"Questions & Answers"
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Frequently Asked Questions
"Radhiya, why did you start taking belly dance classes?"
I wanted to explore a different form of dance. Not knowing what to expect; but after the first
class I was hooked! The music was wonderful, & I enjoyed how the dance made me feel. One
class lead to another; I increased the number of weekly classes & took private lessons.
It became a passion, wanting to learn as much as possible.........eventually I began teaching!
"What should I wear to class?"
Class attire is usually dance wear, a unitard, workout gear, or a practice costume. The idea is
to wear something that you will be comfortable in & something that is OK to sweat in and let's
you move freely. We also dance in bare feet or you can wear dance shoes. I, sometimes wear 1/2
sole dance shoes, or Mary Jane's.
"What dance supplies will I need?"
I suggest a hip scarf, (coined or fringed), a pair of zills, a veil (chiffon or silk,
2 1/2 to 3 yards, no more than 45"inches wide). These items are for starters.
If you are interested in expanding upon your skills there are other props: cane, sword, basket,
candles are a few!
"How long does it take to learn basic steps?"
This will depend upon you & how often you practice & attend classes. Everyone learns at a
different pace. Students who take more than one class per week & or practice often will advance
faster. Go at your own pace...it takes time.
"How can I tell if this is for me?"
By taking classes, one session is not enough, it will just be enough to let you know if you will
like the class. It's all about getting comfortable with your body & learning to accept your
individuality & personal style. If you are having fun & can't get enough, then.....you like it!
"Where do belly dancers perform?"
At all types of events, celebrations, parties, business meetings, community events, festivals,
fairs, hafla's (belly dancer's party) and all sorts of places. Some dancers are hired to do
"belly grams".
"What are your classes like?"
We begin with warm up, drill basic movements, introduction of new moves, sharing of ideas,
information, & combination moves. Items of educational nature are introduced. There will be
open dance for personal self-expression & confidence building. We end with a cool down.
The class is set up for students to explore the art of Middle Eastern Dance, learn cultural
aspects, philosophy, introduction of new rhythms, gain self-esteem, confidence & to become
comfortable with one's body. Students are given encouragement for their well-being of the
mind, body & soul!
"What are the movements?"
Some of the basic movements are figure 8's, circles, undulations, belly rolls, turns, arm
movements, pivots & best of all shimmies! These are only a few, there are many moves, steps
and combinations to learn. The combinations are endless! You will eventually do choreography
and improvisational interpretation.
Remember you will never stop learning. This art takes years to master and when you think
you have it there is something new & exciting to learn!
On Costuming...........
I have sewn many of my choli's, harem pants, skirts, tassel & fringed belts. And encourage
students with sewing skills to do so, it's rewarding! There are "belly dance" patterns, begin by
looking in the costuming section of pattern books. Or you can check the links page of this
website for more info. If you sew it's not hard to make your on costume pieces.
You also have the option of looking in thrift stores, you will find lots of treasures; with little
alterations you can assemble a practice costume in no time. Any light weight pair of pants,
become harem pants by adding elastic at the bottom. T-shirts make excellent practice tops, just
cut at the mid-section and hem, add trim, ribbon or embellishments! Create you own style of
dance wear, it's fun!
Troupe Nayliyat's Costume Information Page
I wanted to explore a different form of dance. Not knowing what to expect; but after the first
class I was hooked! The music was wonderful, & I enjoyed how the dance made me feel. One
class lead to another; I increased the number of weekly classes & took private lessons.
It became a passion, wanting to learn as much as possible.........eventually I began teaching!
"What should I wear to class?"
Class attire is usually dance wear, a unitard, workout gear, or a practice costume. The idea is
to wear something that you will be comfortable in & something that is OK to sweat in and let's
you move freely. We also dance in bare feet or you can wear dance shoes. I, sometimes wear 1/2
sole dance shoes, or Mary Jane's.
"What dance supplies will I need?"
I suggest a hip scarf, (coined or fringed), a pair of zills, a veil (chiffon or silk,
2 1/2 to 3 yards, no more than 45"inches wide). These items are for starters.
If you are interested in expanding upon your skills there are other props: cane, sword, basket,
candles are a few!
"How long does it take to learn basic steps?"
This will depend upon you & how often you practice & attend classes. Everyone learns at a
different pace. Students who take more than one class per week & or practice often will advance
faster. Go at your own pace...it takes time.
"How can I tell if this is for me?"
By taking classes, one session is not enough, it will just be enough to let you know if you will
like the class. It's all about getting comfortable with your body & learning to accept your
individuality & personal style. If you are having fun & can't get enough, then.....you like it!
"Where do belly dancers perform?"
At all types of events, celebrations, parties, business meetings, community events, festivals,
fairs, hafla's (belly dancer's party) and all sorts of places. Some dancers are hired to do
"belly grams".
"What are your classes like?"
We begin with warm up, drill basic movements, introduction of new moves, sharing of ideas,
information, & combination moves. Items of educational nature are introduced. There will be
open dance for personal self-expression & confidence building. We end with a cool down.
The class is set up for students to explore the art of Middle Eastern Dance, learn cultural
aspects, philosophy, introduction of new rhythms, gain self-esteem, confidence & to become
comfortable with one's body. Students are given encouragement for their well-being of the
mind, body & soul!
"What are the movements?"
Some of the basic movements are figure 8's, circles, undulations, belly rolls, turns, arm
movements, pivots & best of all shimmies! These are only a few, there are many moves, steps
and combinations to learn. The combinations are endless! You will eventually do choreography
and improvisational interpretation.
Remember you will never stop learning. This art takes years to master and when you think
you have it there is something new & exciting to learn!
On Costuming...........
I have sewn many of my choli's, harem pants, skirts, tassel & fringed belts. And encourage
students with sewing skills to do so, it's rewarding! There are "belly dance" patterns, begin by
looking in the costuming section of pattern books. Or you can check the links page of this
website for more info. If you sew it's not hard to make your on costume pieces.
You also have the option of looking in thrift stores, you will find lots of treasures; with little
alterations you can assemble a practice costume in no time. Any light weight pair of pants,
become harem pants by adding elastic at the bottom. T-shirts make excellent practice tops, just
cut at the mid-section and hem, add trim, ribbon or embellishments! Create you own style of
dance wear, it's fun!
Troupe Nayliyat's Costume Information Page
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