Academy
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do I wear to class?
A: Bare feet and anything you are comfortable and can move freely in. The teacher needs to see your torso isolations and your knee movement, so leggings or tight pants are good. You may bring a scarf for your hips but we also have a few extra in the studio to lend. It is not necessary to bare your belly unless you wish.
Q: How long does it take to learn?
A: At about the 3rd class, one movement usually sinks in and after that the rest seem to fall into place. After 3 months, students have enough under their belt to perform at the Student Gala or freak out their friend's at a party. Whether you are a fast learner or slow, whether you have accomplished 3 steps or 300, it usually takes about 2 years before the movements look natural on your body. Like any art-form, it is a life-long learning experience.
Q: How do I know when I am ready for the next level?
A: Whether you are taking the Ongoing Classes or the Term Classes, about 3 steps are covered in each class. When you are reviewing movements that you feel you don't need to anymore, go ahead to the next level. Some like to perfect each detail and others prefer constant challenge. You may consult a teacher or take both levels at the same time for a while to help make the transition is a smooth one. It is highly recommended you take a Skills Assessment and receive a written, thorough personal feedback every six months which is the average time it takes to master the skill of each level.
Q: How is Foundation Class different from Beginner 1 through to Advanced?
A: Regular classes change in content every week but Foundation Class is exactly the same every time. Those with past dance experience may only need to take this class once or twice but those with little or no dance experience of any kind may need as many as ten of these classes. Basically, keep taking this class until it is no longer a challenge. If you are an Advanced student or even a professional not trained through Arabesque, you will need just one Foundation class to set the ground for all of the Arabesque technique even if you intend to jump straight to Advanced level.
Q: How do I know which teacher is appropriate for me?
A: Each of the highly trained [Arabesque Teachers] has a different teaching style and personality but all teach the world renowned Arabesque technique.Try all the teachers at your level and choose the one you feel most comfortable with. At different times in your training, you may find a different teaching style works better for you. In general, it is good to learn from a few different points of view in order to discover the common denominator.
Q: What is class etiquette?
A: To make class time a pleasant experience for everyone, we ask that you please turn your cell phone off before entering class, do not chew gum or wear heavy perfumes. If arriving late, please keep disruption for others to a minimum by going to the back of the studio. Feel free to ask questions anytime. That is what your teacher is there for.
Q: Where can I watch Bellydance performances in Toronto?
A: [Layali Arabesque] is a downtown Toronto weekly live Arabic music and dance event especially created for Arabesque students to experience Bellydance and Folklore in its natural environment. See [Night Club] for more details. There are other Arabic night club venues as well such as Aladdin and Ambrosia. Keep updated with [Arabesque Dance Company] performances and don't miss this world renowned company at major theatres and some community events. You will also want to make sure you attend all eight of the high-powered, two-hour performances by international Bellydance stars from Egypt and the world over during the five days of the [International Bellydance Conference of Canada] held in Toronto each year in the Spring.
Q: Do students have the chance to perform?
A: Arabesque Academy students perform with their classmates at Student Galas held twice each year. Advanced students perform solos at Student Soirees held twice a year. Students looking to become professional, participate in the Al Haima Workshop Performances and Pro Course Performances with the [Arabesque Musicians].
Q: How do I become a professional soloist and/or teacher and/or join Arabesque Dance Company?
A: After completing all levels at Arabesque Academy successfully, you can look into auditioning for the [Professional Course] and/or [Arabesque Dance Company].
Q: Where can I find Bellydance music and instructional DVDs to practice with?
A: The Arabesque Boutique housed right on the Arabesque Academy premises has a comprehensive collection of everything you need including hip scarves and costumes. Just ask your teacher or the receptionist to recommend the appropriate CDs or DVDs for you.