Here are the answers to some FAQs about classes
If your question is not answered below feel free to get in touch! Contact Us About Classes
What should I wear to class?
Please come along in comfortable clothing that you can freely move in, similar to what you would wear for a yoga or other exercise class. Belly dance is generally done in bare feet but some people like to wear flat ballet slippers. We usually add a hip scarf to our class clothing to create a flat line across the hips which will help you to understand the movements. There will be some spare available in each class for you to use initially.
Do I have to show my belly?
No that’s not required, in each class you’ll find some people wearing tops which show their bellies while others are covered depending on how they feel, what the class is working on and the temperature that day! For performances we have a range of costume options, if you check out the photos on our facebook page here you’ll see some of them in action
How are the classes structured?
Each class in an hour long, starting with a warm up. There will then be a section practicing isolations and technique, then we move on to put those isolations & technique into combos and choreography sections. Each class will finish with a cool down – it’s ideal if you can be on time for class & stay for the cool down, the warm up & cool down will help keep you safe & fit for dancing! If you are late for class please join in but take it easy to start with to prevent injuries.
What age/size/ability is a belly dance class suitable for?
Belly dance is a great form of exercise, creative outlet and social opportunity for people of all ages, sizes, abilities & backgrounds – our dancers have ranged in age from 13 to 76 and we are all shapes & sizes! You don’t need to be super fit and you can take it in your own time. If you are quite fit and have dance experience then additional layers will be added to the movements taught to help keep everyone progressing at a pace appropriate for them.
Do I have to perform?
You are not obliged to perform, either in public or at all (though once you see the costumes you may well want to ;) ), some dancers take belly dance classes for the fitness, fun and socialising without aiming to perform and that is totally fine. If you do want to show off what you’ve been learning in class each year there are at least 3 opportunities for dancers in Firefly Belly Dance classes to perform, including a theatre show and a hafla (casual dance party/show) along with the opportunity to join our Performance Group who perform at public events locally and around NZ once you are proficient and confident performing. If you would like to see the Performance Group in action or find out what events we have performed at in the past you'll find that info here: Upcoming Performances and Events
I’d like to make use of the discounted Term Pass, but what if I miss a class?
You can come along to another class within the same term to make it up :) Also if your work/life schedule changes part way through a term you are welcome to switch to another class which works better.
Which type of class is best to start with?
The Fundamentals classes or the Tribal Level 1 class are the ideal place for a new dancer to start, although the other classes can also be suitable depending on what they are working on at the time, feel free to check in about the class which best suits your timetable. We have a full timetable available for you online.
Do you teach classes for children?
There isn’t a class specifically for children at the moment, though if there is sufficient interest one will be added so please let us know if it would be of interest to you. Dancers 12 & up are welcome in adult classes, if under 15 they should be accompanied by an adult.
Do you offer discounts for families/students?
Yes we’re happy to offer a discount for family members and for students, please get in touch advising which class(es) you’re interested in.
Do you teach one-off classes for external groups & schools etc?
Yes I can teach classes for small or large groups for corporate groups schools, sports clubs focusing on belly dance as an exercise, a novelty activity to try or a cultural activity. I can come to your venue or arrange for hire of one of the studios I use on a regular basis.
What type of music do you use?
We use a wide range of music genres in class and for performances. Because Firefly Belly Dance specializes in Fusion and Tribal styles of belly dance we are able to use a wide variety of Western music alongside Middle Eastern and World music. We have 2 public Spotify playlists for class tracks if you would like to check them out: Fusion Playlist / Tribal Playlist
How long does it take to learn to shimmy/do a belly roll/play zills while dancing etc?
This really depends on how often you practice, what you might have learned in other dance styles, and a little bit of luck! It also may happen that you pick up one skill very quickly while another takes a while to ‘stick’. Either way don’t expect to walk out of your first class having mastered all the technique and movement vocabulary you ever need….it does take time and practice so go easy on yourself and remember that we will continue to practice movements in each class. Check out my recent blog post about trying new things here for further encouragement if required ;)
Do you have eftpos in class?
No just cash in class, but you can also use online banking for term passes; just let me know you’d like the bank account number sent to you.
Can I try my first class for free?
