WASN’T BELLYDANCE USED TO SEDUCE MEN? I WANT TO LEARN FORMY HUSBAND.
IS BELLYDANCE DIFFICULT TO LEARN?
AM I TOO FAT TO BELLYDANCE?
AM I TOO SKINNY TO BELLYDANCE?
AM I TOO OLD TO BELLYDANCE?
AM I TOO YOUNG TO BELLYDANCE?
CAN I BELLYDANCE WHILE PREGNANT?
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BELLYDANCE?
WILL IT HELP ME LOOSE WEIGHT?
I HAVE NEVER TAKEN ANY DANCE CLASSES BEFORE AND AM WORRIED THAT I WON’T BE ABLE TO CATCH ON OR KEEP UP.
WHICH BELLYDANCE CLASS IS RIGHT FOR ME?
I HAVE BEEN STUDYING BELLYDANCE FOR A WHILE. WHICH CLASS SHOULD I START IN NOW THAT I’M STUDYING WITH SCARLETT RHYTHMS/MEI’ATTAH RAQS?
WHERE CAN I SEE BELLYDANCE PERFORMED?
WHAT’S THAT WEIRD, SHRILL, WARBLING SOUND YOU MAKE?
DO YOU LET MEN PUT DOLLARS IN YOUR COSTUME?
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO TAKE CLASSES BEFORE I CAN GET A JOB BELLYDANCING?
SNAKES IN BELLYDANCE
BELLYDANCING? ISN’T THAT LIKE STRIPPING?
Americans often make the mistake of confusing bellydance with stripping. Trust me, it’s nothing like stripping. This mis-association began in 1893 when Algerian dancers (who did not bare their bellies!) performed at the World's Fair with a range of movement that shocked Victorian America, where ladies customarily wore stiff corsets that inhibited such natural and dynamic movement. It created such a scandal that vaudeville owners added "hoochy koochy" dancers to their programs (perhaps inspired by the “kutchi“ tribe?). These dancers didn’t know anything about traditional Middle Eastern dance styles, but followed the fantasy formula that Hollywood would later adopt for it’s silver screen harems. As America became more and more desensitized to such shocking exhibitions, vaudeville dancers had to show more and more skin in order to hold the interest of the audience. This lead to modern burlesque dancing or stripping. Bellydance, however, is a perfectly modest and respectable art form based on the traditional dances of Middle Eastern and Arabic countries.
WASN’T BELLYDANCE USED TO SEDUCE MEN? I WANT TO LEARN FOR MY HUSBAND.
In the Middle East, women mostly dance for other women - female friends and family. These dances were a means of celebrating happy family occasions like weddings and the birth of children. Bellydance is not actually a seductive dance at all, but a lively, dynamic, celebratory dance.
Like many dance forms such as ballet, salsa, flamenco, and the tango, it is sometimes sensual, but never sexual. Perhaps you and your husband could take salsa or tango lessons together. If dancing to turn your husband on is your only interest, you can find exotic dance videos online which instruct women on how to strip or excite their husbands.
IS BELLYDANCE DIFFICULT TO LEARN?
Some people find it difficult, some find it easy. Bellydance often looks easier than it really is. Just like any other skill, it takes dedication, practice, and discipline to master.
Bellydance is based on the natural movements of the body. However, most Americans are raised with an idea of dance based on much less natural movements. Western dance tends to be centered around dance moves that reprogram the body’s muscles. Because of this, most Americans have to “re-teach” their muscles to do what they would have naturally done in the first place. Also, dancing to unfamiliar music and attempting to play zills at the same time can be very challenging! Belly dancing requires a great deal of coordination, endurance, strength, and flexibility as well as the ability to interpret the music into dance, in order to perform well. Don’t worry if you don’t possess all these traits, though! We start slow and develop these things. At the very least, you’ll get a good workout!
AM I TOO FAT TO BELLYDANCE?
Probably not. Most basic bellydance movements can be done by anyone in good health. If you have serious, weight- related health problems, speak with your doctor before attempting bellydance. Bellydance provides a moderate workout that is beneficial to your health no matter what size you are or how “in-shape“ you are.
Of interest: in the Middle East, they prefer a _lot_ of meat on their dancers!
AM I TOO SKINNY TO BELLYDANCE?
Certainly not! Padded bras and fluffy, layered scarves do wonders for accenting the body!
AM I TOO OLD TO BELLYDANCE?
Most professional performers working in restaurants and at parties are between 20 & 40.
Amateur events often feature dancers in their 50s and even 60s.
