4 Things to Know Before Your First Belly Dance Class

Burlesque History
Written By Maison Burlesque

Written by Joanna

Left hand image credits by 3 Fates Media

What was your first encounter with ‘belly dance’?

Was it through Shakira? Maybe from mainstream media, like a television show or film? Could it have been a part of your culture growing up?

For me, it was cultural. Growing up, I used to call my mum ‘the Queen of Tsifteteli’, as she dominated the dance floor at every social Greek event we attended. The grace, musicality, passion and happiness she exuded was awe-inspiring, and would stop me in my tracks each time. 

If you’re reading this article, I assume you’ve been thinking about dipping your toe into a class - either due to your admiration of the dance, or to learn new techniques to compliment another style you train in. In this piece, I could have listed pretty generalised points relevant for any dance class - ‘show up to class early’, ‘wear comfortable activewear’, ‘be mindful of the people around you’ etc. But you can find that information anywhere on the internet. Instead, we’re going to focus your awareness on themes specifically for your first belly dance class. We’re going to help make the absolute most of your experience, with a view to creating a beautiful lifelong journey with this dance.

Joanna with the ‘Belly Dance Deities’ Showcase Course.

1. 'Belly Dance' isn't the correct term, but it's all we have for the mainstream.

You can ask any dancer and instructor, and they’ll be in agreement that the term ‘belly dance’ doesn’t correctly define what we perform, study, or teach. The term originally derives from a 19th century painting called ‘La danse de l’almée (The Dance of the Almeh)’ by French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme. The artwork was met with outrage, when a critic condemned the painting for showcasing this “dance of the belly” (danse du ventre). Even the greats like Samia Gamal denounced the term.

So what is the actual name? There’s a few, depending where you are and what context you’re discussing. The Arabic term being ‘Raqs Sharqi’ (Eastern Dance), the Turkish term being ‘Oriental Dance’ (Oryantal Dans), and the umbrella term being ‘MENAHT Dance’ (Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic, Turkish Dance). ‘Belly dance’ doesn’t accurately represent the vast cultures and styles involved in MENAHT dance. In a technical sense, it’s also more than just ‘moving the belly’. It encompasses beautiful movements using your arms, hands, chest, footwork, and expressions.

You’re now asking yourself, “why do you still label your classes as belly dance classes / call yourselves belly dancers / still refer to the term ‘belly dance’?”

In western communities, it’s the most recognisable term to inform people what we’re talking about. If you had never heard this term before today, and you stumbled upon a Raqs Sharqi class being advertised at your local studio, would you know what that class entailed? If you see a flyer for an Oriental dance show, would you know what that show was about?

Many of us still use the blanket term ‘belly dance’ in the broader sense - to engage fresh admirers, showcase our work and classes to new audiences, discuss the dance form cohesively with those who aren’t aware of its history. It’s key to remember for our entire lives that it’s imperative to embrace constant learning to continue progressing forward, and a great first step is following and/or learning from artists of the culture across your state and/or country. For us in Australia, check out some of the following instructors of the culture making waves across the country:

And many more in your local scene! Keep in mind that this is an ever-growing discussion amongst the industry, and we haven’t quite found the best term to share for ourselves and our classes, but presenting platforms for education, like dance classes, is one of the strongest tools we have so far.

2. Nobody is an overnight sensation

Joanna’s ‘Belly Dance Deities’ Showcase Course. Image credit by 3 Fates Media.

Much like every other art form in the world, feel free to make as many mistakes as you need to in your first classes. You’re learning techniques that have been taught for generations, and that you most likely weren’t raised around. Trust that your teacher will give you corrections, so you can continue falling in love with this dance in a safe and supportive way.

There are a few tricks you can incorporate into your daily life to further your technique and conditioning. A single one-hour class per week isn’t enough to give you the progress you deserve, as much as we wish it was! 

Want more hip shimmy practice? Get those hips and knees moving while you’re washing the dishes, or waiting for the train. Want deeper and juicier undulations? Remember to incorporate your own core conditioning into your routine - even 3 - 5x 10 minute sessions per week works wonders. I love Madfit & Pamela Reif’s core training videos!

3. Every body is a belly dance body

Every body size, shape, gender, and age are welcome in our spaces. 

It’s your instructor’s job to create safe spaces for you to explore your talents and individuality. Want to examine your lower body/torso movements? You have the choice to either fold up your top, or fold your leggings down to your hips. Do you feel most comfortable just wearing a fitted shirt? That’s one of the benefits for wearing hip belts / scarves, which outline your movements just as well. The majority of classes generally encourage you to wear tight fitted activewear or clothing, so you can facilitate overseeing your movements and progress.

Did you know that the stereotype of a thin, femme-presenting cis-woman isn’t accurate to the massive array of talent that this world has? I’d love to broaden your scope to a few successful male and transgender Belly / Oriental Dancers across the world:

Please note: Due to religious reasons, some classes can be strictly women only. Please check in with your local studio before booking in.

4. There's more to belly dance than the ‘Glitter and Glam’ style

Joanna in a modernised costuming for Saidi dancing, with assaya. Image credit by Frenchie Holiday.

The rhinestones, glitter, and showpony nature of what we see as belly dance wouldn’t be what it is today without the indigenous folkloric dances that have been passed down over centuries. This is another reason why the ‘belly’ word doesn’t represent MENAHT dance. There are a countless number of Arab folk dances, with their own intricate histories, that have helped influence some cabaret styles we see today. If you’re interested in furthering your dance technique, I encourage you to simultaneously invest in learning folkloric styles that can positively expand your dance repertoire and knowledge.

The sparkly version you see on stage most likely can be characterised as Raqs Sharqi. But what are some other popular styles we can perform and learn?

In Egypt you can find Baladi (Raqs al-Baladi / Dance of the Country), Saidi (Raqs al-Assaya / Stick Dance), Sha’abi (Of the People), Melaya Laff (Alexandrian Dance), and more dance genres. Other nations that are beneficial to dive into when researching include:

And so much more!

Side note: I’m not saying as a beginner, you need to learn all of these styles! This is only information to keep in mind to help you understand the broad spectrum of MENAHT dance.

Last tidbits…

Enjoy every second of your new journey, whether you’re looking just to trial your first class or invest in the long haul. Enjoy exploring new found ways to express your self-confidence. Enjoy the process of growth in education - mentally, physically and soulfully. 

And if you’re ever in Melbourne, Australia, remember not to be a stranger! Come say hey to me at Maison Burlesque for our ‘Belly Dance Essentials’ casual classes or ‘Belly Dance Deities’ showcase courses. 

A final thanks to Laila for helping revise this piece. It takes a village!

About Joanna

Image credit by Solitude & Co.

Described as the equivalent to a firework on New Years Eve, Joanna is Australia’s own internationally acclaimed belly dance performer, instructor and powerhouse entertainer.

For over 25 years, Joanna’s experience in the performing arts has lead her to achieve proficiency in numerous dance forms outside of belly dance - including ballet, jazz, and musical theatre. She holds a Bachelor in Entertainment Business Management, as well as Certificates across music theory, performance and sound engineering.

Joanna’s love of MENAHT (Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic & Turkish) dance has thrusted her into the international realm, where she has performed on festival stages across France, Spain and Greece. Her belly dance style is described as Oriental/American Cabaret, however she is known in Australia for her strong influences in musical theatre, queer culture and cabaret. 

With her technique based, culturally accurate and history driven teaching style, Joanna aims to encourage her students to find their niche and distinctiveness in belly dance. Her priority is to advocate how welcoming this dance form is of all ages, sizes, experience levels, and gender identities.

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