Guidelines & Hints for Getting the Most Out of Class
The following guidelines are meant to help us all get the most out of our time together, and increase everyone's enjoyment of class time. If you have questions, please ask!
Tell your teacher about physical limitations. This dance is a workout, but it should not hurt. It is a good idea to to tell me about injuries or limitations so you and I both don't push your body beyond where it can go. Honor what your body is telling you; if you feel like a move is unsafe for your body, don't do it! We can alter anything to work with your body.
Observers / Children. Please, no observers; it is distracting for everyone. (Exception: Students currently enrolled in a Basics level class are invited to observe the intermediate & advanced level classes.) Children who are well-behaved and can be self-entertained may sit quietly, but if they become a distraction you will be asked to take them outside.
Dance Class is a Scent Free Zone. Your teacher has fragrance sensitivities, and so do several of your fellow students. Please try to avoid use of perfumes, cigarettes, or products containing synthetic fragrances immediately before class. This includes many hair products and lotions - label reading is encouraged! Essential oils are usually okay in moderation.
Dance Class is a Substance Free Zone. Tribal Style Bellydance is a workout for the brain as well as the body, requiring you to be mentally present. Please do not drink alcohol or use other mind-altering substances before class. (After class is a different story!)
Announcements. If you would like me to announce an event for you, please tell me before class.
Be on time. Please be dressed and ready to start the warm up when class begins. If you come in late, enter quietly and take a position in the studio without disturbing other students.
Turn OFF your cell phone. Even cell phones on vibrate are distracting during quiet moments; please turn phones off unless you are on-call. If you must make or take a call, step outside the studio.
Participation. Please participate to the best of your ability. If you need to rest, please do so quietly at the back of the studio.
Conversation. We are a friendly bunch, but please resist the urge to hold side conversations when I am helping other students. This is your opportunity to practice, observe & learn. Also, we are frequently privileged to have musicians playing for our class; please respect their time and energy by listening and responding to the music. If you have personal news to share, please wait until after class.
Respect the art form. Tribal Style Bellydance is different from other styles of bellydance. We have our own culture, vocabulary, and approach to the dance. Tribal is about dancing in community, group expression, and a disappeared ego. Please save your "diva self" for other artistic expressions.
Watch carefully; ask questions. Observation is often the best teacher. If you don't understand a move, try watching the people around you rather than asking for a verbal breakdown from a fellow student who may still be learning the step. If you have questions, ask me.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY — HAVE FUN!
Questions? info@jaiyana.com / 207-619-4230