AM I TOO YOUNG TO BELLYDANCE?
Scarlett Rhythms takes students 13 years of age and up in the adult classes. If interest is sufficient, a Children’s Bellydance Class will begin. Children 6 years and up would be acceptable for this class.
CAN I BELLYDANCE WHILE PREGNANT?
Yes! I have heard of dancers performing until their 7th month. Some traditional Middle Eastern dances where specifically for the purpose of preparing a woman’s stomach muscles for childbirth. Modern bellydance is also an excellent activity for toning the muscles used in childbirth.
Exercising during pregnancy is, however, an individual thing. If your pregnancy has had any complications or you have a history of complications, consult you doctor first.
You may need to limit your exercise if you have:
pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
early contractions
vaginal bleeding
premature rupture of your membranes, also known as your water (the fluid in the amniotic sac around the fetus) breaking early
Scarlett will modify basic belly dance movements in classes specifically to allow for your pregnancy. Women whose “bellies” have begun to “show” will be asked to bring a note from their doctor approving their participation in belly dance. Also, please discuss any other concerns you may have with your doctor.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BELLYDANCE?
A typical bellydance class provides a moderate, low-impact aerobic workout. Bellydance strengthens and tones the entire body, developes grace and balance, improves flexibility, strengthens the deep postural muscles of the spine, abdominals, and hips, and teaches correct postural alignment.
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer. It helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure, reduces feelings of depression and anxiety, and promotes psychological well-being. It helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints, and helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling. And, of course, it can help control weight!
WILL IT HELP ME LOOSE WEIGHT?
Like any form of exercise it depends on how often you do it. One class a week might help you get a bit more tone in your muscles but it won't help you burn many calories. If you practice often during the week you will not only burn more calories but you will be way more prepared for class next week too!
I HAVE NEVER TAKEN ANY DANCE CLASSES BEFORE AND AM WORRIED THAT I WON’T BE ABLE TO CATCH ON OR KEEP UP.
Don't worry! Almsot anyone can bellydance, and everyone has to start somewhere! Scarlett has a varied dance background and extensive bellydance experience. She is a fun and conscientious instructor and will break each move down to it's most basic components for each student. The Beginner's class is for beginner's - no previous experience necessary! Some students will come to one or two classes as an entertaining diversion, some attend regularly for the fitness benefits, and some with stick to it with dedication in hopes of performing one day! Whichever group you find yourself in, you will have benefited from the beauty and art of bellydance!
WHICH BELLYDANCE CLASS IS RIGHT FOR ME?
If you have no previous experience, start with Basic Bellydance.
If you are too shy to begin dancing with no previous knowledge, consider a few Private Lessons with Scarlett to familiarize yourself with basics and increase your level of comfort.
If you have some dance experience but are new to bellydance, join Basic Bellydance.
Expect to spend about a year mastering Basic Bellydance thoroughly before moving onto Intermediate.
Dancers with extensive training in other dance forms may be able to progress to an Intermediate Bellydance class in a matter of months or even weeks.
Intermediate and Advanced students may attend any of the Special Topics classes. Beginners (Basic Bellydance students) may participate in Zills and Veilwork classes. Beginners may participate in other Special Topics classes with special permission from the instructor.
Advanced Bellydance is performance-oriented and require a higher degree of physical fitness and mastery of basic technique. This is the class which prepares students for participation in Scarlett’s belly dance troupe Mei’attah Raqs and/or professional belly dance performance.
I HAVE BEEN STUDYING BELLYDANCE FOR A WHILE. WHICH CLASS SHOULD I START IN NOW THAT I’M STUDYING WITH SCARLETT RHYTHMS/MEI’ATTAH RAQS?
All individuals new to Scarlett Rhythms are asked to begin in the Basic Bellydance class. This allows the student to learn Scarlett’s methods and terms, if nothing else. Experienced students may only need to attend Basic Bellydance classes for a couple of weeks before they are encouraged to move on to Intermediate or Advanced classes upon instructor recommendation. Auditions for Scarlett’s performance belly dance troupe Mei’attah Raqs are open to any and all dancers who can demonstrate a clear and strong grasp of basic belly dance and an interest in performance.
WHERE CAN I SEE BELLYDANCE PERFORMED?
Savannah’s own Casbah Moroccan Restaurant
118 E Broughton St
Bellydance shows nightly, 6-10pm
Fridays & Saturdays: Fire and Sword Show, featuring 2 dancers and audience participation
Raks Sharki Performances can be seen in Arabic Night Clubs, and Middle Eastern, Moroccan, Greek, and Indian Restaurants. Bellydance is also often featured in cultural and community festivals, especially American Tribal, which is especially popular and outdoor festivities. There is a huge belly dance community in the US, and events are held all across the nation. For more information, go to www.shira.net. She lists performers, teachers, and events.
