How long does it take to learn how to belly dance?

There are so many variables that factor into learning any new skill, such as aptitude, desire, motivation, innate talent, work ethic, past experience, etc. How long it takes to learn how to belly dance therefore depends on the individual. In any one class you will learn several belly dance moves and ways of combining those moves that you could certainly take home to show to your family or to use out clubbing with your friends that weekend.

How long does it take to become a professional belly dancer?

Becoming a professional belly dancer generally requires many years of intensive and dedicated study. Belly dancing as practiced by professional belly dancers is a skill that requires more than just a few classes - it is not like learning a line dance or club dancing. Belly dancing is an art form that has its own set of requirements for proficiency and mastery. To belly dance professionally requires the equivalent to the demands of mastery of any other art or dance form - several years of consistent and dedicated study.

When can I begin?

Most classes and mini workshops are on-going and you can join them at any time. Some classes run by semester and new classes start often. Information is posted on the classes page. Email or call Sabrina at 617.823.8541 for questions.

How do I know which classes to take?

Sabrina teaches classes that are appropriate for the novice through professional. Even seasoned professional dancers take her classes and workshops because of her unique interpretation, ability to teach, and level of technique. If you have never studied with Sabrina you should choose a basic class that is best for you based on availability and location. Otherwise, ask Sabrina for advice.

What if I have already taken belly dance classes before or already know how to belly dance?

Even if you have been studying belly dance for a long time, it is still appropriate to take basic level classes with a new instructor since you will not be familiar with that instructors' particular style, skill sets, interpretations, combinations, or choreography. If you have never studied with Sabrina you should choose a basic class that is best for you based on availability and location.

After taking a few classes you can better determine if taking advanced level classes, mini-workshops, or private lessons is more appropriate for you. You can always call or email Sabrina or call her at 617.823.8541 for advice.

What do I need for classes? What should I wear?

Wear comfortable dance or exercise clothing and plan to dance in bare feet, or soft dance shoes. Fun wear includes skirts or harem pants, cropped half tops and tank tops or decorated bra tops, fringed or coined belts, jewelry and make-up. Bear in mind you won't want to feel hindered while dancing. Please bring your hip belt, veil and finger cymbals to each class. Sabrina also describes what you need to bring, have, and wear to classes on her classes page.

Do you teach pole dancing, erotic or strip dancing?

No - those dance forms, while fun, valid, and skillful, really have nothing to do with the art of belly dancing.

What are classes like?

Each class has it's own ambiance but all beginner classes are taught to beginner's level, with movements and combinations thoroughly broken down and explained. Each class begins with rhythmic movement rehearsal and dance conditioning technique to prepare the body for the specific movements intended in the later part of the class. Specific belly dance movement vocabulary are thoroughly broken down and introduced to students, then fused together into combinations and choreographies. Some time in each class is also spent on learning to dance with the veil and in learning how to play the finger cymbals. Sabrina weaves into her class information on performance, culture, and etiquette pertaining to belly dancing. Expect to be dancing the entire time, get a good workout, and learn something new in each and every class. Sabrina makes all her classes fun, interesting, and rewarding.

Am I too old, too fat, etc. to belly dance?

Since we live in a society that venerates youth and thinness we cannot help but be affected and in some venues (such as for belly grams or in night clubs) dancers who are thinner and/or younger are sometimes more desirable (but not always). This is an aesthetic domain after all. However, the very best, most popular professional belly dancers often are full-figure and perform into older age - they are still very active and much admired as professional belly dancers. So no, you are not too old or too fat to belly dance and in fact there are aspects in which your experience and body type will work for you as a belly dancer. It is never too late to learn how to belly dance and to perform in certain venues.

What if I want to use belly dancing to lose weight and get into shape?

Belly dancing, like any other physically demanding medium, can and will certainly raise your metabolism, strengthen and tone the musculature, stimulate circulation and increase caloric expenditure. Belly dancing can help you both learn to love your body as well as enhance your health and sense of well-being. If you are seeking weight loss and fitness gains, plan on doing some sort of physically demanding activity at least three times per week. Take extra classes, work with DVDs at home, or complement your fitness regime with other forms of exercise. Belly dancing is a low impact, mildly cardiovascular activity that will exercise every part of your body - you will find it a richly rewarding form of physical fitness.

What if I don't want to perform - ever?

There are so many reasons why a person may study belly dance - for health and fitness, for social or relaxation purposes, to gain confidence and self-acceptance, to learn a new skill, to do something for themselves, because it is fun, to express themselves creatively and artistically, to feel sexy and learn to feel comfortable in their own skin, etc. You never have to perform. It is OK to just take classes, which is very fun and rewarding too.

And if I do want to perform?

Sabrina wants all of her students to perform because the act of performing in and of itself can be so very cathartic and healing as well as very fun! Sabrina is proud of her students and wants them to shine! That is why Sabrina hosts student shows - perfect venues created just for you that are a casual and fun place where students can demonstrate their skills and accomplishments! As a mentor, Sabrina also coaches students who wish to perform on stage, compete, work for agents, or seek other forms of professionalism in their Belly Dance career.

What style of belly dancing do you do?

Sabrina is very familiar with and is an avid performer and instructor of many belly dance styles and performs or infuses the genres of Arabic, Modern Egyptian, Lebanese, Turkish-Armenian, and Greco-Turkish as well as Pharonic, Tribal, and Goth, for Cabaret, Solo, Troupe and Duet performances. Sabrina also works with props including finger cymbals, veils, Wings of Isis, sword, cane, and candles.