Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear/bring?

Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing that doesn't restrict your movement. Dance pants, gym pants, yoga pants or leggings are recommended for the bottom half so that the teacher can see what your legs and knees are doing. Avoid jeans and skirts. For the top half, t-shirts or singlets - you don't have to bare your tummy! On the feet, bare feet are fine, but bring along some socks, jiffies or ballet slippers for turns and for when it's cold.

A colourful, jingly scarf for the hips can help you get in the mood and see how your hips are moving. If you have any other exotic accessories you'd like to wear, feel free to glam it up and become a goddess, gypsy or princess for class! And always bring a bottle of water.

But I'm too old/young/overweight/thin/unfit...

You're ready to start just as you are! Dancers come in all ages, shapes and sizes. It's common for classes to include girls as young as 4 and as old as 75, and of all fitness levels. If you haven't enjoyed traditional fitness activities, you may find a new passion for movement when it's accompanied by exotic music, colourful veils, and tinkling finger cymbals. Even if you're already physically fit, bellydance provides a new physical and mental challenge as you learn to move your body in new ways.

Starting a bellydance class is like starting any other program of physical activity: check with your doctor first, especially if you have back and joint problems, are very overweight or unfit, or are pregnant.

I've never danced in my life. Can I do it?

Give it a try! The movements of bellydance are natural to women's bodies, and in many cultures girls grow up dancing, without ever taking classes. At Inspire! Bellydance, moves are explained so that you understand them and your own body. You'll find dancing improves your co-ordination, posture, grace and flexibility.

Can I try it first to see if it's for me?

Yes, of course! New students are invited to attend the FREE taster class at the start of each term. There's no obligation: if you decide it's not for you, there's nothing to pay. Invite some friends to come along too! Call or email us to book.

How much does it cost?

The "taster" class before term begins is free for new and renewing students. To attend regularly, a 10-week course costs $140. Half-term enrolment is available for $80 (5 classes), and classes may be attended casually for $18 each. Enrolments are not transferrable to other people or across terms. SPECIAL OFFER: Enrol in two courses simultaneously and receive a 20% discount on the second course.

What happens in a class?

Expect a moderate, low-impact workout for your body, a challenge for your mind and co-ordination, and a good time doing it.

Each class begins with a warm-up to prepare the body and get you in the mood to dance. Typically, we then revise the previous week's steps, learn new moves, and put them together into short sequences with a group exercise. Some weeks will have more of a focus on technique, others on musicality and improvisation. Finally, we stretch out and cool down. For more details, read About the Classes.

Can I, or will I have to perform?

If you want to perform, join one of the Beyond Beginner classes, where we'll work on choreographies for the Middle Eastern Dance Festival. Each class location will learn a different one, so if you're really keen, come to all three!

But if you don't want to perform, you will never be asked to. (Even if you take the choreography class.) In fact, even if you are keen, chances are it will take at least a couple of years of training before you're ready to begin performing solos even at student events, and you'll then need much more experience before you can think about turning professional. The focus at Inspire! Bellydance is on enjoying the learning process and the benefits that come with it, not preparing to perform.

What if I (have to) miss a class?

Well, good and bad news. Due to the 10-week course structure, we cannot offer you an individual make-up class, nor credit for any missed classes. However, you are welcome to catch up by coming along to other times (at any location, provided there is space). By arrangement, you can also give a class credit to a friend, to introduce them to Belly Dancing!

Can men join the classes?

While men can and do bellydance, Inspire! Bellydance classes are open to women only, because many women feel more comfortable learning in an all-female environment. Men wishing to learn are welcome to contact Rachel about individual classes.

Can I bring my child(ren) with me??

In the Lindfield class, mothers are welcome to bring their daughters as young as 4 years old if they wish to participate. When enrolling with a paying adult, girls under 8 are only $20 for the term, while girls under 14 are half price. The adult is expected to take responsibility for their child. Women aged 14 and over may enrol individually.

Unfortunately, on-site childcare facilities are not available. However, if there is enough demand, it may be possible to arrange this at either Paddington or Rozelle. Contact Rachel to express your interest.

Where are the classes held?

There are currently three venues: Lindfield, Paddington and Rozelle. The Where and When page has details.

Those locations don't suit me. Can you teach somewhere else?

If you have a group of people wanting to learn, contact us and we can arrange to come to you. Corporate lunchtime classes are a popular option - would other women at your workplace enjoy it? Or you can take a private class at a time and location that suit you.

When should I arrive?

Five to ten minutes before the scheduled class time. Give yourself a realistic amount of time for travel, parking, signing in and getting changed. It's important to participate in the warm-up to prepare your body for the rest of the class.

How long are the classes?

All classes are one hour long.

Do you teach hens' parties?

Absolutely! A bellydance class or performance is a great way to celebrate with the girls at a hens' party or kitchen tea. You will learn a series of moves that you can use later on the dance floor, and put them together into a short fun choreography. Hip scarves are provided. Plus, the bride-to-be receives a voucher for a free class.

How about parties for children?

Have an Arabian or Ancient Egyptian themed birthday party for your daughter or son! Suitable for ages 6 and up, children will be dressed up as Arabian princes/ses for up to an hour of dance class combined with some performance. Fun games are used to learn dance moves, accompanied by props such as veils (magic carpets) and (toy) swords. The children's understanding of Egypt is also enriched as they learn evocatively named moves like the Camel, the Snake, the Pyramid, Walk like an Egyptian, and Hot Desert Sand. Plus, the mother of the birthday girl/boy receives a voucher for a free class.

I want to learn faster! Are private classes available?

Yes, private classes can be arranged at both locations, or your own home. They are a personalised way to speed up your learning, to address specific needs, or develop a choreography just for you. The rate for regular Inspire! Bellydance students is $50 per hour (plus studio hire fees or travel charges where required). Classes can also be arranged for groups, such as hens' parties and birthdays for adults and children.

I'd like to introduce someone else. Are gift vouchers available?

Yes, gift vouchers are available and make unique gifts for friends or partners. Give a voucher for a performances, a private class or a term of group classes. A free class voucher is given to every bride-to-be at hens' parties and kitchen teas. See the Vouchers page for details.

Where's that page about zills?

Here: Preparing your Zills. This is a guide I wrote for how to prepare and elasticise your zills (sagat, finger cymbals) before playing them. Enjoy!