Yes you can, you can request a free e-voucher for your first class.
What should I wear to class?
Please come along in comfortable clothing that you can freely move in, similar to what you would wear for a yoga or other exercise class. Belly dance is generally done in bare feet but some people like to wear flat ballet slippers. We usually add a hip scarf to our class clothing to create a flat line across the hips which will help you to understand the movements. There will be some spare available in each class for you to use initially.
Do I have to show my belly?
No that’s not required, in each class you’ll find some people wearing tops which show their bellies while others are covered depending on how they feel, what the class is working on and the temperature that day! For performances we have a range of costume options, if you check out the photos on our facebook page here you’ll see some of them in action
How are the classes structured?
Each class in an hour long, starting with a warm up. There will then be a section practicing isolations and technique, then we move on to put those isolations & technique into combos and choreography sections. Each class will finish with a cool down – it’s ideal if you can be on time for class & stay for the cool down, the warm up & cool down will help keep you safe & fit for dancing! If you are late for class please join in but take it easy to start with to prevent injuries.
What age/size/ability is a belly dance class suitable for?
Belly dance is a great form of exercise, creative outlet and social opportunity for people of all ages, sizes, abilities & backgrounds – our dancers have ranged in age from 13 to 76 and we are all shapes & sizes! You don’t need to be super fit and you can take it in your own time. If you are quite fit and have dance experience then additional layers will be added to the movements taught to help keep everyone progressing at a pace appropriate for them.
Do I have to perform?
You are not obliged to perform, either in public or at all (though once you see the costumes you may well want to ;) ), some dancers take belly dance classes for the fitness, fun and socialising without aiming to perform and that is totally fine. If you do want to show off what you’ve been learning in class each year there are at least 3 opportunities for dancers in Firefly Belly Dance classes to perform, including a theatre show and a hafla (casual dance party/show) along with the opportunity to join our Performance Group who perform at public events locally and around NZ once you are proficient and confident performing. If you would like to see the Performance Group in action or find out what events we have performed at in the past you'll find that info here: Upcoming Performances and Events
I’d like to make use of the discounted Term Pass, but what if I miss a class?
You can come along to another class within the same term to make it up :) Also if your work/life schedule changes part way through a term you are welcome to switch to another class which works better.
Which type of class is best to start with?
The Fundamentals classes or the Tribal Level 1 class are the ideal place for a new dancer to start, although the other classes can also be suitable depending on what they are working on at the time, feel free to check in about the class which best suits your timetable. We have a full timetable available for you online.
Do you teach classes for children?
There isn’t a class specifically for children at the moment, though if there is sufficient interest one will be added so please let us know if it would be of interest to you. Dancers 12 & up are welcome in adult classes, if under 15 they should be accompanied by an adult.
Do you offer discounts for families/students?
Yes we’re happy to offer a discount for family members and for students, please get in touch advising which class(es) you’re interested in.
Do you teach one-off classes for external groups & schools etc?
Yes I can teach classes for small or large groups for corporate groups schools, sports clubs focusing on belly dance as an exercise, a novelty activity to try or a cultural activity. I can come to your venue or arrange for hire of one of the studios I use on a regular basis.
What type of music do you use?
We use a wide range of music genres in class and for performances. Because Firefly Belly Dance specializes in Fusion and Tribal styles of belly dance we are able to use a wide variety of Western music alongside Middle Eastern and World music. We have 2 public Spotify playlists for class tracks if you would like to check them out: Fusion Playlist / Tribal Playlist
How long does it take to learn to shimmy/do a belly roll/play zills while dancing etc?
This really depends on how often you practice, what you might have learned in other dance styles, and a little bit of luck! It also may happen that you pick up one skill very quickly while another takes a while to ‘stick’. Either way don’t expect to walk out of your first class having mastered all the technique and movement vocabulary you ever need….it does take time and practice so go easy on yourself and remember that we will continue to practice movements in each class. Check out my recent blog post about trying new things here for further encouragement if required ;)
Do you have eftpos in class?
No just cash in class, but you can also use online banking for term passes; just let me know you’d like the bank account number sent to you.
Can I try my first class for free?
Yes you can, you can request a free e-voucher for your first class.
