I have never taken belly dance classes, but I am a dancer or I come from a culture where people belly dance. Can I start at level 2?
Generally, no. If you have never taken formal belly dance classes before, you really do need to start with level 1–even if you have a lot of dance experience in other dance forms or come from a culture where “belly dance” is part of the social heritage. If you are a dancer, you may progress more rapidly than a non-dancer, but you will still need to learn the foundational elements of this particular form, and you will need to learn to play finger cymbals. All other levels build on those foundations. The body awareness and dance training you already have can be helpful, but there are important ways in which belly dance differs from other forms of dance (in terms of posture, feeling in the body, how movements are driven, etc.) that you need to master before moving on to more complex, layered techniques at higher levels. Students who come from “belly dancing cultures” but have not taken formal belly dance classes are strongly encouraged to start with level 1 as well. Though, again, you ma
Related Questions
- I have never taken belly dance classes, but I am a dancer or I come from a culture where people belly dance. Can I start at level 2?
- Some people say that western people will never produce a high level of belly dance. What is you opinion of about that statement?
- What are the other benefits of belly dance? Why do people take classes?
