Frequently Asked Questions
What is belly dance?
Belly dance, also known as Raqs Sharqi or Raqs Baladi, originates from the Middle East and in places such as Egypt, people belly dance socially at weddings and celebrations. This dance style works with the bodys natural range of movement and involves performing isolated movements of the hips, abdomen and upper body.
Do I need a particular body type to belly dance
In short, no! Belly dance is suitable for women of all shapes and sizes
Do I have to show my belly?
Only if you want to!
Are your classes female only?
Yes!
To ensure the comfort and well-being of our students who, for personal, cultural and religious reasons, would not be able to take part in classes where males are present, our classes are strictly female only.
Which class should I join?
If you have never been to a belly dance class before, or you have been going to classes for less than 6 months, you should join our beginners class. Our improver level class is suitable for dancers with at least 6 months experience and who have mastered the basic belly dance moves and isolations.
Can I come and try a class before I sign up?
Absolutely! Please email louise.cambridgebellydance@gmail.com to arrange a trial session. Please note that trial sessions are subject to availability and may not be possible towards the end of a term.
When do classes run and when will I be able to book the next course?
We run three blocks of classes a year and these usually run January to March, May to July, and September to November. Booking usually opens 6 to 8 weeks in advance of the start of term. You can keep yourself up to date by following us on Facebook or you can join our mailing list
How can I pay for my place?
You can pay with a card through our website with Pay Pal, you don’t need to have a Pay Pal account to do this and you can also opt to spread the cost (subject to eligibility). If you would prefer to use a different method, please email Louise.cambridgebellydance@gmail.com
What should I wear for class?
You should wear comfortable clothing that will allow you to move freely – exercise clothing such as leggings and a comfy top are perfect! A hip-scarf is also recommended to help you (and your teacher) see your hip movements clearly.
You can dance barefoot, but if you prefer, socks or soft dance shoes can be worn.
Where can I get a hip-scarf?
When you are just starting out, a light fabric scarf can do the trick but if you want to treat yourself to something a bit fancier we recommend Farida Dance or Belly Dance Boutique who both offer a range of styles.
Cambridge School of Belly Dance 