Welcome to Frequently Answered Questions
The answers to most questions will be found here. Enjoy!
Which level class should I come to?
- Have a look at the Level Guideline on the Classes Page and see where you think you fit.
- Since I teach in the Tribal Fusion style of belly dance, if you have previously studied Egyptian before it is recommended to start with a Level 1 or 2 class, no matter how advanced you are.
- My more advanced classes (Level 3 upwards) require great technical ability and mobility that is not usually emphasised in belly dance classes - my Level 3 students find my Level 3 classes a challenge! - and for that reason if you are unsure of where you fit it is a good idea to try at least one term of Level 2 classes before thinking of progressing. Don't worry, you will be challenged and have lots of fun in Level 2!
Where are the classes held?
- Wednesday Nights Classes (Level 3 Belly Dance) are held at the YMCA, Queen Anne's House, Gonville Place CB1 1ND. That's right opposite Parker's Piece.
- Thursday night classes (Levels 1 and 2 Belly Dance) are held at The Centre at St Pauls, Hills Road, CB2 1JP. That's just down the road from the Catholic Church, next to the Sesame restraunt. Yes, it's in a church!
What's the difference between this style of belly dance and regular Egyptian belly dance?
The style we teach at the Serpentine School is Tribal Fusion, which is like an international form of belly dance that evolved and grew in the West out of the roots of oriental Belly Dance. You could call it belly dance without limits.
The style we teach at the Serpentine School is Tribal Fusion, which is like an international form of belly dance that evolved and grew in the West out of the roots of oriental Belly Dance. You could call it belly dance without limits.
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It references other dance forms such as Hip Hop, Contemporary, Flamenco and Classical Indian, so you get to learn cool snippets of other dance forms in class
It has a really strong emphasis on strength, control, posture and isolation, meaning training in the Tribal Fusion style will really, truly get you fitter, improve your posture (many of my students comment on how their weekly tribal fusion class improves their posture and helps with upper back and shoulder problems) and teach you to have a very controlled awareness of your body. We are not trying to dance how an Egyptian, or a Turkish, or a Lebanese person would dance. We are learning to dance so we can dance like ourselves. |
Still not sure? Check out my Awesome Tribal Fusion Playlist on YouTube above to see what all this Tribal Fusion stuff is about and see some of my teachers in action.
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What is American Tribal Style?
American Tribal Style, also known as ATS, is a group improvisational format of belly dance. All that means is that you dance in a team, there is a leader, and you copy what she does. It's quite simple, easy to learn, very fun and hugely sociable! The best way to see what it is is to have a peek at it, so check out this video to the right featuring my teacher to see how gorgeously you could be dancing in the near future: |
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What should I wear to class?
Wear something comfortable and easy to move in, and preferably something that I can see your legs in. Comfortable trousers (such as jogging/yoga-style trousers) or leggings are ideal. Many students like to bring a scarf or a belt to wear to bring a bit of belly dance to their work out clothes, or even a special belly dance hip scarf to help them feel the part.
You don't have to bare your stomach to belly dance (unless you want to!) - generally I am the only one with my tummy out so my students can get a better look at my movements. I'm usually running around in a bikini top and leggings, but it doesn't mean you have to!
In my classes we dance barefoot or if you prefer wearing dance shoes - trainers are not reccomended.
Wear something comfortable and easy to move in, and preferably something that I can see your legs in. Comfortable trousers (such as jogging/yoga-style trousers) or leggings are ideal. Many students like to bring a scarf or a belt to wear to bring a bit of belly dance to their work out clothes, or even a special belly dance hip scarf to help them feel the part.
You don't have to bare your stomach to belly dance (unless you want to!) - generally I am the only one with my tummy out so my students can get a better look at my movements. I'm usually running around in a bikini top and leggings, but it doesn't mean you have to!
In my classes we dance barefoot or if you prefer wearing dance shoes - trainers are not reccomended.
Am I too old/young/fat/thin/unfit to do belly dance?
Oh hells no! Belly dance is a dance form for everyone, and for people of all shapes, sizes, ages, fitnesses and genders can enjoy and benefit from it.
However, if you are at all unsure whether you are currently fit to partake in light aerobic exercise, it's best to ask your doctor first.
Oh hells no! Belly dance is a dance form for everyone, and for people of all shapes, sizes, ages, fitnesses and genders can enjoy and benefit from it.
However, if you are at all unsure whether you are currently fit to partake in light aerobic exercise, it's best to ask your doctor first.
Belly Dance and Tribal Fusion classes in central Cambridge with Demelza Fox!
