure is!  Bellydance is good exercise the way yoga and tai chi are: it is a slow stretching and strengthening of your muscles rather than a high impact activity.  This is not to say you won't sweat!  These moves can be hard, and your body will let you know it! Your muscle definition will increase, and your posture will improve.  Bellydance improves gracefulness as well, and will make you more comfortable in your own body.  Clumsy people often get less clumsy after learning some bellydance, believe it or not! Bellydancing is gross and I think you're wrong for doing it! I'm so sorry you feel that way.  Remember, bellydancing has a strong and positive history dating back to before written accounts.  It has been around in one form or another for a very long time.  There is no reason to be ashamed of bellydancing or of learning such an  amazing artform.  Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if you are seeing real bellydance or something a little more risque.  Bellydancers: don't take their clothes off, ever usually wear pants under their skirts, as well as bra tops that cover their breasts fully don't perform lap dances or other contact dancing with audience members don't accept tips in their teeth sometimes don't accept tips AT ALL (please ask if you are unsure of whether or not to tip) don't dance with poles rarely have names like Vixxen Sinn or XXXtra Foxxxy We hope that you will learn more about bellydance before judging it.