Prepare for an exciting journey as you enter the wonderful
world of tribal belly dance, one of the oldest dance forms known to
civilisation. Forget the sleazy image some westerners have of
belly dancers - in most countries it is revered as a highly skilled
art form handed down through the ages from mother to
daughter.

This beautiful and feminine skill is accessible to all women
irrespective of shape, size or age. The moves are low-impact so
you can avoid undue stress on your joints. It also strengthens
the pelvic floor muscles, keeps your cardiovascular system
healthy and helps ward off osteoporosis. It is particularly good
for people with lower back problems.

The dance often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in sensuous patterns. Some movements are sinuous and undulating, others are energetic and snappy. As you build up your range of moves you will be blessed with enhanced grace, balance and stamina.

Of course, the journey doesn't end there - once the basic moves have been mastered you can explore the different tribal belly dance styles, enjoy the exotic and varied music, try out different costuming ideas and learn to perform with some of the
props used by the modern and traditional dancers. Veil work, candle dancing, fan work and even sword balancing are some of the experiences that lie ahead.

Come join me to learn this earthy style of belly dance here in Malta. Seek the strength, joy, and strong foundation that you can achieve through the art of tribal style belly dance.

Embrace your feminine strengths and develop awareness of your body through movement... isolations, posture strengthening and rhythms. Learn Tribal techniques from basic ones to the more advanced in a relaxed and fun, fully air conditioned environment.

All belly dance lessons are an hour long. We start with a thorough warm-up and finish with a cool down stretching/yoga session. Avoid eating a heavy meal prior to class.

You should wear comfortable clothing to class, such as a loose, flowing skirt or leggings and a t-shirt. Whatever your belly dance costume, some kind of hip scarf is essential. This can be as simple as a pretty piece of fabric or a fringed shawl tied around the hips, although coin hip scarves are wonderful to wear and add sparkle and jingle. Although we usually belly dance barefoot, you may wear jazz or ballet shoes.

 

Class Conduct

If you have any illness or injury please let me know before class starts and do not practise any exercises or steps that will irritate the afflicted area.

Bellydance responsibly. If a move hurts or causes discomfort, stop doing it immediately and let me know during the lesson. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong – listen to it.

I encourage you to drink water at any time during class. Do not hesitate to take rest periods if you feel it is necessary.

You may ask questions at any time. There is no such thing as a "foolish" question. Because we are all unique, the moves we achieve with ease and those we struggle to master will differ from person to person. You must move at your own pace. Ask me to clarify if you don't understand the movement breakdown, or if a particular move is causing you significant difficulty, no matter how many times I have covered it in previous lessons.

Try to arrive promptly so we can begin on time. Arriving on time is a show of respect to your teacher, your fellow students and yourself. Of course, I fully understand that work or other commitments may make this impossible, and you are still welcome to attend, but if you arrive late and miss the warm up it is vital that you stretch out by yourself at the back of the room before joining the class.

If possible, attend every session. Belly dance is fun but it's also a physical, mental and emotional discipline. It cannot be learned with sporadic attendance.