General Class Questions:
General Class Questions:When can I start?
ANYTIME!! Movements are broken down from the ground up every week. There is no ‘beginning’ or ‘end’ to our class content. Each class can be a stand alone class. Therefore, you can start classes at any point (even mid-session if we have not sold out).
What is a session?
For our classes a session is simply a billing cycle. The class content and curriculum repeat approximately every 22-26 weeks for Level 1 and 48-54 weeks for Level 2.
How long are sessions?
Classes are typically offered in 6 week sessions. Occasionally sessions are shorter when there is a holiday that falls on a class day.
Do you offer make up classes if I miss a class?
No, but, most classes are recorded and available for viewing for a few days after each class. Additionally, our classes are offered hybrid, meaning you can join us online from anywhere via the free zoom app. So there are many options available if you can’t join us live in the studio.
How can I guarantee my space in this class?
To join us in class, simply purchase your desired class. This will register you and reserve your space in that class. We will follow up with a welcome email before your first class, letting you know what to expect and other pre-class details. If you are interested in starting a class in mid session email us and we’ll make sure we still have space. If space is available we can send you a prorated invoice so that you are only paying for the remaining classes in the current session.
Beginning Level 1 Belly Dance Class Questions:
What is covered in this class?
In this class you will learn our fundamentals fast and slow tempo dance steps, foot and arm placement, posture, simple zil patterns and the mechanics and cues of each movement.
Is this a beginning level class?
Yes.
If this is a beginning level class should I expect there to be only beginning level students in this class?
No. Although this class is suitable for the new student, it is also beneficial for the more advanced student to review, refine and “polish” their dance movement technique. We will work to give each student specific instructions and tasks geared toward their personal skill level.
I have been studying other dance forms for some time. Should I still start with this class?
Yes. We use a unique group improvisational format that has it’s own movement language complete with a built in cueing system. This is where you learn the alphabet of that language and all those fundamental cues. You may find that your previous dance experience may help you more quickly pick up our unique stylized movements and cues, however.
What if I have studied other ATS/FCBD®/ITS forms… should I still start with this class?
Most likely, yes. As you are probably aware, each troupe has its own ‘dialect’. Understanding our specific nuances, cues and movements will help you communicate your intentions more clearly with your new fellow dancers- making you a stronger dancer as you progress with our classes and troupe. For this reason we recommend at least taking both the Level 1 & Level 2 classes simultaneously (or our join us in our Mixed Level classes) even if you have previous ATS/FCBD® or ITS training. Your previous experience with these forms will most likely help you quickly pick up our vocabulary, variations and ‘accents’.
Intermediate Level 2 Belly Dance Class Questions:
Is this an intermediate level class?
Yes.
What will be our focus in this class?
Group improvisational dancing using basic formations, lead changes and transitions based on the movements and cues from Level 1 with the addition of intermediate level and layered movements.
If this is an intermediate level class should I expect there to be only intermediate level students in this class?
No. Although this class is suitable for the intermediate student, it is also beneficial for the more advanced student to get extra group improv dance time with fellow dancers. You may see some of these dancers using advanced formations, movements and cues when they are grouped together. You will not be expected to do any of these advanced tasks. We will work to give each student specific instructions and tasks geared toward their personal skill level. .
I have been studying other belly dance forms for some time. Can I start with this class?
No. We use a unique group improvisational format that has it’s own movement language complete with a built in cueing system. Level 1 is where you learn the alphabet of that language and all those fundamental cues. It’s possible your previous dance experience will help you more quickly learn those stylized movements and cues. This may aid you in progressing into this class a bit sooner than someone with little or no belly dance training, however.
What if I have studied other ATS/FCBD® or ITS forms… Can l start with this class?
Maybe. As you are probably aware, each troupe has its own ‘dialect’. Understanding our specific nuances, cues and movements will help you communicate your intentions more clearly with your new fellow dancers- making you a stronger dancer as you progress with our classes and troupe. For this reason we recommend at least taking both the Level 1 & Level 2 classes simultaneously even if you have previous ATS/FCBD® or ITS training. Your previous experience with these forms will most likely help you quickly pick up our vocabulary, variations and ‘accents’.
Mixed Level Belly Dance Class Questions:
Is this a class that a beginning student can join?
Yes. It is appropriate for more adventurous beginners, but, does move at a faster pace and cover more content than our beginning level 1 class. If that sounds like a fun challenge then we’d love to have you!
What will be our focus in this class?
Gaining a well rounded understanding of group improvisational belly dance (aka: American Tribal Style/ATS or FatChanceBellyDance/FCBDstyle®). You will learn our beginning and intermediate movements and steps along with their cues, the basic formations and concepts used in group improv.
Who typically comes to a mixed level class?
This varies from session to session, but, typically there is a mix of dancers from all levels of our classes. You may see some of our more experienced dancers using advanced formations, movements and cues when they are grouped together. You will not be expected to do any of these advanced tasks. We will work to give each student specific dance content geared toward their personal skill level.
I have been studying other belly dance forms for some time. Can I start with this class?
Yes! We may not have you lead others in class until you’ve got a handful of the movement rules and cues under your belt, but, we can definitely get you started dancing right away by following along with the teacher and some of the other dancers.
What if I have studied other ATS/FCBD® or ITS forms… Can l start with this class?
Yes! We will have our own dialect of movements, but, that shouldn’t limit your ability to participate if you are willing to ‘fake it till you make it’ and we get to the movements and concepts that are new for you.
Advanced Level 3 Belly Dance Class Questions:
Is this an advanced level class?
Yes.
When will I be ready for this class?
That’s hard to say when an individual dancer will show the technique and professionalism to advance to Level 3, but, we can say that we do encourage dancers to advance to additional levels when we see they are ready.
I have heard dancers have to audition to get into this class. Is that true?
Yes.
How do the auditions work?
You will be paired up with at least one other dancer and be asked to lead all of the movements and variations from Level 1 & 2 (both our fast and slow vocabulary) using the formations covered in Level 2. The audition will be videotaped. Our director will review the video and email you within a week to let you know about your audition results.
What are you looking for in the audition?
We are looking for a clear understanding of all Level 1 & 2 movements, cues and technique along with ability to move in and out of lead position with clarity and precision using Level 2 formations.
I’ve heard we have to sign a contract upon admission to Level 3. Can you explain more about this?
Yes. As a dancer who will begin performing with our troupe you will be representing our dance company. Our contract lays out the expectations regarding professionalism, attendance and commitment.
Professional Level 4 Belly Dance Class Questions
Is this a professional level class?
Yes.
What is the difference between Level 3 and Level 4?
At this time, not much. All of our Level 4 dancers regularly attend one night of Level 3. Level 3 & Level 4 dancers will perform together for many shows. The main differences are in some components of the curriculum, title and casting for certain shows.
How does one become part of Level 4?
By director appointment only.
We look forward to having you join us in one of our classes! Please feel free to email us if you have any questions not answered here. If you are ready to sign up for a class check out our current available class sessions.
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