The Belly Dance Super Stars and Desert Roses
This international hit produced by Miles Copeland stars lovely, well-trained dancers. The show’s amazing choreographies are a seamless fusion of Western dance styles and Eastern Raks Sharki, including Indian Pop and American Tribal.
WHAT’S THAT WEIRD, SHRILL, WARBLING SOUND YOU MAKE?
That sound is an ululation, called a “zaghareet.” It is a sustained sound created by rapidly trilling the tongue (la, la, la, la . . . ) in a loud, high pitch.
A zaghareet is a sound made mostly by women in the Middle East and Africa as a way to express joy, sorrow, and welcome. In the case of Arabic music, a zaghareet is made by the audience as a sign of appreciation of and enthusiasm for the musicians or the dancer/s and is usually combined with clapping, whistling, shouting, and singing.
DO YOU LET MEN PUT DOLLARS IN YOUR COSTUME?
You're referring to tipping, which is related to dancers wearing their earnings (for a dowry) on their costumes both to avoid theft and as a sign of their skill. These days, a tip or baksheesh, as it's called in Arabic, is exactly that: a gratuity given to show appreciation for a great performance. It is not an opportunity to touch the dancer, there's no sexual meaning or innuendo behind it, and tippers can be male or female of any age!
Tipping is a personal choice for dancers. Some dancers don't accept tips, some do (especially if tips are a large source of their earnings). There are several ways for a dancer to accept tips: accepting the tip by hand, allowing bills to be tucked in the sides of the belt, or by passing around a tip basket. This last method is considered intrusive in most restaurants, as it makes diners feel obligated. A tip basket is more suitable for casual outdoor settings, such as Renaissance faires, festivals, or street performances.
When working at the Casbah, I sometimes take tips by hand but usually accept bills in the sides of my belt, not in the front or back of my belt. I also never accept tips in my bra.
I encourage tippers to hold off tipping me until at least the second song of my performance, or even the third. I reserve a portion of each to show in which to go table to table so everyone can see me and have the opportunity to tip. This way, they're not breaking the flow of my show or distracting the other audience members.
It is always acceptable for a generous tipper to approach me while I dance and literally "shower" me with bills, which is a Middle Eastern custom.
Regardless of how I am tipped, I am thrilled to know that the audience enjoyed my show.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO TAKE CLASSES BEFORE I CAN GET A JOB BELLYDANCING?
Honestly, belly dancing is probably not the best career choice in terms of money. Starting out in the biz takes time and money.
You have to market yourself doggedly, keep track of expenses and taxes. You have to coordinate costuming and music and put together shows that will appeal t a variety of audiences. You have to practice a lot, spend a lot of time on choreographies, practicing improvisation, working with props, etc. You also have to spend money on those props, and costumes can be really expensive. Nice costumes run anywhere from $300-$700 or more, and quality professional costumes tend to be $500-$1200. Even the cheap ones don’t go for less than $100.
The demand for belly dancers is low, and the supply is high. Wages tend to be low for everyone except the most famous and high -quality performers.
Bellydancing is extremely rewarding, however, if it is something you have a passion for and truly find joy in. If you’re not worried about getting rich, and you just can’t resist the belly dance bug, then continue with classes and practice until you’ve learned everything your local instructors can teach you. After that, continue practicing and studying independently. Follow instructional videos, attend workshops, study professional performances. After all this, ask your instructor about possible job opportunities or available gigs. Even as a professional, you’ll probably need to keep your day-job for the first couple of years! Remember, dance because you love it, not solely as a means to make money.
SNAKES IN BELLYDANCE
While there is historical support for the use of snakes in dance, and some performers do use snakes in their acts, I do NOT support snake dancing. Snake dancing can be a lovely presentation when done by an experienced professional snake handler in a carefully controlled environment. I do NOT suggest you take your pet snake to a show with you. Snake dancing should not be done publicly without a firm relationship with and respect for the animal, extensive experience, and a good insurance policy! Loud drumbeats in many bellydance music selections cause vibrations which can make the snake nervous and defensive, as do sudden body movements. Hip pops, drops, and shimmies are NOT advisable. Professional snake dancers generally perform slow pieces characterized by gentle undulation. Again, I DO NOT support the use of snakes in public performance.